The University of Sussex is inviting outstanding domestic and international students to apply for its fully funded 2026 PhD Scholarship in Engineering. This incredible opportunity allows you to immerse yourself in groundbreaking research that focuses on developing new sustainable energy vectors, replacing fossil fuels with cleaner, climate-friendly alternatives. Under the expert supervision of Professor Peter Fussey, successful candidates will join a world-class academic community at one of the UK’s most research-active universities.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss the University of Sussex Scholarship 2026
This prestigious studentship goes beyond financial aid; it’s a full academic experience designed to nurture innovation and leadership in sustainable engineering.
Here’s why it stands out:
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Full Tuition Coverage — Study free of charge at a leading UK university.
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Generous Tax-Free Stipend — Receive £20,780 per year for living expenses.
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Research Grant — Get a £2,000 one-off Research and Training Support Grant.
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Open to All Countries — Both UK and international students are eligible.
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No IELTS Required — Simplified application for non-native English speakers.
Application Deadline: October 17, 2025
About the Research Project
The 2026 University of Sussex PhD Studentship focuses on “The Search for New Energy Vectors – Application of FPGAs to Computational Chemistry.”
The project unfolds in two research phases:
Phase 1: Structure Generation and Property Assessment
Using graph theoretic methods and computational chemistry tools, students will utilize Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) with the Simulink/Matlab toolset to model and analyze potential energy systems.
Phase 2: Machine Learning and Quantum Chemistry Integration
The data from the first phase will feed into machine learning models that predict new energy systems, which will later be analyzed through advanced quantum chemical methods for efficiency and sustainability.
This innovative work aims to find energy alternatives that are environmentally sustainable, renewable, and scalable.
Eligibility Criteria for the 2026 University of Sussex Scholarship
To be considered for this scholarship, applicants must:
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Be a UK or international applicant.
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Hold an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree or an equivalent qualification in a related field (Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, or similar).
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Demonstrate strong academic and research potential.
Scholarship Benefits: What You’ll Receive
This fully funded PhD opportunity provides exceptional financial and academic support:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend | £20,780 per year (tax-free) |
| Tuition | Full waiver for UK, EU, or International rate |
| Research Grant | £2,000 one-off funding |
| Program Start | January 2026 |
| Location | University of Sussex, United Kingdom |
The scholarship covers the full duration of the PhD program, ensuring you can focus entirely on your research without financial strain.
Required Documents for the University of Sussex Scholarship
Before applying, ensure you have the following ready:
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Research Proposal – outlining your ideas and alignment with the project.
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Personal Statement – explaining your motivation and goals.
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CV – detailing academic achievements and experience.
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Degree Certificates and Transcripts.
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Two References – at least one from a recent academic institution.
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Proof of English Proficiency – if your first language is not English.
How to Apply for the 2026 University of Sussex Scholarship
Follow these steps to successfully apply for the University of Sussex PhD Studentship:
Step 1: Access the Official Scholarship Page
Go to the official scholarship listing via the University of Sussex website.
Step 2: Apply for a Full-Time PhD in Engineering
Select the January 2026 entry and complete your online application using the step-by-step portal.
Step 3: Specify Your Research Project
Clearly mention in your application that you are applying for the “Search for New Energy Vectors – Application of FPGAs to Computational Chemistry” studentship supervised by Prof. Peter Fussey.
Start your application now via the official portal: Apply for the University of Sussex PhD Engineering Studentship
Why Choose the University of Sussex?
Founded in 1961, the University of Sussex is renowned for its innovative research and global academic impact. Located in the beautiful city of Brighton, Sussex combines modern research facilities with a vibrant, inclusive environment, making it a top choice for PhD candidates from around the world. With a strong focus on sustainability, technology, and interdisciplinary learning, Sussex provides an ideal environment for aspiring researchers to thrive.
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