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How to apply

Applications for 2026/27 entry will open in due course. Find out more about what you need to do before you apply, the application process, and what happens once you've applied.

1. Check you're eligible

Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the programme, and check you have the skills we’re looking for in our international postgraduate researchers.

2. Find a project

Browse our BBSRC NWDP in Bioscience projects once they're live. Discover one at either the University of Liverpool or the University of Manchester that you're passionate about, and that matches your interests, ambitions and goals.

Interested in more than one project? You can include up to two project (these can be from one institution, or one project from each institution) in your application.

3. Contact the primary supervisor

Reach out to your potential supervisor and speak to them about the project. This is one of the most important things you need to do before you apply. The supervisor name and contact details will be listed in the project advert. 

4. Complete your application

Have you found a project and contacted the listed supervisor? When applications re-open for 2026/27 entry, you'll be able to apply via our specific BBSRC NWDP in Bioscience online application form. This is a separate application form specifically for candidates of this scheme. Applications shouldn't be made through either university's usual online application system.

When applying, you can select up to two projects in one single application. This can include two projects from one institution, or a project from each institution. 

Late or incomplete applications, or applications not made via the specific BBSRC NWDP in Bioscience application form, won't be considered. 

Once you've applied, you'll receive a confirmation email. You should reply to this email as soon as possible with all of your supporting documentation.

5. Prepare your supporting documents

You'll need to prepare the following documents to support your application:

  • A curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Personal statement
  • Degree certificates and transcripts (if your qualification's still pending, please make this clear on your application form and you can send this to us via email at a later date)
  • English language certificates (if applicable)
  • Two references (these should be full references, not just the referee's name and contact details. If your referees would prefer to send this to us directly, they can do so by emailing the NWD Programme central email address at the University of Manchester: NWD-BBSRC.applications@manchester.ac.uk)
  • Evidence of settled/pre-settled status/indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK (if applicable).

Once you've prepared your documents, you should complete your application using the guidance in the next step. 

6. Submit your supporting documents

You must share your supporting documents in response to the application confirmation email you'll receive.

Please submit the documents in the following format only:

  • Each document should be submitted as a separate attachment and should be named as follows: [candidate surname, candidate name – [document]]. For example: Jones, Jamie – CV; Jones, Jamie – personal statement; Jones, Jamie – BSc transcript
  • Please submit .pdf documents where possible for your CV, personal statement, transcripts and certificates. Don't submit photos of certificates
  • Don't combine documents into one pdf. You may zip separate documents into a zip file to send via email if required.

The NWDP interview

If you're invited to one of our interview days following supervisor nominations, you'll be notified directly via email. Interviews take place via Zoom or Teams. The BBSRC NWD Recruitment Committee will assess applicants based on CV, academic record and references. Interview panels will consist of up to three academic staff from both universities.

During the interview you'll be required to give a short presentation (not exceeding 10 minutes) that either outlines any research experience you may have (for example, an undergraduate project), or the BBSRC NWDP project you're interested in. Presentations are normally made in PowerPoint format.  

If you're not nominated by a supervisor for a panel interview, we'll notify you directly that your application has been unsuccessful.

Key dates

Key dates are to be confirmed for 2026/27 entry.