The Francis Crick Institute has announced that applications for its 2027 PhD programme and studentships will open in early October 2026, providing an opportunity for talented researchers from around the world to pursue doctoral studies in biomedical research in the United Kingdom.
The Crick PhD programme is open to candidates of all nationalities and offers successful applicants a fully funded studentship covering tuition fees and a tax-free annual living stipend of £27,715 for four years.
The programme is designed for outstanding candidates seeking to develop careers in biomedical science and research. Successful applicants will join the Francis Crick Institute, a major biomedical research centre in London.
Francis Crick Institute PhD Programme 2027
The Francis Crick Institute’s PhD programme provides doctoral researchers with the opportunity to work in a research-intensive environment alongside leading scientists and research groups.
Successful applicants will receive a place on the Crick PhD programme together with a PhD studentship that provides substantial financial support throughout the four-year programme.
The funding package includes:
- £27,715 tax-free student stipend per year
- Funding for four years
- Tuition fees
- Reimbursement of the student visa application fee, where applicable
- Reimbursement of the immigration health surcharge, where applicable
This funding package allows successful international students to undertake doctoral research in the UK while receiving financial support for their living costs.
Who Can Apply?
The Crick PhD programme and studentship are open to candidates of all nationalities.
Applicants are generally expected to meet the programme’s academic entry requirements, including:
- A first-class or upper second-class honours degree, or an equivalent qualification from a non-UK university, in a relevant subject.
- Appropriate research experience gained during or outside a university degree programme, or a relevant Master’s degree.
Some individual PhD positions may have additional eligibility requirements depending on the funding supporting the position. Applicants should therefore carefully review the requirements listed on individual position pages before applying.
English Language Requirements
Applicants do not need to provide English-language information as part of the initial application process.
Candidates who are offered a Crick PhD studentship will subsequently receive information about the institute’s English-language requirements.
This means prospective applicants should focus on preparing their academic, research and application materials before the application deadline.
Francis Crick PhD Application Timeline
The 2027 recruitment process is scheduled to take place between October 2026 and February 2027.
Key dates include:
- Week ending 2 October 2026: Applications open
- 30 October 2026: Application deadline at 12:00pm midday GMT
- 6 November 2026: Reference deadline at 12:00pm midday GMT
- By 22 December 2026: Applicants informed whether they have been invited to interview or are unsuccessful
- 13, 14 and 15 January 2027: Panel interviews conducted via Zoom
- 18 and 19 January 2027: Open afternoon and laboratory visits at the Crick in London
- By 8 February 2027: Final outcomes communicated
Prospective applicants should begin preparing well before applications open to ensure they can submit a competitive application before the October deadline.
How the Selection Process Works
Following the reference deadline, applications will initially be reviewed by members of the Crick’s Academic Training team.
The initial assessment will determine whether applicants meet the minimum eligibility requirements.
Eligible applications will then be made available to the recruiting Group Leaders selected by each applicant. As part of the institute’s efforts to reduce the potential impact of unconscious bias, Group Leaders will not initially see applicants’ names when reviewing applications.
Group Leaders will assess applications and shortlist candidates. Some may also involve other members of their research groups in the initial shortlisting process.
Candidates selected for further consideration may be contacted by Group Leaders for informal discussions during the shortlisting period.
The Crick notes that applicants should continue monitoring their email during this period. Not hearing from a selected Group Leader does not necessarily mean that an applicant is no longer under consideration.
Interviews and Lab Visits
Shortlisted candidates will participate in panel interviews conducted via Zoom in January 2027.
Following the interviews, selected applicants will have the opportunity to attend an open afternoon and laboratory visits at the Francis Crick Institute in London on 18 and 19 January 2027.
The final outcome of the recruitment process is expected to be communicated by the end of 8 February 2027.
Future Leaders in Biomedical Sciences Scholarships
The Francis Crick Institute also highlights its Future Leaders in Biomedical Sciences Scholarships, which are open specifically to candidates of Black or mixed Black heritage.
Prospective applicants who meet the criteria may wish to explore this additional funding opportunity alongside the standard Crick PhD programme.
Why Apply for the Crick PhD Programme?
The programme offers doctoral researchers the opportunity to build careers in biomedical research while working in a leading scientific research environment.
Key benefits include:
- Four years of PhD funding.
- £27,715 annual tax-free stipend.
- Tuition fee coverage.
- Potential reimbursement of UK visa-related costs.
- Access to a major biomedical research institute.
- Opportunities to work with experienced research leaders.
- International eligibility.
- Exposure to a multidisciplinary research environment.
The programme is particularly suited to candidates with strong academic backgrounds and research experience who are seeking to pursue careers in biomedical science.
Application Deadline
The Francis Crick Institute’s 2027 PhD application deadline is 30 October 2026 at 12:00pm midday GMT.
The reference deadline is 6 November 2026 at 12:00pm midday GMT.
Applications are expected to open during the week ending 2 October 2026.
Because the Crick receives a high volume of applications, prospective candidates are encouraged to prepare their materials early and carefully review the requirements for the individual research positions they wish to apply for.
Francis Crick Institute PhD 2027 at a Glance
Programme: Francis Crick Institute PhD Programme 2027
Study level: PhD
Field: Biomedical research
Location: London, United Kingdom
Eligibility: Candidates of all nationalities
Duration: Four years
Annual stipend: £27,715 tax-free
Tuition fees: Covered
Visa costs: Reimbursed where applicable
Applications open: Week ending 2 October 2026
Application deadline: 30 October 2026, 12:00pm GMT
Reference deadline: 6 November 2026, 12:00pm GMT
