Applications are now open for the University of Nottingham PhD Studentship 2026 in the United Kingdom. This fully funded PhD opportunity welcomes highly motivated candidates with strong academic backgrounds to join an innovative research project on Sustainable Aviation: Designing Fuels for the Future. The studentship is hosted by the Mechanical and Aerospace Systems Research Group within the Faculty of Engineering, which is home to more than 50 world-class academics, researchers, and technical experts.
This program is an exceptional opportunity for students interested in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemistry, and chemical engineering to contribute to pioneering research in sustainable aviation fuels. The research integrates computational, analytical, and experimental methodologies, alongside advanced tools like machine learning, to accelerate the aviation sector’s transition to net-zero emissions.
The University of Nottingham, ranked among the Top 20 UK universities and Top 100 worldwide (QS World Rankings 2026), has a strong reputation for excellence in research and innovation. This studentship is offered in collaboration with Airbus, providing candidates with industrial exposure and hands-on research experience in fuel system design, testing, and sustainable fuel development.
University of Nottingham PhD Studentship
- Institution: University of Nottingham
- Degree Level: PhD (Doctoral Research Program)
- Funding Type: Fully Funded Studentship
- Eligible Applicants: UK Nationals (Home Fee Status)
- Location: United Kingdom
- Deadline: 31 October 2025
Financial Benefits
Successful applicants will receive the following funding support:
- Full coverage of tuition fees for four years.
- An annual tax-free stipend of £24,000.
- Opportunities to conduct research at Airbus in Bristol, working closely with academic supervisors and industrial experts.
- Access to advanced research training and collaborative projects with the Faculty of Science, NET2Zero CDT, and the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Resilient Chemistry.
Research Focus Area
- Investigation of sustainable aviation fuels and innovative fuel additives.
- Use of computational, analytical, and experimental methods to analyze chemical, mechanical, and environmental properties.
- Integration of machine learning and advanced modeling techniques.
- Participation in both theoretical research and practical applications, including fuel system design and testing.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the University of Nottingham PhD Studentship 2026, applicants must:
- Hold at least an upper second-class (2:1) honors degree in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Or a closely related discipline
- Possess a strong academic background with high motivation for research.
- Demonstrate good knowledge of chemical experimentation techniques and the ability to work effectively in a team.
- Candidates with prior experience in computational chemistry, chemical analysis, or engineering simulations will be considered highly competitive.
- A first-class degree or equivalent qualification will be viewed favorably.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the University of Nottingham PhD Studentship 2026 (Fully Funded) is:
31 October 2025.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit their applications online through the official University of Nottingham application portal. Ensure that all required academic transcripts, references, and supporting documents are uploaded before the deadline.
