Join a leading global hub for mental health research with the CAMHRA Doctoral Scholarships 2026 at SOAS University of London. Five fully funded PhD positions are available for outstanding candidates with an anthropology background.

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in anthropology with a merit or equivalent grade and a dissertation mark of at least 65% (UK) or higher. The proposed PhD project should use anthropological and ethnographic methods to study mental health. Candidates from all nationalities are eligible, and those with relevant professional experience may also be considered.

SOAS University of London is a public research university founded in 1916 and located in central London. It is renowned for its expertise in the study of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, offering world-class teaching in law, politics, economics, languages, cultures, history, and the arts. SOAS is the only higher education institution in Europe specializing in these regions, with a strong focus on non-Western perspectives and underrepresented communities.

Application Deadline: 3 December 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: SOAS University of London
• Department: Department of Anthropology and Sociology
• Course Level: PhD (Doctoral)
• Award: Tuition Fees (Home/Overseas) + Maintenance Stipend of £22,780 per year (UKRI rate, inclusive of London weighting)
• Access Mode: Online
• Number of Awards: 5
• Nationality: Open to all nationalities (Home and International students)
• The award can be taken in: United Kingdom

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: All nationalities
• Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in Anthropology and Sociology with a focus on Mental Health Research.
• Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have a proposed PhD project that applies anthropological and ethnographic methods to the study of mental health.

• Hold a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in anthropology, with a merit or equivalent grade in the master’s degree and a dissertation score of 65% (UK) or higher.

• In exceptional cases, candidates with relevant professional experience and strong academic performance may be considered.

• Meet the SOAS Doctoral School English language requirements (for international applicants).

• Clearly indicate in their personal statement that they wish to be considered for the CAMHRA Scholarship.

How to Apply

Application Process:

• Stage 1: Submit an application to the PhD in Anthropology and Sociology at SOAS. Include:

  • Formal application form

  • Personal/supporting statement

  • Academic CV

  • Research proposal (max. 2000 words)

  • Full transcripts and degree certificates

  • English language evidence (if applicable)

  • One academic reference

• Stage 2: Applicants accepted into the PhD program will be reviewed by the CAMHRA committee for shortlisting. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview (March 2026).
• Additional Support: A webinar titled “How to Develop a Strong Application and Q&A” will be held on 3 December 2025 at 2:00 pm GMT, led by CAMHRA’s leadership team and a current PhD student.

Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage (Home/Overseas)

• Annual living stipend of £22,780 (UKRI rate, inclusive of London weighting)

• Specialized training through the Medical Anthropology/Mental Health cluster and CAMHRA workshops

• Mentorship by leading experts in anthropology and mental health

• Membership as a Research Student Affiliate with CAMHRA

• Collaborative opportunities with the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust

Apply Now