PhD Fellowships

Each year, the Foundation awards up to four Fellowships, to enable holders to study for a PhD in occupational or environmental health at a UK university. Fellowships are normally for three years, but we will consider applications for awards over shorter periods from applicants who have already started a PhD, but do not have full funding from other sources to cover completion of their degree.

The Selection Process

In selecting our Fellows, we take into account the academic track record of the applicant, the quality of the research project that will be undertaken, and the environment in which the PhD training will be undertaken, including the commitment of the supervisors. We are most keen to support individuals with potential to become future research leaders in occupational and environmental health.

We accept applications from international students who wish to undertake a PhD at a UK university. However, we only pay UK/home fees so the student will be required to make up the difference for international fees themselves.

Scope & Level Of Funding

The Fellowship provides three elements of funding:

Stipend

The rate for the stipend in 2026/27 is £26,262 (£29,373 for students in London), and it rises each year according to UK inflation.

Up To £5,000

Up to £5,000 per year towards research expenses. (which must be satisfactorily justified)

Fees

The Foundation provides full fees for UK students. Where applicants from other countries are required to pay higher fees, they are expected to make up the difference from other sources.

The Application Process

Applications should be submitted by prospective students, and not by their supervisors, although it is expected that the supervisor(s) will have had input to ensure that the project can lead to a successful PhD. We do not have an application form, but we ask that applications should include:

An outline of the proposed research, including the scientific questions that it will address, the data that will be collected, and how they will be analysed to answer the study questions. The proposal should be in no more than 3,000 words.
The applicant’s CV.
A detailed letter of support from the proposed supervisor.
Contact details of two referees.

Submissions

Applications should be submitted as one document in word format to the Foundation’s Director, Mrs Tash Heydon by email (tash@coltfoundation.org.uk) no more than two weeks prior to the deadline. Applications must be received by 12pm on the day of the deadline which is posted on our Dates & Events page.

Fellowships are awarded in competition. After initial short-listing, a subset of applicants is invited to interview in London, on the basis of which, the final selection is made. Information about deadlines for submission of applications and dates of interviews can be found in our Diary of events and deadlines.

Need More Answers?

For any queries about Colt Foundation Fellowships, please contact Tash Heydon on: 01798 342 831

Or get in touch by email at: tash@coltfoundation.org.uk