The Francis Crick Institute PhD Programme 2027 is open to applicants of all nationalities. Successful candidates receive a four-year studentship covering a £27,715 tax-free annual living stipend, tuition fees (including international fees), research costs and, where applicable, the student visa application fee and immigration health surcharge. Applications close at 12:00 midday GMT on Tuesday, 3 November 2026.
Francis Crick Institute, London
Four-year PhD
Fully funded + £27,715 yearly stipend
3 November 2026, 12:00 GMT
Funding and benefits
- £27,715 tax-free student stipend per year for four years.
- Tuition fees for home and international students.
- Research costs.
- Where applicable, reimbursement of the student visa application fee and immigration health surcharge.
- For invited final-stage candidates, eligible interview travel expenses, accommodation where required, and the cost of a visitor visa to attend the UK interview stage.
Who can apply?
The standard route is open to every nationality. Applicants normally need:
- a first-class or upper second-class honours degree, or an equivalent non-UK qualification, in a relevant subject;
- or, if holding a lower second-class honours degree, a relevant master’s degree to meet the academic threshold;
- appropriate research experience gained within or outside a degree course, or a relevant master’s degree.
Some advertised positions may add funding-specific eligibility conditions, so check the top of each position page. Applicants are responsible for confirming the equivalence of international qualifications.
English-language requirement
You do not submit English-language evidence during the initial application. The Crick provides its English-language requirements only to candidates offered a studentship, so applicants should not assume a particular test or score unless the institute later specifies it.
Required application information and documents
- A CV in PDF format, no larger than 2 MB.
- Personal, education and qualification details, including grades and the grading system for non-UK universities.
- Up to four preferred recruiting Group Leaders/positions.
- Answers to two programme questions covering research motivation and preparation.
- A separate lab-specific answer for each chosen position.
- Details of relevant research experience, including host lab, supervisor, dates, project and contribution.
- Two academic/scientific referees using institutional—not personal—email addresses: one for academic performance and one for research experience.
Transcripts are not listed as a required upload on the official application guidance reviewed for this article; applicants should provide the detailed education and grades requested in the form and follow any later instructions.
How to apply
- Read the programme eligibility rules and the currently advertised 2027 PhD positions.
- Choose up to four recruiting Group Leaders whose work fits your interests.
- Register with an email address you check regularly on the Crick Academic Recruitment System.
- Complete all ten sections of the online application and upload your PDF CV.
- Write the two programme statements and each required lab-specific response within the stated character limits.
- Contact two suitable referees before submitting and confirm they can respond by the reference deadline.
- Review carefully and submit before 12:00 midday GMT on 3 November 2026; the Crick states that submitted applications cannot be changed and late applications are not accepted.
Deadline and recruitment timeline
Scholarship application deadline: Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 12:00 midday GMT. This is the Crick programme deadline, not a general partner-university admissions deadline.
- Reference deadline: 10 November 2026 at 12:00 midday GMT.
- Application outcomes: by end of day 22 December 2026.
- Final interview stage 1: Zoom panels on 13–15 January 2027.
- Final interview stage 2: in-person open afternoon and lab visits on 18–19 January 2027.
- Final outcomes: by end of day 8 February 2027.
- Programme start: 27 September 2027.
How selection works
The Academic Training team, recruiting Group Leaders and relevant research-group members review applications; the institute says this review is not performed by AI. Names are hidden from Group Leaders at the initial review to reduce unconscious bias. Shortlisted applicants first have Zoom screening interviews with Group Leaders. Selected candidates then progress to a Zoom panel interview followed by an in-person open afternoon and lab visits at the Crick.
Practical applicant tips
- Match each lab-specific answer to the advertised research question rather than sending a generic statement.
- Show what you personally did in research projects, what you learned and how that prepares you for doctoral work.
- Ask referees early: the reference deadline is one week after the application deadline.
- Keep the CV under 2 MB and follow the requested filename format without spaces or special characters.
- Submit early enough to check confirmation emails and your spam folder.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Francis Crick Institute PhD fully funded?
Yes. The 2027 studentship covers the stipend, tuition and research costs, with specified visa-cost reimbursement where applicable.
Can international students apply?
Yes. Candidates of all nationalities can apply, and international tuition fees are covered.
Do I need English test results when I apply?
No English-language information is required during the application stage. Requirements are supplied later to candidates offered a studentship.
How many Crick positions can I choose?
The application allows you to select up to four recruiting Group Leaders.
Are references due with the application?
Referees are contacted after submission. Their stated deadline is 12:00 midday GMT on 10 November 2026.
Related fully funded opportunities
- Sanger Institute PhD Programme 2027
- Cambridge BioSCaPe PhD Programme 2027
- UBC International Scholars Program 2027
- Freiburg DAAD-MEG Scholarship 2027–28
Official sources
ScholarshipHubNow checked these details against the official Crick pages on 7 October 2026. Programme information can change, so verify the live position page before submitting.
