Triangle

Nottingham–Adelaide Joint PhD Studentship 2025–26

The University of Nottingham (UoN) and The University of Adelaide offer a Joint PhD Programme that enables postgraduate research students to undertake study and research jointly supervised by both institutions, leading to a single joint PhD award. Three studentships are available across the following research themes: Global Food Systems, Intelligent Health, and Sustainable Futures.

Funding & Eligibility

Available starting in the academic year 2025-2026

  • Expected start date 1 April 2026
  • Duration: 3 years 6 months/42 months full-time (part-time equivalent when based in Nottingham may be possible, eligibility to be confirmed by the applicant)
  • Stipend: £20,780 per annum (UKRI standard rate 2025–26 + annual increase at UKRI rate)
  • Fees: Home UK fee rate covered; international students pay the difference between Home and Overseas fees
  • Research Training Grant: £1,000/year for 3.5 years
  • Travel Support: £500/year for 2.5 years + £2,000 for Adelaide year
  • Minimum 12 months study at Adelaide (typically Year 2, to be decided with supervisory team)
  • Standard structure
    • Year 1: Nottingham
    • Year 2: Adelaide (minimum 12 months)
    • Year 3-4: Nottingham
  • Applicants must meet admission requirements of both universities
  • Open to new and current PhD students who are not already fully funded* (must register on the joint PhD within 12 months FT/24 months PT of PhD start date)
  • One studentship is available in each of the three themes
  • Project can be supervisor-led (project description drafted by the supervisor) or student-led (project description drafted by the applicant in discussion with the proposed supervisor)

*Subject to final contract

How to apply

1. Identify the most relevant research theme within one of the three themes.

Global Food Systems
Intelligent Health
Sustainable Futures

2. Contact potential Nottingham supervisors to discuss project fit.
3. Contact Partners Relations at the University of Nottingham
4. Apply for a PhD place at Nottingham and Adelaide via the admissions portal.
5. Complete the studentship application form (included below) by 5pm GMT 21 November 2025.
6. Ensure that your proposed supervisor submits the Supervisor Support form to DTP Funding by 5pm GMT 21 November 2025.
Subject line: 'Adelaide Joint PhD Studentship Application – [Theme] – [Surname]’

Supervisor support form is available to download in the Supervisors Guide

To help you prepare your application for a studentship, read the PhD Studentships Application PhD, which explains the questions you’ll be asked.

 

 

Required Documents
  • Completed studentship application form
  • Supervisor support form (submitted by UoN Principal Supervisor)
 
Scoring Criteria

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria:

  • Rationale and motivation for PhD study
  • Research training environment
  • Quality and feasibility of the project
  • Fit with theme and institutional priorities
  • Awareness of any ethical/safeguarding considerations
  • Justification for pursuing a joint PhD
  • Supervisor statement of support
 
Key Responsibilities of studentship holders
  • Eligible for an obtain Australian student visa
  • Purchase Overseas Health Cover Insurance for Adelaide period
  • Complete 120 hours Career and Research Skills Training (Adelaide requirement) during the programme
  • Maintain progress according to bot universities' regulations
 
Interview Process & Questions

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30 minute online interview via Microsoft Teams.
You will receive your interview questions 48 hours in advance.

Sample background questions include:
1. Summarise your proposed research and why it a joint PhD with Adelaide is the best fit for it.
2. How will you make use of resources at both institutions?
3. What challenges do you foresee in studying across two countries?
4. How do you plan to manage the practical aspects of studying across two countries?
5. Describe your most significant research experience.
6. What research methods and skills do you need to develop during your PhD?
7. How does this PhD fit with your career aspirations?
8. What do you hope to contribute to the research community in your field?
9. What questions do you have about the programme structure or requirements?
10. Candidate questions

 

Supervisor guide