AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Pro

Application Competitiveness: Invite only nomination process.

Application Complexity: Moderate to high. Requires supervisory structure, recruitment plan and partner documentation.

Application Effort: Full proposal submission required. Structured sections including vision, approach and supervision.

Application Platform: UKRI Funding Service

Assessment Areas: Vision. Approach. Project partner letter. Discipline classification.

Assessment Process: Internal checks. Assessment against vision, approach, project partner letter and discipline classification.

Benefit Structure: Studentship funding covering stipend, fees, research training support grant. London allowance where eligible. CDA stipend uplift included.

Decision Risks: Applications not following guidance may be rejected. Submission cannot be amended after deadline.

Decision Timeline: Not specified

Eligibility Criteria: Invite only. HEI must have been offered a CDP studentship under round 4. Organisation must meet standard UKRI eligibility.

Eligible Activities: Nomination and delivery of collaborative doctoral research projects. Joint supervision between HEI and non HEI. Student recruitment, supervision, and development.

Eligible Expenses: Stipend. Tuition fees. Research training support grant. London allowance where applicable. CDA stipend uplift.

Funding Structure: Four year studentship funding. Financial commitment required from collaborating non HEI partner. In kind support mandatory from HEI and non HEI partners.

Important Notes: Only invited HEIs may apply. Studentship must start by 1 October 2026. Formal collaboration agreements required if funded.

Ineligible Expenses: Not specified beyond standard UKRI eligibility rules.

International Eligibility: Not specified for project leads. Applications must comply with UKRI rules.

Key Requirements: Project must fall within AHRC remit. Must include at least one non HEI partner. Must include project partner letter. Must ensure robust student training and support plan.

Match Funding Requirement: Non HEI CDP partner expected to make financial commitment. In kind support mandatory.

Project Duration: Four years

Project Start Date: No later than 1 October 2026

Publication Date: 2026-02-19 00:00:00

Recruitment Requirement: Fair, open and transparent recruitment process required. Must align with UKRI equality and diversity policies.

Renewal Rules: Not specified

Required Application Documents: Completed Funding Service application. At least one project partner letter from CDP award holding organisation. Supervisory details. Recruitment and EDI plan. IP management statement.

Supervisory Requirement: Must identify one supervisor from HEI and one from non HEI. Supervisory roles and meeting frequency must be defined.