I've come across a PhD topic I am very interested in pursuing, however it's advertised at a university that does not appeal. Due to personal circumstance I am unable to relocate at this time and further to this, the university in question is not especially reputable. I wanted to understand if I am able to apply to undertake this topic elsewhere.

The topic is currently advertised as being a competition funded, in that it is in competition with other proposed PhD topics, with only some receiving the limited available funding. I assume some form of copyright exists, although I wondered if this topic fails to secure funding at this particular university if this would open up my options.

Thank you