Applications are open for the Quantum Informatics CDT PhD Studentships 2027, offering talented UK and international students an opportunity to pursue a fully funded four-year doctoral programme in the United Kingdom.
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Informatics (QI CDT) brings together expertise in computer science, physics, mathematics, engineering and chemistry to advance research into quantum technologies.
Successful applicants receive full tuition-fee funding, a tax-free annual stipend and financial support for research-related activities. International applicants are eligible for a limited number of fully funded places without additional overseas tuition charges.
Applications for the 2027/28 intake opened on 7 October 2026, and the deadline is 7 January 2027. The programme begins in September 2027.
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About this opportunity
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Informatics is a UK doctoral training initiative focused on understanding and applying quantum technologies.
The programme combines advanced academic training with interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration.
Its central goal is to develop researchers capable of connecting quantum hardware, software and applications to solve practical scientific and technological challenges.
The CDT is led by the University of Edinburgh and works with academic and industry partners. Students receive structured training and develop their research direction during the programme rather than being required to submit a fixed PhD research proposal when applying.
Quantum Informatics CDT PhD Studentships 2027 Overview
Programme: EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Informatics
Host country: United Kingdom
Lead university: University of Edinburgh
Study level: PhD with Integrated Study
Duration: Four years
Funding: Fully funded tuition fees, stipend and research support
International applicants: Eligible for limited funded places
Financial Benefits
The programme provides a comprehensive doctoral funding package for successful applicants.
1. Full Tuition-Fee Coverage
All selected students receive tuition-fee funding for the four-year programme.
This includes international students, whose additional overseas tuition fees are covered through arrangements with the partner institutions.
International scholarship recipients are not required to pay tuition-fee top-ups.
2. Tax-Free Annual Stipend
Students receive an annual tax-free stipend to support living expenses.
The standard UKRI stipend for the 2026/27 academic year is £21,805 per year, paid monthly.
This is approximately £1,817 per month.
The exact standard stipend for 2027/28 may change according to UKRI rates.
3. Enhanced Stipend for Eligible UK Home Students
Students classified as UK home students joining the 2027 cohort are offered an enhanced annual stipend of £30,000 through the TechFirst scheme.
This enhancement should not be interpreted as the stipend available to international applicants.
4. Four Years of Doctoral Funding
The studentship covers the standard four-year duration of the PhD with Integrated Study programme.
This provides a structured period for training, research development and doctoral study.
5. Research Training Support Grant
Students receive access to a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) for eligible research-related costs.
The grant may support:
Conference attendance
Research training
Systems and software access
Other approved research expenses
The official application page does not specify a universal fixed RTSG amount for every student.
6. Interdisciplinary Research Training
Students benefit from training across quantum computing, informatics, mathematics, physics and engineering.
The programme aims to prepare researchers who can work across disciplines.
7. Industry Collaboration
The CDT works with industry partners and provides opportunities to understand the commercial and practical applications of quantum technologies.
8. Research Project Development
Applicants do not need to arrive with a fully developed research proposal.
Students work with the CDT to identify and develop their PhD research project during the first year.
9. International Research Environment
Successful applicants join a research community working on quantum technologies and their applications.
Related: Explore more UK doctoral scholarships and research opportunities on OHUB.
What's covered
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Flight/travel costs
Documents Required
The official application guidance specifies the following requirements:
Curriculum vitae, maximum two pages
Statement of Intent, maximum two pages
Two references, including at least one academic reference
Degree certificates
Official academic transcripts
English-language qualifications, where applicable
Completed mandatory Demographics Survey
Important Document Instructions
The Statement of Intent replaces a research proposal.
Applicants must upload it in the application system's Research Proposal field.
Academic documents must be translated into English where necessary.
Uploaded documents must be in PDF format and must not exceed 4 MB per file.
Applicants should combine multiple degree certificates or transcripts into a single document where instructed.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme welcomes applicants from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds.
General Academic Requirements
Applicants must have, or expect to obtain:
A UK first-class honours degree; or
A UK upper second-class honours degree (2:1); or
An equivalent international qualification
The degree must be in a relevant discipline.
Suitable academic backgrounds may include computer science, mathematics, physics, engineering, chemistry and related subjects.
Yes. Eligible applicants from African countries may apply for the international studentships.
This includes qualified candidates from Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and other countries.
Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements and demonstrate strong potential for interdisciplinary quantum research.
The CDT expects to recruit approximately six international students per cohort, although the actual number may vary.
International applicants should also budget for visa-related expenses because these are not covered by the studentship.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the University of Edinburgh's online admissions system, known as EUCLID.
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Website
Open the Quantum Informatics CDT application page.
Review the eligibility, funding and application requirements.
Step 2: Check Your Academic Eligibility
Confirm that you hold or expect to obtain a qualifying degree in a relevant discipline.
International applicants should review the university's qualification equivalency requirements.
Step 3: Prepare Your Academic CV
Create a CV of no more than two pages.
Highlight your academic background, research experience, employment, technical skills and relevant achievements.
Step 4: Write Your Statement of Intent
Prepare a statement of no more than two pages.
Explain:
Why you want to join the Quantum Informatics CDT
Your interest in quantum informatics
Relevant academic or professional experience
Your motivation and ability to succeed in doctoral research
How your background could contribute to the programme
Do not prepare a separate research proposal unless the programme requests one.
Step 5: Arrange Two References
You must provide two references.
At least one must be academic, while the second may be academic or professional.
Applicants may upload suitable reference letters or provide referee details through the admissions system.
If the university requests references directly, referees must respond within the required timeframe.
Step 6: Prepare Academic Documents
Gather your degree certificates and official transcripts.
Ensure that any documents issued in another language are translated into English.
Step 7: Open the University of Edinburgh Application Portal
Use the Apply online link on the official CDT website to access EUCLID.
Complete the required sections of the application form.
Step 8: Complete the Programme Section Correctly
The CDT provides specific instructions for the standardised application system.
For mandatory fields in the Programme section, including Personal Statement and Relevant Knowledge/Training, enter:
“See supporting documents”
Your full Statement of Intent should be uploaded separately in the Research Proposal field.
Step 9: Complete the Finance Section
The official CDT instructions state that applicants should select “No” and enter “Not Applicable” in the relevant Finance section.
All students selected for the programme are automatically awarded funding.
Step 10: Upload Supporting Documents
Upload your CV, Statement of Intent, academic records and references or referee information.
Follow the PDF format and file-size requirements.
Step 11: Submit Before the Deadline
Submit your application through EUCLID by 7 January 2027.
The official programme page does not specify a universal closing hour, so applicants should avoid waiting until the final day.
Step 12: Complete the Mandatory Demographics Survey
After submitting your application and receiving an applicant number, complete the CDT's Demographics Survey.
This step is mandatory. Failure to complete the survey invalidates the application.
Applicants may select “Prefer not to say” for individual survey questions without affecting their application.
Step 13: Monitor Your Applicant Hub
Check your University of Edinburgh Applicant Hub for updates and requests for missing documents.
Step 14: Attend an Interview if Shortlisted
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview.
The CDT states that interview questions will be provided in advance to invited candidates.
Step 15: Await the Final Decision
Successful applicants will receive their offer and further instructions for joining the programme in September 2027.
Related: Find more funded doctoral research opportunities on OHUB.