PhD Funding & Scholarships

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COURTAULD SCHOLARSHIPS

The Courtauld is pleased to offer a number of research scholarships which have been funded through the generosity of an international group of committed donors and supporters.

Courtauld Scholarships are open to any student applying to commence full-time studies leading to an award of a Ph.D.  who fulfils the following qualifying criteria, in addition to any further criteria specified in any named scholarship:

  • Candidates for Courtauld Ph.D. Scholarships will hold an undergraduate degree.
  • Candidates will normally have a good Master’s Degree (or be in the process of completing a Master’s Degree where their References indicate that this is likely to result in a good Degree) in a relevant field. Those with Master’s awarded in the UK are generally expected to have received at least 65% overall, with at least 70% in the dissertation or thesis. In some circumstances, The Courtauld will also welcome applications from candidates with sustained professional experience beyond Undergraduate Degree level that is specifically relevant to their proposed research topic in lieu of a formal Master’s Degree.
  • Scholarships will be awarded to outstanding postgraduate students on the basis of academic excellence. The Scholarship Awards Committee will score applications according to the Academic Excellence Criteria below.
  • Where two or more applications for any Scholarship are tied following the academic excellence sift, regard may be had to the Widening Participation Criteria listed below in furtherance of The Courtauld’s strategic aim of developing a diverse student body that is representative of the city in which we are located, and of the society in which we operate.

Courtauld Scholarships are grouped under the titles of ‘Courtauld Research Scholarships’ – which are typically open to all candidates who fulfil the qualifying criteria above – and ‘Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships’  – which are typically named awards with additional qualifying criteria such as nationality, financial need, or subject area of research. Please read the Criteria and Application Instructions for each scholarship carefully.

Candidates for any one or more of the below scholarships should fill in a single Courtauld Ph.D. Scholarships application form (below), ticking the boxes beside all those scholarships for which they wish to be considered, and for which they fulfil all the qualifying and any additional criteria. Candidates are advised to apply for all scholarships for which they fulfil the qualifying and additional criteria.

Please check this page regularly during the Application Process as new Scholarships can in some cases become available during the course of the Academic Year.

APPLICATION PROCESS

 

1. Pre-Application

You must apply for a place on The Courtauld’s Ph.D. programme by submitting a Pre-Application before 17 November 2025. You are advised to apply for a place as soon as possible, in order to develop the best application you can. Please read The Courtauld’s guidance on applying, which is available here. You should consult with your proposed supervisor(s) before applying for funding and request a Proposed Supervisor’s statement for your Funding Application(s).

 

2. Develop your proposal

You should work with your proposed supervisor(s) to develop your application. They will need to provide a supervisor statement in support of your application, and can advise on the drafting of the project proposal. You will also need to identify two referees for your Full Application who will be in a position to comment on the academic merit of your proposal and your suitability for any scholarship you have applied for.

 

3. Submit your funding application

All Courtauld Scholarships should be submitted using a single Courtauld Scholarships Form (below). Candidates should tick those Scholarships for which they wish to be considered and for which they fulfil all the qualifying criteria. Candidates are advised to apply for all Courtauld Scholarships for which they are eligible.

You must submit your funding application along with your Full Application by 8 January 2026.

PLEASE NOTE that the References you submit with your Ph.D. Full Application will be used as part of the scoring process for Scholarship awards. Please ensure that your Supervisor and other Referees are aware of your intention to apply for a Scholarship and that they are in a position to comment on your suitability for that scholarship application.

 

4. Meeting of the Selection Panel

The Scholarship Selection Panel will score all funding applications according to the Selection Criteria below. Selection panel scores will be moderated and combined into a single ranked list. Awards will be made to the highest ranked applications.

 

5. Notification and acceptance of awards

The Courtauld will inform shortlisted candidates on the first sift of the outcome of their application by 6 March 2026. The outcome may be either the offer of an award, the offer of a place on a waiting list, or notification of an unsuccessful application. Acceptance of an award constitutes an agreement between you and The Courtauld as set out in your offer letter.

Criteria for the Award of Courtauld Scholarships

Academic Excellence

The Scholarships Award Committee will score Applications according to the following Criteria centred on Academic Excellence:

Research Proposal 50 % (Evidence: Research Proposal and Supervisor Statement)

  • The proposal is clearly-written and demonstrates engagement with an academic field at a high level of sophistication.
  • The project demonstrates original thinking in its field (or fields)
  • The project is clearly situated within its field (or fields)
  • The methodology proposed clearly demonstrates the viability of the planned research.
  • The planned research is described in a way that inspires confidence that it will definitely be completed within the funded period.
  • The application demonstrates excellent motivation for the research project.
  • The proposed research may be timely or urgent in nature, but not all excellent projects will be time-critical or topical.
  • The project is consistent with all the stipulations of the award with regard to area of research (where relevant)

Preparedness for Research 25% (Evidence: Academic Record, Professional Achievements, Widening Participation Statement, References)

  • The applicant demonstrates understanding of appropriate research skills required for successful completion of the project.
  • The applicant has appropriate training at Master’s level or equivalent (including experience gained outside of higher education) to undertake the project.
  • The applicant’s references fully support the applicant’s preparedness for doctoral study.
  • The applicant demonstrates outstanding competency in organisational skills and initiative through their previous activities, and a capacity to overcome obstacles.
  • Regard may be had to the applicant’s Widening Participation Statement in order to appraise the candidate’s preparedness and their motivation to undertake doctoral study. The Courtauld is committed to addressing inequalities in participation at Ph.D. level and encourages applications from all groups under-represented in Higher Education.
  • The applicant demonstrates that their personal characteristics are consistent with all the stipulations of the award (where relevant)

Suitability of Research Environment at The Courtauld 25% (Evidence: Research Proposal and Supervisor Statement)

  • The research environment as constituted by the proposed supervision, institutional support (including available archives, sources, research centres), and any external organisations is appropriate to the project.
  • The applicant has given clear thought to the fit between their project and the research environment at The Courtauld.
  • The supervisor statement fully supports the project’s fit with the research environment at The Courtauld.

Where two or more scholarship applications are tied after the academic sift, the Selection Panel may have regard to the scored Widening Participation Criteria

Widening Participation

Where two or more applications are tied following the Academic Excellence sift, regard may be had to the following Widening Participation Criteria in accordance with the strategic aims of The Courtauld. The criteria are scored at differing levels.

  • Students from ethnic groups currently underrepresented at The Courtauld, including Black and Asian students, students from mixed and multiple ethnic backgrounds, and students from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities;
  • Students who have a disability, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty;
  • Students whose parents have not attended university;
  • Students who attended non-fee-paying schools;
  • Students who were, during their secondary education, in receipt of free school meals;
  • Students who were, during their undergraduate programme, in receipt of an undergraduate bursary designated as being for students from lower income families, including The Courtauld Bursary and/or James Hughes-Hallett Scholarship;
  • Students who were, during their undergraduate programme, in receipt of a student loan calculated at the maximum amount;
  • Students in receipt of Disability Support Allowance;
  • Students who have spent time living in care and/or who are/were a looked-after child and/or who were irreconcilably estranged from their primary carers during their minority;
  • Students who themselves are the principal carer for a third party;
  • Students who are nationals of and who are currently ordinarily resident in a state designated within the least developed, low income or lower middle-income categories in the most recent list of ODA recipient states: https://www.oecd.org/en/topics/sub-issues/oda-eligibility-and-conditions/dac-list-of-oda-recipients.html;
  • Students who had experienced forced displacement and/or who hold refugee status and/or are qualified persons with Humanitarian Protection Status.
  • Students who have in the past or who are currently experiencing homelessness.

COURTAULD RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS

Closing date for Courtauld Research Scholarship applications: 8 January 2026, 17:00 GMT.

The first round of offers for Courtauld Research Scholarships will be made before 6 March 2026.

Courtauld Research Scholarships are open to any student fulfilling the qualifying criteria above. There are no further requisite criteria for this award in terms of personal characteristics (such as nationality) or field of study. These scholarships are awarded to a limited number of outstanding postgraduate students on the basis of academic excellence.

The scholarship will cover requisite University Fees for three years plus Fees for a writing up year, in addition to an annual maintenance stipend in the sum of £22,780 per annum for the first three years towards living costs (i.e. for term-time accommodation, food, household bills and course books).

Applications will be scored on the Academic Excellence Criteria listed above.

Where two or more applications for a Courtauld Research Scholarship are tied following the academic excellence sift, regard may be had to the Widening Participation Criteria listed above in furtherance of The Courtauld’s strategic aim of developing a diverse student body that is representative of the city in which we are located, and of the society in which we operate

Applications for Courtauld Research Scholarships must be submitted using the Application Form for Courtauld Scholarships (above) by THURSDAY 8 JANUARY 2026 AT 17:00 GMT

THE COURTAULD POSTGRADUATE STUDIES SCHOLARSHIPS

Closing date for PhD Postgraduate Studies Scholarship applications: 8 January 2026, 17:00 GMT.

The first round of offers for Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships for PhD students will be made before 6 March 2026.

The Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships are awarded to students who fulfil certain criteria with regard to personal characteristics or area of study in addition to the general qualifying criteria above. These awards vary in amount, duration and criteria from year to year. Some of these scholarships are open to both M.A. and Ph.D. students.

Where the number of applications for these scholarships exceeds the number of scholarships available, awards will be made on the basis of academic excellence; and where two or more applications are tied on academic excellence, regard will be had to Widening Participation criteria in line with the Courtauld’s strategic aims.

Applications for Ph.D. students commencing postgraduate study within the Academic Year 2026-27 are currently being accepted for the following Scholarships:

  • American Foundation for The Courtauld Scholarship for Postgraduate Students (Any M.A. or Ph.D.)

A number of scholarships – generously funded by the American Foundation for The Courtauld Institute of Art (AFCIA) – are available to postgraduate students who are US citizens or permanent US residents and who are from a background which is underrepresented within higher education. These scholarships typically comprise a payment of £10,000 per year.

  • Nicholas and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund for Medieval Art (M.A. History of Art or Ph.D)

This scholarship – generously funded by the Nicholas and Jane Ferguson Scholarship Fund Endowment – supports one student per year who is a Ph.D student or enrolled on the M.A. History of Art Programme and who is studying a Special Option centered on the study of Medieval Art. The value of this award averages £6,000 per year.

  • Peter Fergusson Scholarship for Medieval Architecture Culture in England (Ph.D. only)

This scholarship has been made available thanks to a generous bequest by Professor Peter Fergusson (1934-2022). It will be awarded to a Ph.D. student undertaking work in the field of Medieval Architecture Culture in England. This is understood broadly to encompass the built environment from infrastructure, urban design, planned landscapes and domestic buildings to churches, castles and cathedrals; but may also include architectural representation in other forms or micro-architecture. Eligible projects should focus on England In the period between the eleventh and early sixteenth centuries.

The scholarship is comprised of full home or overseas tuition fees for three years plus fees for a writing up year in addition to an annual stipend of £22,780 to support the costs of living in London for the three years and an annual expenses allowance of £1,000 to support travel for research purposes. There is also an additional possibility of financial support for the scholar to organise a conference relevant to the field in their final year of study.

  • Harley Research Scholarship for Conservation of Easel Paintings (Ph.D. only)

A single scholarship – generously funded by Dr. Rosamond Harley at The Courtauld – is available to a PhD student researching the Conservation of Easel paintings. The value of this award averages at £5,000 per year.   

  • University of London Studentship for Postgraduate Students from London (Any M.A. or Ph.D)

A number of University of London Studentships are available to any postgraduate student (M.A. or Ph.D.) whose principal address is situated within Greater London and who is from an underrepresented group in higher education. The value and number of these awards varies depending on financial need.

Applications for any one or more of the Ph.D. Courtauld Postgraduate Studies Scholarships must be submitted using a single Application Form for Courtauld Scholarships (below), ticking the boxes beside all scholarships for which the candidate wishes to be considered and for which the student has fulfilled all the qualifying and further criteria, by THURSDAY 8 JANUARY 2026 AT 17:00 GMT. Candidates are advised to apply for all scholarships for which they fulfil the qualifying and additional criteria.

The Courtauld Scholarships Application Form will appear here from Mid September 2025

THE MANTON SCHOLARSHIP FOR DOCTORAL RESEARCH ON BRITISH AND IRISH ART AND ARCHITECTURE

The First Manton PhD Scholarship was awarded in 2025.

The Next Award of a Manton Ph.D. Scholarship will be for Research Projects commencing in the Academic Year 2028-9

The Manton Scholarship for Doctoral Research on British and Irish Art and Architecture aims to support an academically outstanding postgraduate ‘UK Fees’ student reading for a Ph.D. centred on the study of British and Irish art and/or architecture.

The scholarship will cover requisite University Fees for three years plus Fees for a writing up year, in addition to an annual maintenance stipend in the sum of £20,100 per annum for the first three years towards living costs (i.e. for term-time accommodation, food, household bills and course books).

This scholarship is offered through the generosity of the Manton Centre for the Study of British art, which is based within The Courtauld. The Centre, named after British art collectors and philanthropists, Sir Edwin and Florence, Lady Manton, will help secure The Courtauld’s ambition of becoming a world leader in the field of British art, and marks the continued and generous commitment of the Manton family to arts education.

The Manton Research Scholarship is open to any student holding an Offer to commence full-time studies leading to an award of a Ph.D. in the field of British or Irish art and/or architecture who fulfils the following qualifying criteria:

  • Candidates for the Manton Scholarship will hold an undergraduate degree, and will normally have a Master’s degree, or be in the process of completing a Master’s degree. In some circumstances The Courtauld will also welcome applications from candidates with sustained experience beyond their undergraduate degree level that is specifically relevant to their proposed research topic.
  • At present, the Scholarship is only open to Home Students paying UK Fees.
  • The Scholarship will be awarded to an outstanding postgraduate student on the basis of academic excellence. The Scholarship Awards Committee will score applications according to the criteria listed below.
  • Where two or more applications for the Manton Scholarship are tied following the academic excellence sift, regard may be had to the Widening Participation Criteria listed below in furtherance of The Courtauld’s strategic aim of developing a diverse student body that is representative of the city in which we are located, and of the society in which we operate.

EXTERNAL SCHOLARSHIPS

KLESCH COLLECTION SCHOLARSHIPS

The Klesch Collection offers scholarships towards the yearly cost of university fees to PhD students worldwide. PhD students are welcome to apply for a scholarship at any time after they have received an offer to commence full-time PhD study, and in any year in their programme, once they have commenced the course.

Applications will be considered from students who will focus/are focusing their studies on European and British painting of the Renaissance and Baroque periods (c. 1400–1700).

The Klesch Collection scholarship includes:

  • Payment towards the yearly cost of the university fees.
  • A paid internship at the collection for a minimum of 1 month.

The deadline to apply is 20th of June 2025.

Further details and application forms can be found here.

LONDON GOODENOUGH ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

The LGAC offers scholarships payable to wards accommodation and living expenses to any student who is a national of Canada. Further details can be found here.

BRITISH COUNCIL

The British Council offers a number of scholarships for non-UK postgraduate students. Further details can be found here.

FULBRIGHT U.S. STUDENT PROGRAM

The Fulbright Program offers a range of grants and scholarships for postgraduate students who are nationals of the United States of America. Further details can be found here.

LEVERHULME TRUST

The Leverhulme Trust is an independent charity that seeks to fund blue skies research and scholarship which has the potential to generate new ideas and research breakthroughs that benefit society. The Trust also aims to support a diverse range of scholars in their educational endeavours. It focuses its efforts mainly in the UK, which has a world-class higher education research sector. The Trust has been funding research for almost 100 years. The Trust offers a number of Postgraduate awards. Further information can be found here.

Turn 2 Us Grants Search database contains information on over 3,000 charitable funds offering welfare and educational grants, as well as other support and services.

The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online is a portal for alternative sources of funding – especially charities – which can make awards (fees, maintenance, research costs) to any student regardless of subject or nationality.  Some governments provide loans or inancial support to students at PhD level, so it is worth checking with your home government whether there is any support available.

UK GOVERNMENT DOCTORAL LOAN

Students who are:

  • UK nationals or Irish Citizens, or who have settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, or who have indefinite leave to remain in the UK;
  • Normally live in England; and
  • Who have been living in the UK, Channel Islands of the Isle of Man for 3 years in a row before the first day of the first academic year of the course may be eligible for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan. (For full nationality and residency criteria see: https://www.gov.uk/doctoral-loan/apply)

This loan acts as a contribution towards the cost of study and is available to both part-time and full-time Ph.D. students.

Students commencing study in the Academic Year 2024-5 were able borrow up to £29,390 across the duration of the entire course.

Eligibility

Information on the loan including full eligibility details can be found on the Student Finance Doctoral Loan website.

How your Postgraduate Doctoral Loan might affect your benefits

If you receive means-tested benefits, 30% of the maximum Postgraduate Doctoral Loan that is available in a single academic year is treated by the Department for Work and Pensions as being for living costs and hence will be considered income when assessing any benefit award. For benefit purposes, you will be treated as having this amount, regardless of whether you actually take up the loan.

Interest and Repayment

You’ll be charged interest from the day you get the first payment until your loan is repaid in full or cancelled.

Find out more about interest and repayment of Student Finance loans on the Student Finance repayment website.

COURTAULD SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORTERS

The Courtauld wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the following supporters, who have made the achievement of our founder’s vision of “Art for All” a possibility. If you would like to discuss how you could help The Courtauld in its mission to become the world’s most ambitious, dynamic, and innovative centre for the visual arts please contact our Advancement department.

  • The American Foundation for The Courtauld Institute of Art
  • The Anna Plowden Trust
  • The Arbuthnott Bequest
  • Hugh and Jane Bedford
  • John Treacy Beyer and J.L.T. Beyer
  • The Estate of Eve Borsook
  • Sir Geoffrey Agnew Memorial Fund
  • Catherine Lewis Foundation
  • Chipeta Trading Company
  • Close Brothers Asset Management
  • The John S Cohen Foundation
  • The Juliette and John Edwards Fund
  • Guiseppe Eskenazi Scholarship
  • Rosalind Falvey
  • Nicholas and Jane Ferguson
  • Professor Peter J. Fergusson
  • The Friends of the Courtauld Institute
  • The J Paul Getty Trust Fund for Education in the Conservation of Wall Paintings
  • Simon Gillespie Studio
  • The Gerry Hedley Memorial Fund
  • The Guilford Foundation
  • Heller Family
  • Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Global
  • James Hughes-Hallett Memorial Fund
  • Evelyn and Stanislawa Kryszek
  • Estate of Marianne Kewan
  • The Kilfinan Trust
  • Michael Kitson Scholarship Fund
  • Samuel H. Kress Foundation
  • Joseph and Esther Lichtenstein
  • Dr. Lee MacCormick Edwards Charitable Foundation
  • The Manton Foundation
  • Dr. David Reed
  • Charles and Barbara Robertson
  • Graham Robertson Fund
  • Rothschild Scholarship Fund
  • The David Skipsey Memorial Fund
  • The South Square Trust
  • Andrew Sutton
  • The Edmond J. Safra Scholarship
  • Edward Said Scholarship
  • The Sophie Trevelyan Thomas Fund
  • The University of London Scholars Programme
  • Garfield Weston Foundation
  • Woodmansterne Publications

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