Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship 2027 (Fully Funded)

Funding
Full Funding
Level
PhD
Nationality
All Nationalities
Duration
4 Years
Offered by
Cancer Research UK

The Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Black Leaders in Cancer Scholarship Programme is offered by Cancer Research UK to support outstanding students pursuing PhD studies in cancer research in the United Kingdom. Developed in collaboration with Black in Cancer and the Windsor Fellowship, the programme aims to help develop the next generation of Black leaders in cancer research. By funding doctoral researchers at CRUK centres and providing mentoring, leadership training, and career development support, the programme seeks to strengthen diversity, inclusion, and excellence across the UK cancer research community.

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship Coverage

This non-profit organization fully funded scholarship for international students covers the following:

  • Fully funded four-year PhD studentship
  • Stipend
  • Research costs
  • Pastoral support
  • Leadership programme
  • Career development workshops
  • Academic mentorship
  • Training and networking support

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship, you need to meet the following criteria:

  • Self-identify as being from a Black heritage background, including mixed backgrounds that include Black African, Black Caribbean, or other Black backgrounds
  • Meet the general entry requirements for the PhD programme at the host centre
  • Hold or expect to graduate with a first or upper-second class undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject
  • Have appropriate research experience as part of, or outside of, an undergraduate or master's degree in a relevant subject
  • Meet the English language requirements set by the host institution
  • Be a non-clinical PhD candidate

For detailed requirements, refer to the official eligibility page .

Eligible degree levels

PhD

Eligible programmes

Biochemistry, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Data Science, Health Sciences, Medicine, Neuroscience, and Pharmacy

Eligible nationalities

All nationalities

Important Notice

Disclaimer

This programme is run through participating CRUK centres, and exact application dates, start dates, and PhD project options vary by centre and by application round. Funding amounts are not listed as a fixed cash award because the programme is delivered as a fully funded PhD studentship covering approved costs in line with CRUK guidance.

How to Apply

In this section, we'll provide a clear general overview of requirements and steps to guide you through the application process for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship.

To apply for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship, please follow these steps:

  1. Submit a formal application to the Windsor Fellowship when the round opens
  2. Wait for approval or invitation to proceed to a participating CRUK centre
  3. Apply for a PhD studentship at one of the participating centres
  4. Submit all supporting documents required by the chosen centre
  5. Attend an interview if shortlisted
  6. Complete any additional steps required by the host centre before final selection

Important Note: The application procedures and required documents for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship may vary depending on your degree, program, nationality and other factors. For specific details regarding the requirements, kindly visit the official website of Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship.

Application Deadlines

Now that you’re familiar with the application procedure, it’s time to know the application dates! Knowing the dates for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship will help you prepare early and it will also give you the time you need to put together a competitive application.

Important notice

Application deadlines vary

The application deadlines for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship vary. It’s important to review official guidelines on the official website or contact administrators for specific deadlines. Make sure to regularly check the Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship page for the latest and most accurate information on application deadlines.

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship Eligible Institutions

The eligible institutions for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Scholarship are listed below:

Recipient’s Cancer Sciences PhD

Annet Nakkazi describes PhD study in Cancer Sciences at University of Manchester. The story identifies her as Ugandan and reports that she was in her second year.

Funding Reported by Recipients

Recipient and degree/programReported coverage
Annet Nakkazi — PhD in Cancer Sciences — University of ManchesterReported tuition support and an annual stipend of £21,000 from Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK funding was for the PhD; the Commonwealth-funded Oxford master’s was a separate episode.

Examples of Featured Recipients’ Application Backgrounds

Recipient and degree/programScholarship/application routeReported background and preparation
Annet Nakkazi — PhD in Cancer Sciences — University of ManchesterCancer Research UK PhD scholarshipCompleted a bachelor’s in Biological Sciences at University of Tsukuba and a master’s in Radiation Biology at University of Oxford before the Cancer Sciences PhD. Practised interview answers with friends and used essay and interview examples to improve preparation.

Interview and Preparation Lessons

Recipient and degree/programReported preparation
Annet Nakkazi — PhD in Cancer Sciences — University of ManchesterPractised answers in front of friends and read sample interview questions. Looking back on applications for the Commonwealth award and Manchester, she stressed knowing the material discussed and acknowledging gaps honestly.

What Recipients Pursued After Their Scholarship-Funded Studies

RecipientScholarship-funded degree/programReported outcome or current status
Annet NakkaziPhD in Cancer Sciences — University of ManchesterOngoing study: reported being a second-year doctoral student.

Another Applicant’s CRUK PhD Offer

Applicant and intended degree/programReported offer and status
Benjamin — PhD in Cancer ResearchReported a fully funded Cancer Research UK PhD studentship worth over £150,000 and a separate BBSRC DTP offer worth over £135,000. Described a plan to begin cancer research in summer 2026. These are reported offers and a future plan.
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