Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP) 2027

The Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership (MIBTP) is a UK doctoral training programme funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). It provides interdisciplinary PhD training that combines bioscience research, professional development and collaboration with industry. Its research focuses on areas such as sustainable agriculture, food security, biotechnology, renewable resources, microbiology and human health. The programme is delivered through six partner universities in the Midlands region of England and supports researchers developing solutions to major biological and environmental challenges.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNovember 23, 2026
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
• City to studyBirmingham, Coventry, Newport, Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry
• School to studyAston University, Coventry University London, Harper Adams University, University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, University of Warwick
• Course to studyBiological Sciences , Biotechnology , Microbiology-immunology , Neuroscience , Plant Science , Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security , Renewable Resources and Bioenergy , Structural and Systems Biology , Regenerative Biology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• UK tuition-fee rate covered
• Research expenses covered
• Consumables budget included
• Travel and conference budget
• Use of a MacBook for the programm

Requirements

Home / UK students 

To be classed as a home student, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirement) or,
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter

International students:

• Anybody who does not meet the criteria for home / UK student, above, would be classed as an international student.
• Awards for both UK residents and International applicants cover UK tuition fees and provide a stipend at the standard UKRI rate to support living costs. UKRI funding will not cover the difference between UK tuition fees and international tuition fees. There are institution-specific options which may be able to help cover the difference between UK and international tuition fees. See the institution specific information below and/or contact potential supervisors at the desired institution directly in order to understand if funding to cover international level tuition fees is available to them.
• UKCISA provides information on tuition fees to help you assess your fee status.
• International students will require a student visaLink opens in a new window in order to be able to study in the UK. There are costs associated with the visa application process, which must be met by the student; approx. £3,600 for the visa and healthcare surcharge. Please ensure you have the means to meet these costsLink opens in a new window before you apply to the programme.

Academic requirements:

• You can check your experience against our scoring criteria here: MIBTP Candidate Scoring Criteria
• Those who have a 1st or a high 2.1 undergraduate degree in a relevant field are eligible.
• Those who have a low 2.1 and an additional Masters degree - or at least three years postgraduate experience - in a relevant field may be eligible.
• Those who have a 2.2 or below are only likely to be considered if their additional experience is exceptional.
• Those with degrees abroad (perhaps as well as postgraduate experience) may be eligible if their qualifications are deemed equivalent to any of the above, but please be aware that competition for overseas places is extremely high. 

Check also:
Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)

Application Deadline

How To Apply

1. Check your eligibility.
2. Complete the ED&I form, which also as an expression of interest in MIBTP. This helps us monitor our ED&I commitments at every step of the application process. The academic directors and the shortlisting panel do not have access to the EDI form and will not see your EDI responses.
3. Complete an Application form for each University of your choice (Aston, Birmingham, Coventry, Harper Adams, Leicester or Warwick University), applying for the PhD programme in the appropriate department for your interests.
4. Review the MIBTP Data Privacy PolicyLink opens in a new window to understand how we process your personal data.

For more information, visit MIBTP scholarship webpage.