The NINE DTP 2027-28 studentship competition is now open, offering fully funded postgraduate research opportunities across seven universities in the UK. The competition is run by NINE DTP, a collaborative partnership funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). The programme recruits high-calibre postgraduate researchers to undertake full-time or part-time doctoral study at Durham University, Newcastle University, Northumbria University, Teesside University, the University of Sunderland, Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast. The competition is based on the quality of applicants, proposed research projects and training programmes. In addition to the main competition, NINE DTP operates an Action for Equality initiative providing four full scholarships for nominees from specified under-represented groups. Financial Benefits Successful NINE DTP students receive substantial financial support throughout their doctoral studies. The available benefits include: Tuition fees: Home tuition fees are fully covered, with the 2026-27 rate listed as £5,238. Additional support for international students may be facilitated through university agreements. Tax-free stipend: Students receive a tax-free annual stipend worth £21,805 based on the 2026-27 rate. Research support: Additional funding is available for eligible fieldwork, research activities and placements. Training: Students benefit from combined training opportunities offered across the DTP partnership. Research community: Award holders join a collaborative cohort of postgraduate researchers, academics and external partners. The exact funding arrangements for individual applicants may depend on their university and eligibility status, particularly for international students. Participating Universities NINE DTP studentships are available through the participating institutions: Durham University Newcastle University Northumbria University Teesside University University of Sunderland Ulster University Queen’s University Belfast Applicants should identify the university and appropriate academic department or research pathway where they intend to undertake their doctoral research. Eligibility and Selection The competition is open to candidates seeking to undertake postgraduate research through the participating universities. NINE DTP states that funding decisions are based on clear assessment criteria, with particular emphasis on the quality of the candidate and their proposed research and training programme. Applicants interested in the Action for Equality scheme should consult the specific scheme guidelines because this initiative is designed to support British and Irish applicants from Black, Asian, Roma, Traveller or mixed ethnic backgrounds. International applicants should also check the funding arrangements available through their intended university, as additional support may be provided through institutional agreements. Application Requirements Applicants must complete two important steps to enter the NINE DTP studentship competition. First, they must apply to the university where they intend to study. They must also identify and engage with a proposed primary supervisor. Second, applicants must work with their proposed supervisor to submit the Stage 1 nomination form. Supervisor engagement is particularly important because the supervisor must approve and complete part of the nomination process. Stage 1 Application Process The Stage 1 nomination deadline is 27 October 2026 at 4pm. Applicants should submit their nomination materials well before the deadline. After the applicant submits the Stage 1 nomination, an email is automatically sent to the nominated primary supervisor requesting completion of the supervisor approval form. The system also sends requests to nominated referees and, where applicable, collaborative partners for supporting letters. While referee and collaborator letters do not necessarily need to arrive by 4pm on 27 October, the supervisor approval form must be submitted by the deadline for the nomination to be complete. Candidates whose Stage 1 nominations are successful in their departmental and pathway competitions will progress to Stage 2, where they will be considered in the final studentship panel competition. Why Applicants Should Prepare Early Because the application requires coordination between the applicant, university, primary supervisor, referees and potentially collaborative partners, early preparation is important. Candidates should secure supervisor support, develop a strong research proposal and ensure that university application requirements are addressed before submitting the Stage 1 nomination. Applicants should also review the official NINE DTP policies and procedures and confirm the specific requirements of their chosen university and research pathway. Application Deadline Stage 1 deadline: 27 October 2026 at 4pm Applicants should not wait until the final day because the nomination process requires supervisor approval before it is considered complete. How to Apply Applicants should first apply to their chosen participating university and establish contact with a suitable primary supervisor. They should then work with that supervisor to prepare and submit the NINE DTP Stage 1 nomination. Candidates should ensure that all required information is accurate and that the supervisor completes the approval form before the deadline. VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.