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Global Grand Challenges Studentships 2025 Entry

Global Grand Challenges Studentships (Hunt-Raymond GGC Studentships) - a new initiative to support excellent early career researchers to pursue doctoral research and training in areas aligned to a highlighted Sustainable Development Goal.

Postgraduate Scholarships
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Summary

Global Grand Challenges Studentships

Durham University is delighted to launch The Global Grand Challenges Studentships (Hunt-Raymond GGC Studentships) which are designed to support excellent early career researchers wishing to pursue doctoral research and training in areas aligned to a highlighted Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)

This call is for research and researchers aligned to SDG13: Climate Action for projects that aim to address issues associated with climate change and building a more resilient global future.

Amount

Payment of full yearly tuition fees (home and overseas rate)

Tax-free yearly stipend (UKRI-matched; 2025 value to be confirmed (2024 entry £19,237.00)
Research Training Support Grant

£5,000 - for the duration of the PhD programme
Year of Entry

October 2025

Please note the studentships cannot normally be deferred beyond January 2026 or commence before October 2025
Number of awards available Five
Level of study PhD 
Mode of study Full-time
Programmes All academic programmes - multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary projects and/or supervision are particularly are welcome especially when these straddle Faculties
Duration 3.5 years (full time equivalent)

Eligibility

1st or 2:1 undergraduate degree, or relevant comparable experience:

A strong academic record and research potential;

A research proposal for a high-quality and manageable PhD project that can be completed within the funded period of 3.5 years, with potential impact in the areas of SDG13: Climate Action;

Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary proposals and supervision are encouraged;

International applicants must meet the University's entry requirements (e.g. IELTS requirements) with the potential for an 'unconditional academic offer' by the deadline.

 

You are not eligible to apply if you meet one of the following:

are currently a registered doctoral student;

are in receipt of/or expecting to be in receipt of any other funding, e.g., from a national government, research council or charity;

are expecting to be in full-time work during the term of the studentship, if your studentship application is successful.

How to apply

  1. Apply for a course

    Submit an academic application for your chosen doctoral programme stating that you wish to be considered for the Global Grand Challenge Studentship Scheme.

     

     

     

    Durham University Applicant Portal

  2. Submit a character reference

    Submit a studentship application form to your prospective department/school which includes

     

    • A 1,000-word research proposal outlining the proposed research question, methodology, potential impact, potential ethical considerations;
    • Current CV (max 2 pages);
    • Two references; one may be a Durham reference and the other reference must be provided by a referee who is independent of Durham University;
    • Transcripts of previous qualifications.

     

     

     

    Application deadline

    3 February 2025 by 17:00 GMT

    When candidates will hear the outcome of their application

    April 2025

     

    Applications will be considered on:

    1. Qualifications and references,
    2. Fit with SDG13: Climate Action,
    3. Research proposal
    4. Research environment and training.

  3. Ask us

    For further information or advice please contact your proposed academic department or school.

     

Guidance

 

 

Durham University makes every effort to ensure that the information published or contained on its website is accurate. However, the University cannot guarantee the information may not subsequently be altered owing to circumstances beyond the University's reasonable control. Such circumstances include (but are not limited to) changes in Government policy or change of law. Whilst any changes will be incorporated into the University's website any person wishing to clarify the details of a particular scholarship/s should contact the University at scholarships.advice@durham.ac.uk.

 

Get in touch

If you have any questions about whether you are eligible for a scholarship or the application process, get in touch with our Scholarships and Student Funding Office:

Scholarships and Student Funding Office

Durham University

Palatine Centre

Stockton Road

DH1 3LE, UK