The University of Leeds PhD Scholarship 2027 in the UK offers an exceptional opportunity for talented researchers who want to pursue doctoral study in computer science while receiving full academic fee coverage and a generous tax-free maintenance grant. The funded research project focuses on “Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale,” an advanced topic at the intersection of numerical computing, artificial intelligence hardware, scientific computing, and high-performance computing.
For the 2026/27 academic year, the University of Leeds is offering one funded place through the School of Computer Science Studentship. The scholarship is open to both UK and international applicants and provides full academic fees together with a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years.
The project is particularly suited to candidates with an interest in numerical algorithms and scientific computing. Applicants with backgrounds in computer science, applied mathematics, computational mathematics, physics, or engineering may be suitable. Basic programming experience in languages such as Python, C, C++, Julia, or MATLAB is required, while previous knowledge of numerical linear algebra is desirable but not essential.
With an application deadline of 30 September 2026 at 23:59 UK time, prospective candidates should begin preparing their documents well in advance.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Leeds |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Scholarship | School of Computer Science Studentship |
| Research Project | Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale |
| Degree | PhD in Computer Science |
| Study Mode | Full-time |
| Funding Duration | 3.5 years |
| Annual Stipend | £21,805 tax-free |
| Tuition Fees | Fully covered |
| Eligible Applicants | UK and international students |
| Start Date | 1 February 2027 |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Funded Places | 1 |
| Proposed Supervisor | Dr Massimiliano Fasi |
The scholarship is funded by the University of Leeds and is awarded competitively based on academic merit. Receiving an academic offer for the PhD does not automatically mean that an applicant has secured the studentship. Academic admission and funding selection are separate processes.
The University of Leeds PhD Scholarship is a competitive doctoral funding opportunity within the School of Computer Science. The specific project investigates mixed-precision algorithms for large-scale numerical linear algebra problems on modern high-performance computing systems.
Modern supercomputers increasingly use hardware accelerators originally developed for artificial intelligence applications. These accelerators can perform calculations extremely quickly using low-precision arithmetic. However, scientific computing often requires much greater numerical accuracy.
The research project aims to develop algorithms that intelligently combine low- and high-precision computations. The goal is to preserve accuracy while achieving improvements in computational speed and energy efficiency.
This makes the PhD highly relevant to the future of scientific computing, numerical analysis, supercomputing, and computational research.
The scholarship provides significant financial and academic support throughout the doctoral programme.
Successful candidates will receive a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years. This provides financial support while the student undertakes full-time doctoral research.
The stipend is intended as a maintenance allowance. Applicants should note that the scholarship does not provide additional allowances for travel, research expenses, conference attendance, or other costs.
The studentship covers full academic fees for the funded period. This is especially valuable for international students who would otherwise face substantially higher costs associated with doctoral study in the UK.
The successful researcher will work in an active research environment and have access to state-of-the-art supercomputers and research facilities.
The project also provides opportunities to collaborate with researchers at the University of Leeds, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
Leeds provides doctoral researchers with opportunities to develop academic and professional skills through workshops, training, seminars, conferences, and research activities.
The university also highlights industry links and opportunities to build professional networks that can support students after completing their doctoral studies.
The funded project provides opportunities to present research at national and international conferences, contribute to scientific publications, and work with widely used scientific software libraries.
The algorithms developed during the project are expected to contribute to software ecosystems including SLEPc and MAGMA, giving the research potential for practical impact beyond the university.
The research topic, “Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale,” addresses an important challenge in modern scientific computing.
Mixed-precision computing involves using different levels of numerical precision during a computation instead of performing every operation at the same precision.
The approach can make algorithms faster and more energy efficient. However, researchers must carefully manage accuracy to ensure that the final results remain reliable.
The Leeds project will investigate new algorithms that can exploit modern AI-oriented hardware accelerators for scientific applications. The research is therefore connected to both high-performance computing and the rapid development of AI hardware.
The project is suitable for candidates with a strong interest in numerical algorithms and scientific computing.
Relevant academic backgrounds include:
Basic programming experience is necessary. Experience with Python, C, C++, Julia, MATLAB, or similar programming languages can be relevant. Previous knowledge of numerical linear algebra is desirable but not mandatory.
The opportunity is open to both UK and international applicants. The official funding page states that applicants of all nationalities can be considered.
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
Applicants who previously started a PhD but did not complete it may still be considered, according to the university's funding conditions.
For this School of Computer Science funding opportunity, candidates whose first language is not English must demonstrate the required English proficiency.
The listed minimum is:
Equivalent qualifications may be accepted where permitted by the university.
Applicants should pay particular attention to the distinction between general research-degree requirements and requirements attached to a particular school or funding opportunity. The School of Computer Science scholarship page specifies the higher IELTS requirement above.
Applicants must submit supporting documentation by the application deadline.
Provide full transcripts from previous degree studies. Applicants currently completing their final degree should provide transcripts covering their studies to date, including the grading scheme where applicable.
The personal statement should explain your interest in the research project, why you have selected the topic, and how your academic and technical skills match the project requirements.
This section is particularly important because the university specifically requests applicants to explain their interest in the project and how their skills map onto its requirements.
Your CV should clearly present your academic background, programming experience, research experience, publications if applicable, projects, internships, employment, and other relevant achievements.
If required, submit evidence demonstrating that you meet the university's English-language requirements.
Applications must be submitted through the University of Leeds research-degree application system.
Create an account and begin a formal application for research degree study through the university's online system.
For this project, select:
The official project page specifically instructs applicants to select the full-time PhD Computer Science option.
In the research information section, state the project title: Mixed precision methods for numerical linear algebra at exascale
Applicants should also identify Dr Massimiliano Fasi as the proposed supervisor.
In the Finance section, state that you are applying for the School of Computer Science Studentship 2025/26: Mixed Precision, as instructed on the official funding page.
Upload your transcripts, personal statement, CV, and English-language evidence where applicable.
The deadline is 30 September 2026 at 23:59 UK time. The university recommends applying early and encourages potential applicants to contact the supervisor for an informal discussion before applying.
Applications will be processed after the closing date. Supervisors will review applications, shortlist candidates, and conduct interviews.
Selected candidates will then be put forward for consideration by the School of Computer Science funding selection panel.
The university expects academic and funding offers to be issued by 10 November 2026, while unsuccessful applicants are expected to be notified by 20 November 2026.Only one funded place is available, making this a highly competitive opportunity.
Yes. The studentship covers full academic fees and provides a tax-free maintenance grant of £21,805 per year for 3.5 years. However, it does not provide additional allowances for travel, research expenses, conference attendance, or other costs.
Yes. The funding opportunity is open to international applicants and UK applicants.
The deadline is 30 September 2026 at 23:59 UK time.
The funded research project starts on 1 February 2027.
There is one funded place available for this School of Computer Science studentship.
No. Candidates who are currently registered on a PhD are excluded. Candidates who have already been awarded a PhD are also excluded.
No. This specific funded project is for full-time PhD study. Successful candidates must also live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds while receiving the scholarship.