GSK Studentships
Global biopharma company GSK is investing up to £50 million in a collaboration with Oxford to advance the understanding of how cancer develops, which could inform future development of vaccines to prevent cancer. The agreement establishes the GSK-Oxford Cancer Immuno-Prevention Programme, aimed at exploring the potential of cancer prevention through vaccination.
The programme leverages the complementary expertise of GSK and Oxford in the science of the immune system, vaccine development and cancer biology. It is hoped that the insights generated through the programme into how cancer develops could inform new approaches to vaccination for cancer prevention, offering fresh hope in the fight against the disease.
We have two studentships available for the 2026 intake.
How to apply:
Applicants must apply with a prioritised list of three projects selected from the GSK booklet below by midday on Tuesday 2nd December 2025.
Apply through the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website for the relevant track.
On the application form, in the section headed ‘Departmental Studentship Applications’, you must indicate that you are applying for the GSK studentship and enter the reference code for this studentship “GSK25”
Can I also apply to projects in the other project booklets?
The GSK funded Studentships come with their own dedicated funding, so applicants must choose from the set list of 5 eligible projects—these are all included in the GSK project booklet. The two rotations which take place in the first year need to be taken across the GSK project offering, so rotations cannot be mixed with those listed in the other project booklets. This ensures the funding is used in line with the partnership’s goals, which focus on particular areas of research.
However, it’s important to know that GSK funded students are part of the wider Cancer Science DPhil programme. You’ll attend the same seminars, training sessions, and events, and be part of the same research community as all other Cancer Science students. The only difference is how your project is funded.
The DPhil in Cancer Science GSK Studentships - 2026 Intake Project Booklet will be published in due course.