Cambridge Fully Funded PhD Studentships 2026: Two Openings in Sustainable Science for International and MENA Students

Studying for a PhD at the University of Cambridge is a goal for talented students across the Middle East and North Africa, and two fully funded studentships have just opened that make it a realistic one. The University of Cambridge's Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, through the internationally recognised Reisner Laboratory led by Professor Erwin Reisner, is inviting applications for two doctoral studentships at the frontier of sustainable science. Both are open to home and international students, and the application deadline for both is 2 November 2026, with studies beginning in October 2027.

Why these Cambridge studentships matter for MENA students

A Cambridge PhD carries global prestige, and "fully funded" plus "open to international students" is the combination MENA applicants most need, because it removes the tuition and living-cost barriers that often make UK study out of reach. Working in the Reisner Laboratory means joining a group tackling globally important challenges, climate change, renewable energy, plastic pollution and sustainable manufacturing, alongside experienced scientists and engineers. For ambitious graduates in the region who want their research to have real environmental and industrial impact, this is a chance to do it at one of the world's leading universities.

Two projects, two disciplines

The first is a four-year PhD Studentship in Microbiology, developing biohybrid technologies that combine engineered living cells with solar-powered systems, engineering microorganisms to convert carbon dioxide and other feedstocks into valuable complex chemicals, and integrating microbial systems with light-harvesting semiconductors for semi-artificial photosynthesis. The second is a three-and-a-half-year PhD Studentship in Chemical Engineering, focused on scalable solar-driven "photoreforming" that turns plastic waste into useful products including hydrogen fuel, designing continuous-flow solar reactors, testing under real sunlight, and working toward kilogram-scale plastic processing and metre-square-scale reactor systems. This project is supported by the Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies programme.

Who is eligible to apply

For the microbiology project, you should hold or expect a qualification equivalent to a UK first-class Master's or honours degree in microbiology, biochemistry or a closely related biological or chemical science, with interests in microbial biotechnology, sustainable chemistry, synthetic biology, bioengineering or renewable technologies. For the chemical engineering project, you should hold or expect an equivalent UK first-class Master's or honours degree in chemical engineering, process engineering, environmental chemistry or a closely related discipline, with interest and experience in sustainable chemical processes, renewable energy, materials science, catalysis or environmental engineering. Both are explicitly open to home and international students, so MENA applicants are eligible.

What the studentships fund

Both are fully funded studentships. The microbiology studentship runs for four years and the chemical engineering studentship for three and a half years, both starting in October 2027. For the precise stipend rate, fee coverage and any additional allowances, check the official project pages, as funded Cambridge studentships typically cover fees and provide a maintenance stipend, but exact figures are set per project.

Degree level and field

These are doctoral (PhD) studentships in microbiology/biotechnology and in chemical engineering, based at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom.

How to apply: step by step

First, decide which project fits your background and read its full description on the official FindAPhD project page. Prepare a cover letter explaining your motivation and research interests, a detailed CV, full academic transcripts and reference letters. Note that the process involves an initial email submission to the group followed by a formal University of Cambridge postgraduate application through the admissions system, so allow time to complete both. Submit everything before the 2 November 2026 deadline, and prepare your references early so they are ready in time.

Frequently asked questions

Apply now

If you want a fully funded PhD at Cambridge working on some of the most pressing sustainability challenges, review the project you fit best and apply before 2 November 2026: read the official announcement and project links here.

Source: University of Cambridge, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry — Reisner Laboratory (Prof. Erwin Reisner) official studentship listings.