United Kingdom
1 Fulbright/Loughborough University PhD Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodFall StartGrant Length10 Months |
Award Type
Fulbright Graduate Degree Grants
- Yes
Award Profile
The Fulbright Loughborough University Award covers any PhD programme offered by the institution for up to 3 years.
Loughborough University consistently ranks as a top 10 UK university (The Complete University Guide 2026) which, aside from its teaching and research excellence, is driven by the University’s UK-leading student satisfaction ratings (2nd in the UK for student experience The Times and Sunday Times Good University guide 2022, 7th in the UK for student satisfaction, National Student survey 2023).
Loughborough University offers the opportunity to study at two UK campuses in Loughborough and London, each offering something very different. Loughborough is a bustling market town located in the East Midlands, home to a stunning 440-acre single-site campus – one of the largest in the UK. London on the other hand is a global city, famous for its cosmopolitan culture and fast pace of life, with our campus based on the iconic Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Although formed in 1909 as a Technical Institute, Loughborough University’s excellence in sports, both at an academic and participatory level, is internationally renowned. The University is best in the world for sport-related subjects for nine years running (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2017-2025) and is home to several sporting organisations including British Athletics, British Swimming, the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine and Sport England.
Loughborough University are proud to welcome many former NCAA and NAIA student athletes to study at postgraduate level. Eligibility does not exist in the UK, so student athletes can continue competing throughout their studies. Our athletes have joined us from a broad range of sports and institutions, including USC, Stanford, UCLA, Clemson and Cornell.
World-leading research takes place across all 9 academic schools at Loughborough University across a broad range of subjects. The Built Environment, Communication and Culture, Sport and Exercise, High Value Manufacturing, and Transport Technologies form our most enduring and established research areas, through which we achieve impact and influence.
Internationally recognised research | Research and Innovation | Loughborough University
Grant Length
Grant Period
The Fulbright-Loughborough University Award covers up to three years of fee-liable PhD studies, however, the Fulbright grant period and associated grant benefits will only last for the first academic year.
Orientation
Pre-Departure webinars and in-Country Orientation
Candidate Profile
The Commission is seeking applicants who demonstrate:
- Rigor in scholarly enquiry and academic or professional excellence
- Strong reasons for wishing to pursue the proposed project in the UK and at a particular institution
- A desire to gain a better understanding of the peoples and cultures of their host country
- Commitment to the community through volunteer and extra-curricular activities
- Flexibility and dynamism necessary for active involvement in the host country
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Applicants are expected to research their host country. Application materials should indicate a clear commitment to the host country community and a description of how you will engage with it.
The Fulbright Program in the United Kingdom has formed strong bonds between the UK and the US since 1948. From the energy of large metropolitan cities to the charm of quaint towns, daily life as a Fulbright Postgraduate to the United Kingdom offers a wide array of experiences. Our awards unfold across the UK's diverse landscapes throughout England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
Navigating the country is made easy with efficient public transportation networks, allowing scholars to explore cities, countryside, and coastlines. Throughout the year, grantees engage in cultural events and festivals, immersing themselves in the arts, music, and local traditions. To name a few opportunities, previous Fulbrighters have participated in Highland games, organised writing workshops in picturesque locations, and visited National Trust properties across the UK.
With over 160 universities, the UK is home to innovative and globally significant research and teaching projects spanning all disciplines and sectors. Fulbright awards are offered across all 4 nations and the British Virgin Islands, with a range of all disciplines awards and subject-specific awards.
Candidates interested in applying for an award in the United Kingdom are advised to visit the US-UK Fulbright Commission's website for more information on the awards offered by the Commission and to hear from our alumni community.
Explore firsthand accounts from US Postgraduates like Michael Yang, whose Fulbright year led to innovation in food science, Asael Rodriguez, who engaged with his host community of Canterbury through volunteering opportunities, and Katelyn Barnes and Paul Kyumin Lee, who deepened their work in peacebuilding and conflict resolution while researching in Belfast.
Hear about Fulbright experiences from Cesar Cortorreal, 2022-23 Postgraduate Awardee here:
Applicants may also wish to consult Universities UK, Universities Scotland, Universities Wales, and UK Research and Innovation for more information about higher education in the UK.
Applicants may contact the US-UK Fulbright Commission with any queries by emailing fulbrightprogrammes@fulbright.org.uk
Eligibility
6 Months
The following applicants are ineligible for consideration:
- Applicants who have extensive previous experience in the UK
- Applicants whose proposals are to complete any part of a medical degree, including internships or residencies, applicants who have spent six or more months in the host country in the year prior to the grant, or applicants who hold a Ph.D. at the time the grant is to begin
- Applicants who have spent six or more months in the host country in the year prior to the grant are ineligible for consideration unless the applicant is in the UK for an undergraduate study abroad program.
- Applicants are ineligible for the 2027-2028 awards if they are residing or studying in the UK during the 2026-2027 academic year unless the applicant is in the UK for an undergraduate study abroad program.
- Part time and distance learning masters/ research degree courses are ineligible for the Fulbright US Postgraduate awards to the United Kingdom
- Applicants are also recommended to carefully read the eligibility criteria for the United Kingdom on the IIE website before selecting their chosen award.
Degree Level of Applicant
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
In your Fulbright online application, for Award Name, please select Loughborough University from the drop-down menu.
Applicants will complete two applications, the Fulbright application and the university’s application (according to the university’s admissions procedures). Applicants must submit their university applications as early as possible, ideally before January 13, 2027. Applicants who fail to do so may be at a competitive disadvantage. The Fulbright Program does not cover the application fee for the university.
Loughborough applications must be submitted via the online portal and include ‘Fulbright’ in the studentship reference section of the application form.
Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) Form
If required, submission of the Foreign Language Evaluation (FLE) form is mandatory, even if you have advanced skills or are a native speaker of the language. Failure to submit the required FLE form may impact your eligibility.
Fulbright Proposal Types
No
Yes
Affiliation
Applicants for Ph.D. programs should include a letter of affiliation/support from their proposed supervisor.
Applicants are responsible for arranging their own letter of affiliation/support and must apply for admission according to the relevant university’s admissions procedures. Applicants are not expected to have a letter of acceptance/admission to the university at time of application, but awards are made conditional upon acceptance by the chosen institution before arrival.
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Tuition covered in grant benefits.
The Fulbright-Loughborough University Award covers up to three years of fee-liable PhD studies, however, the Fulbright grant period and associated grant benefits will only last for the first academic year.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
The UK Research and Innovation’s minimum amounts for studentship stipends are used as a guide for the monthly stipend amounts. The figures are based on the monthly amount over a 10-month grant period.
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
For an idea of what to expect with regards to living costs within the UK, please refer to the British Council’s guidance on the cost of study for international students: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/cost-studying
Dependents
Grant Amount
- Full tuition waiver
- Three years living stipend:
- 2027-2028: £20,780 (minimum)
- 2028-2029: £20,780 (minimum)
- 2029-2030: £20,780 (minimum)
- $1500 travel stipend
- A small travel allowance and accommodation to attend required Fulbright Commission enrichment events
The living stipend is intended as a contribution towards general maintenance costs towards life in the UK.