Key Dates and Deadlines
Source: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/deadlines/ Parent: https://www.qmul.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/applyfortaughtprogrammes/
You can apply online for all our Postgraduate Research programmes (doctorate or PhD). This page outlines the key dates and deadlines for both Home/ European and International students applying to Queen Mary University of London.
Most PhD programmes at Queen Mary start in September-October or January each year. Enrolment at different points in the year may be possible, for example, where funding for a specific project starts mid-year. A small number of students start their programmes in late Spring (April/May).
If a non-standard start date is approved, please note that enrolment must be completed within two weeks of the programme start date.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
Any applicant who is not a European Economic Area or Swiss national, applying for a Postgraduate Research course, may require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) security certificate.
If you require an ATAS security certificate, you will need to obtain your ATAS certificate, before requesting a CAS. Queen Mary University of London will not issue a CAS until your ATAS certificate has been obtained. Applicants should note, during busy periods, it can take up to six weeks to receive your ATAS security certificate.
Deadlines for funded studentships
- Humanities and Social Sciences Studentships: Wednesday 21 January 2026 (please check the advert for the project)
- Law/CCLS studentships: Monday 4 December 2025 (5pm) (please check the advert for the project)
- School of Business and Management studentships: Friday 16 January 2026 (5pm)
- Science and Engineering Studentships: Wednesday 28th January 2026
- Other Science and Engineering Studentships: various (please check the advert for the project)
- Medicine and Dentistry studentships: various (please check the advert for project)
- China Scholarship Council applicants for any subject area: Wednesday 28th January 2026
- Doctoral Training Partnerships: There may be an additional application and an earlier deadline. Please check the websites carefully.
September 2026 entry:
- October 2025 - Applicants for postgraduate research programmes for entry in September 2026 open
- Thursday 25th December 2025 - Friday 2nd January 2026 - University Christmas Closure. (Online applications may be submitted during this period. We will endeavour to respond to applicant enquiries and process newly submitted applications as soon as possible upon reopening in January).
- March 2026 - Accommodation applications open. For further information, please visit our Accommodation pages.
Further information on Queen Mary Research Studentships can be found on our dedicated webpages.