Last reviewed: 20 August 2026
A funded PhD can be advertised as a scholarship, studentship, doctoral researcher job, project position or graduate research award. The label affects how you should read the opportunity.
PhD scholarship
A scholarship commonly funds a student admitted to a doctoral programme. Support may include tuition and a stipend, and the student may not be treated as an employee.
Studentship
Studentships are common in the United Kingdom and some research systems. They can be attached to a specific project, funding council, doctoral training centre or supervisor.
Doctoral researcher employment
In parts of Europe, a PhD is frequently advertised as a paid employment position. The notice may appear in a university jobs system rather than a scholarship page and can include salary, contract duration and employee benefits.
Project-defined vs applicant-defined research
Some funded PhDs recruit into an existing project with defined objectives. Others fund a successful applicant who proposes or develops a research topic with a supervisor.
What to compare
Check employment status, tuition liability, salary or stipend, social benefits, duration, teaching duties, research topic flexibility, admission requirements and whether the job and doctoral admission are separate processes.