Fully Funded PhD Scholarship in the UK 2026: Study Child Poverty, Migration and Social Security at the University of Glasgow

If you are searching for a fully funded PhD scholarship in Europe that combines cutting-edge research, global relevance, and strong policy impact, this opportunity at the University of Glasgow stands out as one of the most competitive and transformative doctoral programs currently available.

About the Scholarship Program

This prestigious doctoral opportunity is hosted within the College of Social Sciences at the University of Glasgow—one of the oldest and most respected universities in the English-speaking world, founded in 1451.

The PhD project focuses on a critical global issue:

The intersection between child poverty, migration, ethnicity, and access to social welfare systems.

Research shows that although minoritised ethnic children represent only 12% of Scotland’s child population, they account for 27% of children living in poverty, highlighting a major inequality gap.

This scholarship aims to investigate:

• Why migrant and minority families underclaim social benefits
• Structural and systemic barriers within social security systems
• The impact of race, immigration status, and socio-cultural factors
• Policy solutions to reduce child poverty

The project is conducted in collaboration with the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG), ensuring real-world policy impact.

Scholarship Benefits (What You Will Receive)

This is a fully funded PhD opportunity, meaning selected candidates will receive:

• Full tuition fee waiver (for both UK and international students)
• Annual living stipend at UKRI rate
• Research Training Support Grant (RTSG)
• Access to academic training, conferences, and workshops
• Membership in a high-impact research community

Important note: Travel, visa, and relocation costs are typically not covered.

Who Can Apply? (Eligible Candidates)

This opportunity is open to a global pool of applicants, including:

Eligible Regions

• Africa
• Asia
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Oceania

In particular, strong encouragement is given to applicants from:

• Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
• Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs)

Academic Qualifications Required

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree (First Class or Upper Second Class) in a relevant field
• A Master’s degree in Social Sciences or a related discipline (highly preferred)

Relevant Fields of Study

• Sociology
• Social Policy
• Migration Studies
• Development Studies
• Political Science
• Public Policy

Additional Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must also:

• Secure admission into a PhD program within the College of Social Sciences
• Apply through a recognized UK doctoral funding competition (e.g., SGSSS)
• Demonstrate strong research potential and academic excellence
• Provide academic transcripts and references
• Show interest in migration, inequality, and poverty research

Research Focus and Methodology

This PhD project is highly interdisciplinary and will involve:

• Qualitative interviews with migrant and minority families
• Stakeholder engagement (policy actors, NGOs)
• Ethnicity data gap analysis
• Co-production workshops with affected communities

The research adopts a reflexive and intersectional approach, examining how overlapping identities (race, class, migration status) shape access to social welfare systems.

Why This Scholarship Matters

This is not just a PhD—it is a policy-relevant, impact-driven research opportunity.

The findings will contribute to:

• Government strategies to reduce child poverty by 2030
• Improved social security systems
• Better inclusion of migrant and minority communities

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

To apply, candidates must:

1. Prepare academic documents:
   • CV
   • Transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
   • Research-related documents
2. Submit application through the official University of Glasgow portal
3. Apply for admission to the relevant PhD program (if shortlisted)
4. Attend an interview if selected

Apply here

Deadline

21st April 2026

The University of Glasgow CoSS PhD Scholarship offers a rare opportunity to pursue fully funded doctoral research in the UK while addressing one of the most pressing global challenges—child poverty among migrant and minority populations.

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