🔌 Perovskite Solar Cells: The Future of Solar Energy
Perovskite solar cells represent a revolutionary breakthrough in renewable energy technology. These innovative materials use a special crystal structure that can convert sunlight into electricity with remarkable efficiency, rivaling traditional silicon solar panels at a fraction of the cost. What makes perovskite technology exciting is its ability to absorb different wavelengths of light more effectively, achieve higher conversion rates, and be manufactured using simpler, more affordable processes. With lab efficiencies already reaching over 25 percent and continuing to climb, perovskite solar cells are positioned to transform how we harness solar energy – making clean, sustainable power more accessible and affordable for communities worldwide, especially in regions that need it most.
📍 Key Opportunity Highlights
✅ Funding Amount: Full tuition fees covered plus annual stipend of £20,780 (2025/26 rate) for 3 years
✅ Additional Benefits: Up to £1,000 per year for research expenses
✅ Eligibility: Open to UK and international applicants (up to 30 percent international students accepted)
✅ Academic Requirements: Undergraduate degree at 2.1 level (or equivalent) in Engineering or relevant science discipline
✅ English Language: IELTS 6.5 Overall (5.5+ each component) or recognized equivalent
✅ Project Start: 1 April 2026 (flexible start dates may be available)
✅ Study Mode: Full-time PhD in Materials Engineering
✅ Application Deadline: 2 February 2026
📝 Application Documents Required
📄 CV (Curriculum Vitae)
📄 Degree certificates and transcripts (or current grade screenshots if still studying)
📄 Cover letter with supplementary personal statement explaining why the position matches your skills and how you plan to develop the project
📄 One academic or employer reference on headed paper (using official email address)
📄 Evidence of English language requirement (if applicable)
📄 Copy of UK resident visa (if applicable)
📄 Confirmation of EDI form submission (mandatory)
🎯 Research Focus
This exciting PhD position is part of Swansea University’s UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Energy Technologies and the REACH-PSM project (Resilient Renewable Energy Access Through Community-Driven Holistic Development in Perovskite Solar Module Manufacturing). You will work on accelerating the development of printable perovskite photovoltaics for deployment in Africa, focusing on sustainable materials, advanced characterization techniques, lifecycle analysis, and real-world testing in underserved regions. The project emphasizes cost-effectiveness, efficiency, environmental sustainability, and social impact.
🔑 Step-by-Step Application Guide
🔹 Step 1: Complete the online application form
🔹 Step 2: In ‘Programme Related Information’ section, input RS Code: RS934
🔹 Step 3: In ‘Research’ section under ‘Proposed project title/studentship title’, enter both the RS Code (RS934) and the full scholarship title
🔹 Step 4: Leave ‘Proposed Supervisor’ field blank
🔹 Step 5: Leave ‘Research Project’ field blank
🔹 Step 6: In ‘Do you have a proposal to upload?’ select YES and upload a copy of the scholarship advert (save as PDF)
🔹 Step 7: In ‘Funding information’ section, select ‘Scholarship Funding’ ONLY (no other options)
🔹 Step 8: Complete the mandatory Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Monitoring Form
🔹 Step 9: Upload all required documents through the online application portal (do not email)
Note: If you’ve previously applied for this program, apply for the next available start date and email pgrscholarships@swansea.ac.uk with your student number and RS934 code to request a start date amendment.
📧 Informal Enquiries
Contact: Professor Matthew Davies
Email: m.l.davies@swansea.ac.uk
🔗 Apply Now: Official Scholarship Page
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