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 PhD studentships

These provide for the payments of approved fees and the maintenance of students whilst being trained in methods of PhD research.

Cast PhD 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 Master of Research (MRes) studentships

These provide for the payment of approved fees and the maintenance of students undertaking Master of Research (MRes) Courses which provide structured and progressive research training. If available, MRes 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 2024 to 2025 the basic rates of maintenance support are:

£19,237 for a research studentship
£9,619 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:

Student finance: postgraduate studentships terms and conditions

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:

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