If you are looking for a fully funded PhD scholarship in the UK for 2027, the University of Leeds School of Computer Science Scholarship could be an opportunity worth considering.
The University of Leeds is offering one funded PhD place for the 2026/27 academic year under its School of Computer Science Studentship competition. The funding is attached to a specific research project titled “Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale.”
The scholarship is open to both UK and international applicants, making it particularly interesting for students looking for a funded Computer Science PhD in the UK.
The successful applicant will receive full academic fee coverage and a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years, at the standard UKRI rate. However, because there is only one funded place, applicants will be selected through a highly competitive academic process.
University of Leeds School of Computer Science Scholarship 2027 – Summary
| Scholarship detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Leeds |
| School | School of Computer Science |
| Scholarship | School of Computer Science Scholarship 2025/26: Mixed Precision |
| PhD project | Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale |
| Study level | PhD |
| Entry year | 2026/27 |
| Start date | 1 February 2027 |
| Application deadline | 30 September 2026 at 23:59 |
| Number of awards | 1 |
| Eligibility | UK and international applicants |
| Tuition funding | Full academic fees |
| Maintenance funding | £21,805 per year |
| Funding duration | 3.5 years |
| Funding type | Tax-free maintenance grant |
| Supervisor | Dr Massimiliano Fasi |
| Research area | Numerical linear algebra, high-performance computing and mixed-precision algorithms |
| Course | PhD Computer Science Full Time |
| Funding provider | University of Leeds |
| Selection basis | Academic merit and competitive selection |
What Is the University of Leeds School of Computer Science Scholarship?
The University of Leeds School of Computer Science Scholarship is a competitive PhD studentship designed to support a talented researcher joining the University’s School of Computer Science.
For this particular opportunity, the funding is linked to the research project “Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale.”
The project focuses on developing numerical algorithms capable of taking advantage of modern high-performance computing hardware while maintaining the accuracy required for scientific computing.
Unlike a scholarship where applicants can choose from many unrelated degree programmes, this opportunity is connected to a specific PhD research project. Therefore, applicants should make sure their academic background, research interests and technical skills fit the project before applying.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The University of Leeds School of Computer Science Scholarship provides substantial financial support.
The successful applicant will receive:
1. Full academic fees
The studentship covers the full academic fees associated with the PhD.
This is particularly valuable for international students because UK international postgraduate research fees can be considerably higher than domestic fees.
However, applicants should understand that the scholarship does not automatically cover every cost associated with studying in the UK.
2. £21,805 annual maintenance grant
The scholarship provides a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years, at the standard UKRI rate.
This funding is intended to help support the student’s living costs while undertaking the PhD.
3. Funding for 3.5 years
The stated funding period is 3.5 years.
The University notes that there are no additional allowances under this studentship for travel, research expenses, conference attendance or other costs.
International students should therefore budget separately for expenses such as flights, visa costs and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Who Can Apply for the University of Leeds PhD Scholarship?
The scholarship is open to applicants with either:
- UK/Home fee status, or
- International fee status.
The University states that the opportunity is open to applicants of all nationalities, including UK applicants.
This makes the opportunity potentially suitable for international students from countries including Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries, provided they meet the academic and project requirements.
However, being eligible to apply does not guarantee funding. There is only one funded position, and candidates will compete through the School’s selection process.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should normally hold a first-class or upper-second-class British Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent qualification, in an appropriate discipline.
The University also recognises relevant industrial and academic experience.
Suitable academic backgrounds for the specific research project may include:
- Computer Science
- Applied Mathematics
- Computational Mathematics
- Physics
- Engineering
- Other closely related disciplines
The specific project states that applicants should have a strong interest in numerical algorithms and scientific computing.
Basic programming experience is also required. Experience with languages such as C, C++, Julia, MATLAB or Python, or similar programming environments, can be relevant.
Knowledge of numerical linear algebra is desirable but is not stated as essential.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The University has several conditions applicants should understand before submitting an application.
You cannot apply if you:
- Have already been awarded a PhD.
- Are currently registered on a PhD programme.
Applicants who previously started a PhD but did not complete it may be considered.
The successful candidate must also take up the award by 1 February 2027 and must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds while receiving the scholarship.
About the Mixed Precision PhD Project
The funded PhD project is titled:
Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale.
The project addresses an important challenge in modern scientific computing.
Today’s supercomputers increasingly use hardware accelerators that were originally developed to deliver extremely high performance for artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.
These systems can perform calculations very quickly using lower-precision arithmetic. However, scientific computing often requires much greater numerical accuracy.
The research therefore aims to develop algorithms that combine different levels of numerical precision in a way that maintains accuracy while improving computational speed and energy efficiency.
In simple terms, the researcher will investigate how computers can perform some calculations using faster, lower-precision arithmetic while using higher precision where accuracy is critical.
The ultimate goal is to develop robust and scalable algorithms suitable for very large-scale computing systems.
What Will the PhD Researcher Work On?
The successful candidate will work on mixed-precision algorithms for large-scale numerical linear algebra problems.
The University explains that many existing numerical methods cannot fully take advantage of modern hardware accelerators.
The research will therefore explore ways to redesign these methods for mixed-precision computing.
The resulting algorithms could eventually be incorporated into widely used scientific software libraries.
The researcher will also have opportunities to collaborate with researchers at:
- University of Leeds
- Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
The research outputs are expected to contribute to software libraries including SLEPc and MAGMA.
What Skills Should Applicants Have?
This is not a scholarship for someone simply interested in general Computer Science.
The research project is highly technical, so applicants should be able to demonstrate a genuine interest in areas such as:
- Numerical algorithms
- Scientific computing
- Numerical linear algebra
- High-performance computing
- Computational mathematics
- Programming
- Mathematical modelling
Programming experience is particularly relevant.
The project page identifies C, C++, Julia, MATLAB and Python as examples of useful programming experience.
You do not necessarily need experience in every programming language listed.
What matters is demonstrating that you have the mathematical, computational and programming foundation needed to undertake advanced research.
English Language Requirements
There is an important detail applicants should pay attention to because the University pages currently state different English-language thresholds.
The specific Mixed Precision PhD project page currently states a minimum IELTS requirement of:
- 6.0 overall
- 5.5 in each component
or an equivalent qualification.
However, the School of Computer Science Scholarship funding page currently states:
- 6.5 overall
- 6.5 in writing
- 6.0 in reading, listening and speaking
or equivalent.
Because the scholarship funding page gives a higher requirement, prospective applicants should confirm the applicable English-language requirement with the University of Leeds before submitting their application, particularly if they are relying on IELTS scores.
The English-language test must generally be dated within two years of the course start date.
Important Costs Not Covered by the Scholarship
International applicants should not assume that “fully funded” means every cost will be paid.
The University specifically states that relocation expenses for international students are the applicant’s responsibility.
These can include:
- UK student visa costs
- Immigration Health Surcharge
- Flights to the UK
- Relocation expenses
- Other personal expenses
The specific project page also states that there are no additional allowances for travel, research expenses, conference attendance or other costs.
Therefore, international applicants should prepare a separate financial plan for costs outside the scholarship.
Why Study a PhD at the University of Leeds?
The University of Leeds offers a strong research environment for students interested in advanced Computer Science and computational research.
The University states that 99% of its research was rated world-leading in REF 2021.
PhD researchers can benefit from:
Active research environment
Students work alongside researchers involved in cutting-edge research and have access to research facilities and infrastructure.
Doctoral support
The Leeds Doctoral College provides researchers with guidance, services and development opportunities throughout their doctoral journey.
Industry connections
The University has links with companies and academic institutions, creating opportunities to attend industry events, seminars and conferences.
Professional development
Researchers can access workshops and courses designed to develop skills that can be useful both inside and outside academia.
Wellbeing support
The University provides personal, mental health and wellbeing services for students and researchers.
International community
Leeds has a global academic community involving students, researchers, academics, partners and alumni from more than 140 countries.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Mixed Precision PhD project is:
Wednesday, 30 September 2026 at 23:59.
Applicants should not wait until the final day.
The University recommends submitting applications early and encourages potential candidates to contact the supervisor for an informal discussion before applying.
When Will the PhD Start?
The successful applicant is expected to begin the PhD on:
1 February 2027.
The scholarship must be taken up by this date.
How to Apply for the University of Leeds Computer Science Scholarship
Applicants must first make a formal application for research degree study through the University of Leeds.
You will need to create a University application account with a username and PIN.
When completing the application, use the following information.
Step 1: Select the application type
Choose:
Research Degrees, Research Postgraduate
Step 2: Select the admission year
Choose:
2026/27 Academic Year
Step 3: Select the course
For the planned course of study, select:
PhD Computer Science Full Time
Step 4: Enter the research start date
Use:
1 February 2027
as the proposed start date of research.
Step 5: Identify the research project
In the research information section, clearly state that you are applying for:
Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale
You should also identify Dr Massimiliano Fasi as your proposed supervisor.
Step 6: Identify the scholarship
In the Finance section, state that you are applying for:
School of Computer Science Scholarship 2025/26: Mixed Precision
The University’s funding page uses this scholarship title even though the associated PhD entry is for the 2026/27 academic year.
For more details about the application, click here.
Documents You Need to Submit
Applicants should provide the required supporting documents by the application deadline.
These include:
1. Academic transcripts
2. Personal statement
3. CV: Education, research experience, Programming skills, Projects, Publications, if applicable
4. English-language evidence: If English is not your first language, provide evidence that you meet the University’s applicable English-language requirements. Because the University currently displays different IELTS thresholds on the funding and project pages, applicants should verify the requirement applicable to their application before submission.
How Are Applications Selected?
This is a competitive scholarship, and securing admission to the PhD does not automatically mean you have received funding.
The selection process works in stages.
Stage 1: Applications are reviewed
Applications are processed after the 30 September 2026 deadline.
Stage 2: Supervisors shortlist candidates
Applications are circulated to supervisors, who shortlist candidates and may invite applicants for interview.
Stage 3: Academic offer and funding are considered separately
This is one of the most important points.
You may receive an academic offer for the PhD but not receive the scholarship.
Admission and funding are separate decisions.
Stage 4: Candidates are nominated for funding
Supervisors select their strongest candidates and put them forward to the School Selection Panel.
Stage 5: Final funding decision
The School Selection Panel determines which candidate receives the funded place and may also select reserve candidates.
There is only one funded place.
Expected decision dates
The University states that academic and funding offers will be issued by 10 November 2026 at the latest.
Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by 20 November 2026 at the latest.
Is This University of Leeds Scholarship Fully Funded?
It is reasonable to describe this as a fully funded PhD opportunity in terms of academic fees and maintenance support, because the studentship covers full academic fees and provides a £21,805 annual maintenance grant for 3.5 years.
However, applicants should avoid interpreting “fully funded” as meaning that every cost is covered.
The University specifically excludes or leaves applicants responsible for certain costs, including international relocation expenses and additional travel/research/conference costs.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes.
The University explicitly states that the opportunity is open to both International and UK fee-rated applicants.
International applicants should nevertheless consider the additional costs of moving to and living in the UK because visa-related and relocation expenses are not covered by the award.
Is the Scholarship Suitable for Nigerian Students?
Yes, Nigerian students can apply because the scholarship is open to international applicants.
A Nigerian applicant with a strong academic background in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Physics or a related discipline may be suitable if they also meet the requirements of the research project.
However, applicants should focus on demonstrating research potential and technical suitability, rather than applying simply because the scholarship is fully funded.
FAQs
What is the deadline for the University of Leeds School of Computer Science Scholarship?
The deadline is 30 September 2026 at 23:59 for the Mixed Precision PhD project.
When does the PhD start?
The funded PhD is scheduled to start on 1 February 2027.
How much does the scholarship pay?
The scholarship provides a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years, alongside full academic fees.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The opportunity is open to international and UK applicants.
Do I need a Master’s degree?
The published eligibility information states that applicants should normally have a first-class or upper-second-class Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an appropriate discipline. The specific project does not state that a Master’s degree is mandatory, although relevant academic or research experience can strengthen an application.
Is knowledge of numerical linear algebra required?
Knowledge of numerical linear algebra is described as desirable but not essential on the project page.
Can someone who previously started a PhD apply?
Someone who previously studied for a PhD but did not complete it may be considered. However, candidates who have already been awarded a PhD or are currently registered on a PhD are excluded.
Does receiving a PhD admission mean I automatically receive the scholarship?
No. Academic admission and scholarship funding are separate processes. You can receive an academic offer without being selected for funding.
Does the scholarship cover flights and visa costs?
No. The University states that international relocation expenses, including visa costs, Immigration Health Surcharge and flights, are the applicant’s responsibility.
Official application and scholarship information
For the most up-to-date requirements and application instructions, applicants should check the official University of Leeds PhD pages before submitting an application.
University of Leeds – School of Computer Science Scholarship 2025/26: Mixed Precision
University of Leeds – Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale
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