University of Leeds PhD Scholarship 2027 (£21,805 Stipend)

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The University of Leeds School of Computer Science Studentship 2026/27 is a fully funded PhD opportunity on the project “Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale.” It covers full academic fees and a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years, open to both UK and international applicants. The application deadline is 30 September 2026, with study starting 1 February 2027.

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INTRODUCTION

For students aiming at a fully funded PhD in the UK, the University of Leeds regularly offers project-specific studentships that cover both tuition and living costs at the standard UKRI rate. One of the strongest opportunities currently open is the School of Computer Science Studentship, tied to a single, clearly defined research project: “Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale.”

This is a project-based studentship rather than an open scholarship you can apply to with any research idea — it’s attached to one funded PhD place, supervised by Dr Massimiliano Fasi within the School of Computer Science, part of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. The project is connected to an EPSRC research grant and focuses on designing mixed-precision algorithms for large-scale numerical linear algebra problems on exascale supercomputers, with real collaboration opportunities alongside the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Because there’s only one funded place, competition is real, but the reward matches it: full academic fees at either home or international rates, plus a tax-free £21,805 annual stipend for 3.5 years — one of the more generous fully funded PhD packages currently available in the UK for computational mathematics and scientific computing.

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QUICK OVERVIEW TABLE

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About the University of Leeds PhD Scholarship

This studentship sits within the University of Leeds’ School of Computer Science, one of the UK’s leading centres for computational research, and is funded in connection with an EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) grant. It supports exactly one PhD student to work on a specific, well-defined research problem: developing mixed-precision numerical methods that let modern supercomputers — which increasingly rely on hardware accelerators optimised for low-precision operations — solve large-scale linear algebra problems without losing the accuracy scientific computing depends on.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Massimiliano Fasi and will have access to state-of-the-art supercomputing resources, with real opportunities to collaborate with researchers at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (a UK National Lab in Oxfordshire) and Environment and Climate Change Canada. Algorithms developed during the PhD are intended to feed into two established scientific software libraries: SLEPc (hosted at the Universitat Politècnica de València) and SLATE (hosted at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville) — meaning the work has a genuine path to real-world scientific impact, not just a thesis on a shelf.

Because this is a single-place, project-specific studentship, selection is highly competitive and centres on how well an applicant’s background and interests map onto this particular research area — not a broad, subject-agnostic scholarship competition.

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SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS

✔ 100% tuition fee coverage, at either the home or international rate

✔ A tax-free maintenance stipend of £21,805 per year, at the standard UKRI rate

✔ Funding guaranteed for the full 3.5-year duration of the PhD

✔ Access to state-of-the-art supercomputing facilities

✔ Collaboration opportunities with the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Environment and Climate Change Canada

✔ Opportunities to present research at national and international conferences

✔ A direct path for your work to contribute to established open-source scientific computing libraries (SLEPc and SLATE)

Note: the studentship does not cover international relocation costs, the UK Student visa fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, flights, or additional travel/research/conference costs beyond what’s arranged through the project.

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AVAILABLE PROGRAMS

This studentship supports one specific PhD project:

• PhD in Computer Science (Full-Time) — research project: “Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale,” within the School of Computer Science’s Applied Mathematics / Scientific Computing research areas

It is not a general, subject-open scholarship — applicants must be applying specifically for this project and supervisor.

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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Open to both UK (Home) and international fee-rated applicants — all nationalities are eligible
• Hold, or expect to achieve, a First Class or Upper Second Class (2:1) Bachelor’s Honours degree (or an equivalent international qualification) in computer science, mathematics, engineering, or a related discipline
• A Master’s degree is not stated as mandatory for this specific project, though relevant academic or research experience strengthens an application
• Knowledge of numerical linear algebra is described as desirable, not essential
• Must meet the University of Leeds’ minimum English language requirement: IELTS Academic overall score of 6.0, with no individual band below 5.5 (or an accepted equivalent)
• Candidates who currently hold a PhD, or are currently registered on an active PhD programme, are not eligible
• Applicants who previously started but did not complete a PhD may still be considered
• Must be able to formally commence the PhD on 1 February 2027
• Must be willing and able to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the University of Leeds for the duration of the award

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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Official academic transcripts covering all post-secondary study to date
• Evidence of your Bachelor’s degree classification (or equivalent international grading)
• A personal statement explaining your specific interest in the mixed-precision linear algebra project, why you chose it, and how your background fits the project’s requirements
• Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, no band below 5.5, or equivalent)
• CV/resume
• Any relevant academic or research experience documentation, particularly in numerical analysis, linear algebra, or high-performance computing

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APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1: Contact the supervisor (recommended). Reach out to Dr Massimiliano Fasi for an informal discussion about the project before applying, to confirm your background and interests are a good fit.

Step 2: Apply through the University of Leeds postgraduate research application system. Select “Research Degrees, Research Postgraduate” as your application type. (University of Leeds PhD Scholarship)

Step 3: Choose the correct admission year and course. Select the 2026/27 Academic Year, and choose “PhD Computer Science Full Time” as your Planned Course of Study.

Step 4: Set your proposed start date. Enter 1 February 2027 as your Proposed Start Date of Research.

Step 5: Name the specific project and supervisor. In the research information section, clearly state the research degree you’re applying for as “Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale,” with Dr Massimiliano Fasi as your proposed supervisor.

Step 6: Complete the Finance section correctly. State that you are applying for the “School of Computer Science Studentship 2025/26: Mixed Precision” (as labelled in the funding system) so your application is correctly linked to this studentship.

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IMPORTANT DATES

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IMPORTANT LINKS

• Official project page: PhD Studentship – Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale, University of Leeds
• University of Leeds PhD project opportunities listing: phd.leeds.ac.uk
• School of Computer Science, University of Leeds: leeds.ac.uk – School of Computer Science
• jobs.ac.uk listing for this studentship: jobs.ac.uk

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SELECTION PROCESS

1. Application submission — through the University of Leeds postgraduate research application system, correctly linked to the specific project and supervisor.
2. Academic screening — checking your degree classification, relevant background, and English proficiency against the project’s requirements.
3. Supervisor and departmental review — Dr Massimiliano Fasi and the School of Computer Science assess fit between your background and the mixed-precision linear algebra project.
4. Academic and funding decision — since academic admission and studentship funding are assessed separately, an applicant may receive an academic offer without necessarily receiving the funded place.
5. Notification — successful applicants receive both offers by 10 November 2026; unsuccessful applicants are notified by 20 November 2026 at the latest.

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How to increase your chances for University of Leeds PhD Scholarship

• Reach out to Dr Massimiliano Fasi before applying — an informal conversation helps you (and the department) confirm genuine fit
• Make your personal statement specific to this project, not a generic PhD application — reference the mixed-precision, exascale computing focus directly
• Highlight any experience in numerical analysis, linear algebra, high-performance computing, or scientific software development
• Apply well before the deadline, since only one place is available and the process is highly competitive
• Make sure your Finance section application entry correctly names the studentship, so your funding application is properly linked to your academic application

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COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

• Submitting a generic PhD application that doesn’t reference the specific project or supervisor
• Forgetting to state the studentship name correctly in the Finance section, which can disconnect your funding application from your academic one
• Applying without meeting the First Class/2:1 degree requirement or English proficiency threshold
• Assuming a Master’s degree is mandatory when it isn’t explicitly required for this project
• Missing the 30 September 2026 deadline
• Overlooking that relocation costs, visa fees, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and flights are not included in the funding package

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LIVING IN THE UK

Leeds is one of the UK’s larger, more affordable student cities compared to London, with a strong postgraduate research community. Living costs for PhD students typically run £900–£1,300 per month for accommodation, food, and transport, depending on housing choice and lifestyle. The £21,805 annual stipend is designed at the standard UKRI rate specifically to support full-time doctoral study and living costs in the UK, though international students should budget separately for visa costs, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and flights, none of which are covered by this studentship.

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VISA INFORMATION

International students accepted onto this PhD will need a UK Student visa, which requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the University of Leeds, proof of funds (partly satisfied by the studentship), and a valid passport. Visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge are the applicant’s own responsibility and are not covered by the studentship. Processing typically takes a few weeks, so it’s best to begin the visa process as soon as your offer and CAS are confirmed.

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WHY STUDY IN THE UK

• Access to world-class research facilities and supercomputing infrastructure
• The University of Leeds is a member of the Russell Group, with a strong international research reputation
• Genuine industry and national-lab collaboration opportunities, including with UK National Labs and international research partners
• A well-established postgraduate researcher community and support infrastructure
• The UK’s Graduate visa route allows eligible PhD graduates to work in the UK after completing their studies

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is the University of Leeds PhD Scholarship fully funded? Yes, for this specific studentship — it covers full academic fees and a tax-free £21,805 annual stipend for 3.5 years, though relocation and visa-related costs are not included.

Who can apply? Both UK and international applicants who hold, or expect to achieve, a First Class or 2:1 Bachelor’s Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

Can international students apply? Yes, this studentship is explicitly open to applicants of all nationalities, not just UK students.

Is a Master’s degree required? Not explicitly for this project — relevant academic or research experience can strengthen your application, but it isn’t stated as mandatory.

Is IELTS mandatory? Yes, unless you meet an accepted equivalent — the University of Leeds requires IELTS Academic 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5.

Is there an application fee? No separate application fee is specified for this studentship.

How many places are available? Just one — this is a single, project-specific studentship, not a broad scholarship competition.

Can I propose my own research topic instead? No, this particular studentship is tied specifically to the “Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale” project.

Can I apply if I already hold a PhD? No, candidates who already hold a PhD, or are currently registered on an active PhD programme, are not eligible.

What if I previously started a PhD but didn’t finish it? You may still be considered — this circumstance doesn’t automatically disqualify you.

Where do I need to live during the PhD? You’re expected to reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the University of Leeds for the duration of the award.

When does the PhD start? 1 February 2027.

How competitive is this scholarship? Very — with only one funded place and open competition from both UK and international applicants, selection is based primarily on academic merit and project fit.

What expenses are not covered? International relocation costs, the UK Student visa fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge, flights, and additional travel/research/conference costs beyond what’s arranged through the project.

Can I apply with a pending final-year result? Applicants who “expect to achieve” the required degree classification are explicitly considered eligible.

How will I know if I’ve been selected? Academic and funding offers are issued by 10 November 2026; unsuccessful applicants are notified by 20 November 2026 at the latest.

Is academic admission the same as receiving the funding? No — academic admission and studentship funding are assessed separately, so an academic offer doesn’t guarantee the funded place.

Who is the supervisor for this project? Dr Massimiliano Fasi, within the University of Leeds School of Computer Science.

Can I contact the supervisor before applying? Yes, applicants are encouraged to reach out for an informal discussion about the project beforehand.

What field is this PhD in? Computer science, specifically computational mathematics, numerical linear algebra, and high-performance/exascale computing.

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FINAL SUMMARY

The University of Leeds School of Computer Science Studentship offers one of the more substantial fully funded PhD packages currently available in the UK — full tuition plus a £21,805 tax-free annual stipend for 3.5 years — but it’s built around one specific, technically demanding research project rather than an open call for any research idea. If your background in numerical analysis, linear algebra, or high-performance computing genuinely fits the “Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale” project, this is a strong opportunity worth pursuing. Reach out to Dr Massimiliano Fasi early, make sure your application is correctly linked to the studentship in the Finance section, and submit well before the 30 September 2026 deadline.