FAQs

We accept applications through our online application system.

Applications are now open for our 2026 – 2027 cohort.

Application deadlines for home candidates

5 January 2026, 12.00 midday UK time. (January interviews)

2 March 2026, 12.00 midday UK time. (March interviews)

Application deadline for international candidates:

2 March 2026, 12.00 midday UK time. (March interviews)

Yes! We are able to offer a fully funded studentship to one international student per year.

If you are uncertain as to whether you are a home or international student, please see the definitions below.

‘Home’ students are:

• a UK national (meeting residency requirements)
• have settled status
• have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements)
• have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

Application deadline for international candidates:

2 March 2025, 12.00 midday UK time. (March interviews)

We will ask about these details in the application:

• Your contact details
• The contact details of two academic referees 
• Education and relevant employment experience
• Degree transcripts and degree certificate (if applicable)
• Research experience

Absolutely!

The ‘submit’ button at the end of each section saves your progress, so that you can return (and add) to it later.

Yes!

There are many reasons why students choose a specific university for their undergraduate degree and none of these reasons should be unfairly penalised during an application to join a PhD programme.

We welcome applicants from all UK and international universities, as we recognise that students with potential can come from anywhere. Almost 50% of our current intake of PhD students completed their undergraduate degree in a non-Russell Group university.

Most students are primarily based at the Franklin (Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire) for the entire four years of the programme. Although students are registered with Edinburgh University during their first year and then their respective awarding universities for the remaining three years, it is expected that they will not spend more than 50% of their time away from the Franklin over the duration of the programme as a whole.

No, our Franklin PhD programme is a cohort of students, which means you are applying to the institute directly, and not to individual supervisors or projects. The project (and related supervisor) selection process occurs during the first year, after a rotation covering the foundations of the broad Franklin scientific activity.   

Yes!

We very much encourage applications from individuals from all scientific, mathematical, computing and engineering backgrounds. We are building unique cohorts of candidates who have different expertise to collaborate and learn from each other.

No, you will just need to select 1 Franklin Challenge that you are interested in working and explain why you are interested in this area.

No.

Our PhD programme is for full-time students only, as the first year is a unique interdisciplinary project-based system. This has been specifically created for a cohort of students working together.

Your two academic referees will only be contacted, through email, following a successful interview process. We will notify you when we begin to contact them. 

Submitted applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All applicants will be informed at touch-points throughout the year – either to be invited to an interview, or if they are unsuccessful. Unsuccessful applicants will be welcome to apply to our Franklin PhD programme in the following year.

Please email us at and we will get back to you regarding your enquiry.