The School of Economics, University of Edinburgh, is pleased to announce the Minto Scholarship, established through a bequest from the estate of Mr Brian Dickinson, to support outstanding doctoral research in Economics. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit and provides full financial support, including a full tuition fee waiver and a stipend at UKRI rates, for a period of four years subject to satisfactory academic progress.
The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1582, is one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom. It has a long history of academic excellence and played an important role during the Scottish Enlightenment. Over the centuries, the university has grown into a world-leading institution known for research, innovation, and high-quality education across many disciplines.
Table of Briefs
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Minto Scholarship |
| Level of Study | PhD Doctoral Research |
| Subject Area | Economics |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Host Institution | School of Economics University of Edinburgh |
| Closing Date | 2 February 2026 |
Background
The Minto Scholarship is offered by the School of Economics to support outstanding international students undertaking PhD research in Economics. The scholarship is funded through a generous bequest from the estate of Mr Brian Dickinson, reflecting a long-term commitment to advancing high-quality economic research.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Minto Scholarship, applicants must meet both nationality and academic requirements.
Eligible Nationalities
Applicants must be residents of one of the following countries:
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Australia
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New Zealand
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Canada
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Finland
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Norway
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Sweden
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Denmark
Academic Eligibility
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Must apply for first-year entry to the PhD with Integrated Study in Economics
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Must hold a Master’s degree with distinction, equivalent to the Scottish Graduate Programme in Economics MSc
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Must submit a strong and feasible research proposal
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Proposed research must align with areas supervised by the School of Economics academic staff
Benefits
The Minto Scholarship is a fully funded award that provides comprehensive financial support throughout the PhD programme.
What the Scholarship Covers
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Stipend: Paid at UKRI rates
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For 2025/2026: £20,780 per year, paid monthly
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Tuition Fees: Full fee waiver
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Duration: Four years, subject to satisfactory academic progress
Important Note:
The PhD programme officially lasts four years. No funding is provided during the writing-up period, so students should plan accordingly.
Application Process
Applying for the Minto Scholarship involves two essential steps:
Step 1: Apply for the PhD Programme
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Submit an application for PhD with Integrated Study in Economics via the official Degree Finder
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Ensure your academic qualifications and research proposal meet the programme requirements
Step 2: Register Interest in the Scholarship
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After submitting your PhD application, email:
EconPGR.Enquiries@ed.ac.uk -
Mention your interest in the Minto Scholarship
Interview Stage
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All eligible applicants recommended by the PGR Director will be invited for an interview
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Interviews take place in late February or early March
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 2nd February 2026.
Conclusion
The Minto Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for high-achieving international students to pursue a fully funded PhD in Economics at a world-renowned institution. With generous financial support and a strong academic environment, this scholarship is ideal for candidates aiming for careers in research, academia, or policy-making.