Robert Sainsbury PhD Scholarship

The Sainsbury Research Unit is delighted to announce that we are offering the Robert Sainsbury PhD Scholarship for entry in the academic year 2026/27.

The Robert Sainsbury Scholarship is offered every three years and is open to UK and international students. It is a 3-year scholarship that covers university fees, living expenses and an allowance for fieldwork and travel.

Applicants are invited to propose their own research projects that fit the general research remit of the Sainsbury Research Unit (SRU), a centre for the study of the arts and material culture of Africa, the Pacific region and the Americas. The SRU is not able to consider funding support for PhD students on programmes not associated with the department.

All SRU PhD awards are evaluated on the basis of applications, interview and merit; all outcomes are decided by the SRU Admissions Committee.

In addition to the training and support available to all UEA postgraduate researchers, award holders will benefit from regular work-in-progress (WIP) doctoral meetings held by the SRU.

Total value:

The award provides funding for 3 years (or part-time equivalent), covering tuition fees (UK or International) and a maintenance stipend of £19,814 per annum, plus a cost-of-living uplift for 2026. Maintenance stipends are not subject to tax or national insurance, and are updated each year based on the UEA’s agreed cost-of-living uplift. An additional £2,000 bursary is available for fieldwork, library and/or collections research and conference attendance.

To apply for this scholarship, applicants must submit a PhD application to UEA with a research proposal of no more than 1,500 words, a personal statement (500-1,000 words) and a CV by 19 April 2026. Further details on how to apply can be found here. Candidates should clearly state that they wish to be considered for:

• Robert Sainsbury PhD Studentship

For further information please contact the SRU Admissions Office.

General Terms and Conditions