The University of Leeds is inviting applications for its School of Computer Science Studentship for the 2026/27 academic year, offering an outstanding researcher the opportunity to undertake a fully funded PhD in Computer Science in the United Kingdom.
The competitive studentship is attached to a specific research project titled “Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale” and is open to both UK and international applicants.
The successful candidate will receive full academic tuition fee coverage and a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years, providing substantial financial support throughout the doctoral programme.
University of Leeds Computer Science PhD Scholarship 2026/27
The School of Computer Science Studentship is designed to support an outstanding researcher joining the University of Leeds’ research community.
For the 2026/27 entry cycle, one fully funded position is available. Selection will be competitive, with academic merit forming a major part of the assessment.
The scholarship is tied specifically to the research project on mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale. Applicants must apply for the relevant PhD project and clearly indicate their interest in the project within their application.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The successful candidate will receive:
- Full academic tuition fees.
- A tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 per year.
- Funding for 3.5 years.
- Full-time PhD study at the University of Leeds.
- Access to the university’s research facilities and doctoral research community.
Who Can Apply?
The studentship is open to UK and international fee-rated applicants.
Applicants would normally be expected to hold:
- A first-class or upper second-class UK Bachelor’s Honours degree, or an equivalent international qualification.
- A degree in an appropriate academic discipline.
- Relevant academic or industrial experience may also be considered.
Applicants who have already been awarded a PhD are not eligible. Candidates currently registered on a PhD programme are also excluded.
However, applicants who previously started a PhD but did not complete it may still be considered.
Successful candidates must be able to take up the studentship by 1 February 2027 and live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds during the funding period.
Research Project: Mixed Precision Methods at Exascale
The funded PhD will focus on “Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale.”
The research will be conducted within the University of Leeds School of Computer Science under the supervision of Dr Massimiliano Fasi.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the proposed supervisor before applying to discuss the research project, expectations and their suitability for the opportunity.
Costs Not Covered by the Studentship
Although the scholarship covers academic tuition fees and provides a maintenance grant, international students should be aware that several costs associated with moving to the UK are not included.
These may include:
- Student visa costs.
- Immigration Health Surcharge.
- Flights to and from the UK.
- Other relocation expenses.
International applicants should therefore consider these additional costs when preparing their financial plans.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy the University of Leeds’ English-language requirements.
The stated minimum requirement for research postgraduate study is generally:
- IELTS overall: 6.5
- Writing: 6.5
- Reading: 6.0
- Listening: 6.0
- Speaking: 6.0
Equivalent English-language qualifications may also be accepted.
Applicants should ensure that their English-language evidence remains valid for the proposed start date of their programme.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit an application for research degree study through the University of Leeds application system.
When completing the application, candidates should select:
- Application type: Research Degrees, Research Postgraduate
- Admission year: 2026/27 Academic Year
- Planned course: PhD Computer Science Full Time
- Proposed research start date: 1 February 2027
In the research information section, applicants should clearly state that they wish to be considered for:
“Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale.”
Applicants should also identify Dr Massimiliano Fasi as their proposed supervisor.
In the finance section, candidates should indicate that they are applying for the School of Computer Science Studentship associated with the mixed-precision research project.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should submit all required supporting documents before the scholarship deadline.
These include:
- Full transcripts from all university-level studies, including the grading scheme.
- A personal statement explaining their interest in the research project and suitability for the studentship.
- A CV.
- Evidence of English-language proficiency, where applicable.
The personal statement should demonstrate a clear interest in the proposed research and explain how the applicant’s academic, research and technical experience aligns with the project.
How Will Candidates Be Selected?
Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.
The selection process is expected to involve several stages:
- Applications are reviewed after the deadline.
- Applications are circulated to relevant supervisors.
- Supervisors shortlist suitable candidates.
- Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview.
- Supervisors select their strongest candidates.
- Candidates are put forward to the School Selection Panel.
- The panel determines the successful funding recipient and reserve candidates.
It is important to note that academic admission and scholarship funding are separate processes. An applicant may receive an offer of admission without being awarded the studentship.
Academic and funding offers are expected to be issued by 10 November 2026, with unsuccessful applicants expected to be notified by 20 November 2026.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the University of Leeds School of Computer Science Studentship is:
30 September 2026 at 23:59 UK time.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure that all required supporting documents have been submitted before the deadline.
University of Leeds Computer Science Scholarship 2026/27 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| University | University of Leeds |
| School | School of Computer Science |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Research Area | Computer Science / Numerical Linear Algebra |
| Research Project | Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale |
| Funding | Fully funded studentship |
| Annual Stipend | £21,805 tax-free |
| Duration | 3.5 years |
| Number of Awards | 1 |
| Eligible Applicants | UK and international applicants |
| Start Date | 1 February 2027 |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 at 23:59 UK time |
| Supervisor | Dr Massimiliano Fasi |
Why Consider This Opportunity?
The University of Leeds offers PhD researchers access to specialist research facilities, professional development opportunities and a broad academic and research community.
For applicants interested in numerical computing, high-performance computing, numerical linear algebra and advanced Computer Science research, this studentship provides the opportunity to undertake specialised doctoral research while receiving full tuition funding and a substantial annual maintenance grant.
With only one funded position available, competition is expected to be strong. Applicants should therefore ensure that their academic background, research interests and personal statement clearly demonstrate a strong fit with the proposed project.
