# Black Leaders in Cancer PhD

**Funder:** Cancer Research UK
**Budget:** N/A; fully funded 4-year PhD studentship (stipend and research costs)
**Deadline:** 4 November 2026 (Earliest centre deadline (City of London); other centres close 19 Nov 2026, 1 Dec 2026, 4 Jan 2027, 9 Apr 2027, 4 Dec 2026, 30 Nov 2026)
**Duration:** 4 years
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant, hosted by a Cancer Research UK PhD centre
**Application:** Single stage: apply to host centre, interview
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-10
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/black-leaders-in-cancer-phd
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Fully funded 4-year PhD studentship for people who self-identify as being from a Black heritage background, run through Cancer Research UK's PhD training centres in the UK. Open to non-clinical PhD candidates meeting general entry requirements; international fee shortfalls must be covered by the host institution, not the student.

## Summary

The Black Leaders in Cancer PhD is a fully funded four-year doctoral studentship from Cancer Research UK for students who self-identify as Black heritage (including mixed Black backgrounds). The programme covers stipend and research costs at UK/home fee rates and is hosted at CRUK centres across the UK. Applications open September 2026 with staggered deadlines through autumn and winter; the call runs annually.

## Who should apply

- Students who self-identify as Black heritage (including mixed Black backgrounds)
- Non-clinical PhD candidates with standard UK PhD entry requirements
- Applicants planning to study at a Cancer Research UK centre
- Students meeting English language requirements set by their host institution

## Key dates

- Applications expected to open September 2026 via the Windsor Fellowship scheme
- Individual CRUK centre deadlines run through autumn and winter 2026
- Four-year PhD project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Check with your target CRUK centre early for their specific deadline and application portal, as these vary across sites.
- International applicants should confirm with the host institution that they will cover the international fee shortfall; this is a gating factor for eligibility.
- Emphasise your research fit and career goals in cancer research in the application; the scheme backs talent and scientific ambition, not just demographic criteria.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the Black Leaders in Cancer PhD fully funded?

Yes, it covers stipend and research costs at UK/home fee rates; international fee differences must be met by the host institution.

### Who can apply for the Black Leaders in Cancer PhD?

Non-clinical PhD candidates who self-identify as Black heritage (including mixed Black backgrounds) and meet standard UK PhD entry requirements.

### When do applications open for the Black Leaders in Cancer PhD?

Applications are expected to open in September 2026 via the Windsor Fellowship scheme, with individual centre deadlines running through autumn and winter 2026.

### Where can I study a Black Leaders in Cancer PhD?

The studentship is hosted at Cancer Research UK centres across the UK.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancer-research-uk-black-leaders-in-cancer-phd-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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