Department for the Economy Postgraduate Studentship scheme
The Department for the Economy (DfE) sponsors postgraduate studentships at Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and Ulster University (UU) for research and certain approved full-time postgraduate courses. Find out what is available, if you are eligible and how to apply.
What's available
The Department for the Economy (DfE) has three different types of studentship available:
Research studentships
These provide for the payments of approved fees and the maintenance of students whilst being trained in methods of PhD research.
Cast studentships (Co-operative Awards in Science and Technology)
These provide for the payments of approved fees and the maintenance of students on Research Studentships intended to encourage the development of collaboration between universities and industry and, in particular, to provide an opportunity for graduates to start PhD research of direct interest to industry.
Taught studentships
These provide for the payment of approved fees and the maintenance of students undertaking approved postgraduate courses of instruction. If available, studentships will be advertised by the University.
The value of a DfE studentship
For UK domiciled students the value of an award includes the cost of approved fees as well as maintenance support.
In academic year 2022 to 2023 the basic rates of maintenance support are:
- £17,668 for a research studentship
- £8,834 for a taught studentship
These awards are not affected by your parent’s income or your income, but if you are receiving similar support from industry or a university, you may not be eligible for a studentship.
Eligibility criteria
Residency and citizenship
To be eligible for consideration for a Department for the Economy Studentship, a candidate must satisfy all the eligibility criteria based on nationality, residency and academic qualifications.
Further details are available at:
How to apply for a DfE studentship
To apply and for further guidance on a DfE studentship to pursue postgraduate study, visit the universities' websites: