Cancer Research UK

Black Leaders in Cancer PhD

N/A; fully funded 4-year PhD studentship (stipend and research costs)| Deadline: 4 November 2026 (52 days)|4 years

Earliest centre deadline (City of London); other centres close 19 Nov 2026, 1 Dec 2026, 4 Jan 2027, 4 Dec 2026, 30 Nov 2026, 9 Apr 2027

Last updated: 13 Sept 2026

Closes 4 Nov 2026. Add it to your calendar, then see what else you're eligible for. See my matches →

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.

Details

Funder	Cancer Research UK
Budget	N/A; fully funded 4-year PhD studentship (stipend and research costs)
Deadline	4 November 2026
Duration	4 years
Consortium	No - individual applicant, hosted by one of Cancer Research UK's partner PhD centres
Application	Applications to CRUK-supported programme, then formal PhD application process at chosen host centre; centre interviews follow
Frequency	Annual
Next round	2027-09
Career stage	Early-career opportunity
Eligible countries	GB

Eligibility & scope

Fully funded 4-year non-clinical PhD studentship (stipend + research costs) for applicants who self-identify as Black heritage background, run through CRUK-affiliated PhD centres (City of London, Cambridge, Oxford, Convergence, Manchester, Newcastle, Scotland). Non-UK nationals eligible but only home/UK fee rate is covered; shortfall to international fees must come from another source, not the student.

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.

cancer-biologycancer-research-ukphd-studentshipearly-careerblack-heritageuk-basedfully-funded

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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.