Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship 2027 (Fully Funded)

The Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship 2027 gives full funding for PhD research in machine learning or computational neuroscience at University College London. It covers UCL tuition fees for home and international students. It also gives a tax free stipend of £30,900 per year and a travel budget. Unlike broader options such as the Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships 2027, this award targets students with strong math skills who want to work at the intersection of theory and application.

Overview

• Host country, United Kingdom
• Host school, University College London, Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit
• Level of study, PhD
• Value, full tuition, £30,900 annual stipend, travel support
• Nationality, all nationalities
• Funded by, Gatsby Charitable Foundation

Benefits of the Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship 2027

First, the studentship pays full UCL tuition fees whether you are a home or international applicant. Also, you receive an annual tax free stipend of £30,900 at the 2026/27 rate. Plus, each student gets a travel budget for conferences and workshops. Therefore, the award removes the main money barriers to a four year PhD.

• Full tuition fees covered
• £30,900 annual tax free stipend
• Conference and workshop travel support
• Four year programme with upgrade from MPhil to PhD

Who Should Apply

Applicants need a relevant first degree and strong analytical skills. If you prefer a wider range of research topics, consider the Clarendon Fund Scholarships 2027 at Oxford instead.

Eligibility Requirements

Overall, candidates must show a strong mathematical background and interest in neuroscience or machine learning. You need a relevant undergraduate degree in fields such as computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering, or related subjects. English language proficiency at UCL Level 3 is required. Notably, the programme admits up to six students each year.

• Relevant first degree with strong maths
• Interest in machine learning or computational neuroscience
• UCL English Level 3 if English is not your first language
• Open to all nationalities

Specialised Research Focus

This studentship is narrower than general awards. However, compare it with the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship 2027/28 if you want broader subject options.

Before you commit, the Cost calculator adds up tuition, living costs, insurance and flights for your whole study period, and shows how much a scholarship would still leave you to fund.

Required Documents

• Academic transcripts
• Statement of research interest (about two pages)
• Details of at least two academic referees
• List of relevant advanced mathematics courses

How to Apply

First, visit the Gatsby Recruitment Portal and select Gatsby Unit PhD Programme 2027. Next, complete the form with your academic background, transcripts, and research statement. Then, ensure your referees submit letters by 10 November 2026. Meanwhile, you can also review the Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars 2027 for another Cambridge option.

Application Deadline

Applications close at 17:00 GMT on Monday 9 November 2026. The cycle is open now. So, references are due by 23:59 GMT on 10 November 2026.

Apply Now

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Gatsby Unit PhD Studentship 2027 is an excellent fully funded route for students focused on machine learning and neuroscience. However, places are limited and competition is high. Therefore, if the specialised focus does not match your interests, check other options such as the ETH Zurich ESOP Scholarship 2027.

If you are not sure which scholarships you qualify for, the Eligibility checker compares your nationality, study level, grades and English score with each scholarship's published rules.