How to apply
Could you be a part of our next cohort of Robotics and AI researchers? Follow our application guide to learn how to apply.
Before you apply
Before submitting your application, you must select a project.
You can apply for up to three projects within the CDT on your application form, each of which has a pre-defined supervisory team. Please note you should not contact any member of a supervisory team directly.
The guide below takes you through every stage of applying to RAINZ CDT, from consideration to application. Ready to apply already? Find out how to submit your application form.
If you're unsure of anything, please email the RAINZ CDT team for guidance.
Key considerations
A strong application clearly demonstrates your potential to succeed on the CDT programme. Show how your technical and transferable skills align with the CDT’s requirements and your chosen project(s), and highlight why you are motivated to pursue a PhD in Robotics and AI for Net Zero. Make sure your answers are tailored, specific, and well-proofread, avoiding generic or AI-generated responses.
If you lack formal Robotics or AI experience, don’t be discouraged. The four-year CDT, with its integrated training, is designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills before you begin your PhD research.
For your first year, you will be based at The University of Manchester. However, depending on which research project you are successful in applying for, you will be based for Years 2 – 4 in either:
- The University of Manchester
- The University of Glasgow
- The University of Oxford.
Please consider which location a project is in when making your decision.
The project listing will inform you of which MSc you will study in your first year. You can find out more about these courses and the progression requirements on our programme page.
Applicants should hold (or be predicted to achieve) an undergraduate degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or a related STEM discipline, with at least an Upper Second-class classification (2:1 with 65% average) or international equivalent. We primarily consider the overall degree grade as the boundary for academic entry requirements; however individual module results may also be taken into consideration.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate programming experience and cannot already hold a PhD qualification.
Each project may have further eligibility requirements specific to that opportunity. You can review the available PhD projects within RAINZ, and their entry requirements, using our project search.
Successful applicants will be awarded a 4-year studentship covering:
- Tuition fees paid at Home student rate
- A tax-free stipend to help with living costs, set at the UKRI minimum rate* (i.e., £20,780 for 2025/26), which increases annually in line with inflation
- A Research Training and Support Grant to cover travel expenses and project consumables associated with your research including conference attendance, secondments, and other research and training activities
Additional funding is available to support a range of CDT activities, including secondments or institutional visits, the purchase of specialised equipment, and access to an accessibility fund. The Accessibility fund supports students with specific needs (e.g., caring responsibilities) when attending conferences or other required activities.
A limited number of CDT studentships may be awarded to international students each year. We strongly encourage international applicants to discuss tuition fee waivers during the interview stage, so that potential fee reductions or additional scholarship support through the host university can be explored. Any waiving of international fees will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the host institution.
TechExpert: As part of the UK Government’s TechFirst skills programme, successful Home applicants to Cohort 2 of the RAINZ CDT will receive a £10,000 per year enhancement to their UKRI minimum stipend.
Funding for the RAINZ CDT is primarily provided for Home students, see the University's tuition fee status guidance. Constraints applied by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) limit the number of international students we can accept to a maximum of 30% of the cohort size. Funding amounts are fixed per student, with the amount available to cover fees set at the Home student fee level.
Some PhD projects may have specific nationality or residency requirements. Applicants should refer to the individual project descriptions for full details.
International applicants are welcome to apply to the RAINZ CDT, provided they meet the programme’s academic and eligibility requirements. Note that international students from some countries may need clearance under the Academic Technology Approval Scheme from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to be able to study with us.
If you are successful in securing a funded place, the studentship will not cover additional costs such as visa application fees, travel costs or the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
International applicants can still apply even if they have not yet met certain overseas requirements, such as securing visa or providing evidence of English language requirements. However, if shortlisted, you will be required to meet these conditions as set by your host institution.
What you need
You must provide an official copy of your university transcripts, including your undergraduate degree and any postgraduate qualifications (if applicable). If you are currently completing a degree, please submit an interim transcript.
If any of your transcripts have been issued in a language other than English, you should include with them official, authenticated English translations (or ask your university for a translated copy).
If you progress to the next stage of the application, you may be required to provide further supporting documents such as degree certificates, and references.
Ready to apply?
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Phase 1
Application deadline: 13 February 2026, 5:00 pm (UK time)
Shortlisting and interviews completed by: 31March 2026
Decisions: April 2026
Phase 2
Application deadline: 15 May 2026, 5:00 pm (UK time)
Shortlisting and interviews completed by: 26 June
Decisions: July 2026
Join our mailing list to receive updates on the admissions process and to be notified when new PhD projects are advertised.
To apply, you must complete our application form. The application form will be available once applications open.
Applicants who progress to the next stage of application process will be asked to submit a formal application through the host university's application portal. This is primarily an administrative step, as the information required will closely mirror what you've already provided in the RAINZ CDT application form.
There are two application phases for Cohort 2 admissions. An initial set of PhD projects is advertised in January 2026, with additional projects advertised in the spring, after the first admissions deadline.
Applicants may select up to three PhD projects on the application form. Candidates who are unsuccessful in Phase 1 are welcome to apply again in Phase 2 for different projects.
Once we receive your application, it is first reviewed to check that you meet the academic entry requirements.
- For Oxford and Glasgow projects: if you meet the requirements, you will be asked to submit a local application to the host university. You will receive instructions by email, and the local application must be submitted within one week of this email.
- For Manchester projects: the local university application is requested after shortlisting. Eligible candidates will receive guidance and instructions by email at that stage.
After the application deadline has passed, all submissions will be reviewed by an academic panel.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview online, and final outcomes will be communicated after all interviews have taken place.