phd without funding uk

Studentships and doctoral training

Get a studentship to fund your doctorate.

UKRI studentships offer funding for doctoral research. They also offer you access to training, networking and development opportunities to help you build a research and innovation career.

Our expectations for research organisations, supervisors and students are set out in the statement of expectations for doctoral training .

You could get:

• a minimum stipend of £19,237 per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular instalments
• support for your tuition fees (minimum £4,786 per year)

The stipend is usually non-taxable and does not need to be paid back. Some research organisations may offer more if you study in London, or they or one of their collaborators might decide to top up the payment. This will be outlined in the studentship advert from the research organisation.

We normally pay the support for tuition fees directly to your research organisation.

The levels given here are for the academic year 2024 to 2025. UKRI’s approach to doctoral stipend and fee levels will be reviewed through the  new deal for postgraduate research .

Additional support for your doctoral studies

As a UKRI-funded doctoral student, you may be able to access additional funding to cover the cost of other related training and development opportunities.

This could include:

• conference attendance
• language training
• overseas research visits
• internships or placements with a non-academic partner

The availability of support will depend on the research organisation and the training grants they have on offer. You should contact the research organisation you are interested in applying to, to find out what you could get.

Extra support if you have a disability

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.

You should speak to your research organisation’s disability advisor to assess your needs. They can help put the right support in place, including a DSA application if necessary. You cannot claim DSA directly from UKRI.

DSA helps to cover the cost of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result of a disability, mental health problem or specific learning difficulty.

The allowance covers:

• non-medical personal assistance
• specialist equipment
• extra travel costs
• general expenses

Find out more about DSA in our framework .

If you are a research organisation you can download claim forms and guidance for DSA .

Who can apply

Any prospective doctoral student wishing to study at a UK research organisation, including prospective international students, can apply for a UKRI studentship.

All UKRI-funded doctoral students will be eligible for the full award, both the stipend to support living costs, and home-level fees at the UK research organisation rate.

How to find opportunities

Many UK research organisations offer some form of studentship funding from UKRI. These opportunities will depend on the subject you want to study and will normally be advertised by the research organisations.

Research organisations may have additional opportunities that do not involve UKRI. UKRI supports around 20% of all UK-based postgraduate researchers. You should speak to the research organisation you are interested in to find out what studentships are available.

You could also consider using a specialist website like   FindaPhD  to look for opportunities.

When to apply

Research organisations set their own deadlines for applications.

Many open for applications early in the academic year and close in January or February. This is not a hard and fast rule. It is important that you check the deadlines for the research organisation where you want to study.

How to apply

You cannot apply to UKRI for a studentship. You must contact the research organisation you are interested in studying with and use their application process.

For doctoral students who are already studying with a studentship, there are opportunities to get additional funding to support placements that are separate from your doctorate.  Find training and development opportunities .

Last updated: 14 February 2024

This is the website for UKRI: our seven research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Let us know if you have feedback or would like to help improve our online products and services .

PhDLife Blog

Sharing PhD experiences across the University of Warwick and beyond

How to survive doing your PhD when you have no funding? (1)

How to secure funding for your PhD, if you get admitted, is probably one of the most stressful issues the majority of  prospective PhD students are facing. The number of scholarships, grants and awards is limited compared to the number of applications, and very often the main obstacle is not getting an offer, but sorting out your finances. This begs another question: how to do your PhD and fund yourself at the same time?

Navigating the funding opportunities at the same time while preparing your PhD application requires an incredible amount of time, especially if you are an international student and you have no previous experience with the higher education in the country where you are applying for.

Seven years ago I started exploring my PhD options and the first thing I learned about the UK system was that finding a supervisor who is an expert in the topic you would like to write about and who is also willing to supervise you is the key thing. Even if you are the best candidate in the world, without a suitable supervisor you cannot get on board. At that point, I already had six years of research experience and I basically had all the data for my chosen topic collected. Luckily for me, I got two offers at the UK universities and chose Warwick. However, little did I know that while my efforts were focused on supervisors, transcripts, IELTS and references, I completely missed all the deadlines for funding opportunities thinking that scholarship applications take place once you get admitted, and not before or at the same time.

Doing a full-time PhD with no funding is extremely hard, but not impossible. Although I did apply for a scholarship in my first year, I didn’t get it. I also couldn’t get a student loan in my home country because the banks rejected an idea of funding something which is down abroad. Also, my government only offered scholarships to those studying in the country. I found myself in the dead end. My family helped me as much as they could, but due to unforeseen circumstances, I couldn’t afford my third year and, despite upgrading to PhD in my first year, I had to give up and finish my study earning an MPhil degree instead. After years of research and three years at Warwick, not completing a PhD I dreamed about was devastating.

Meanwhile, with a lot of sacrifices, I managed to save enough to start another PhD at Warwick hoping that this time my chances for getting a scholarship would be higher as I already completed an MPhil, had many years of work and research experience and published works. However, this didn’t happen and once again I found myself struggling as a self-funded student supported only by the small Frankopan Fund grant for Croatian students.

The moment I learned the reason behind my unsuccessful scholarship applications felt like going down the rabbit hole at warp 9. Academic grades counted for 50 % of points, while a research proposal, experience and published works meant much less. As a result, my entire CV and everything I had achieved meant very little because my academic grades were very good, but not excellent. The make things worse for me, I got them 10 years before coming to Warwick in the educational and grading systems which were very different and where having First Class was extremely rare. Also, I have been visually impaired since birth with autism which went undiagnosed until I came to the UK, but, as such, I managed to complete three university degrees in my home country with no rights to reasonable adjustments and struggling on an everyday basis to actually read and write. This certainly had a huge impact on my grades, and, unfortunately, my funding opportunities.

My PhD journey has been exceptionally daunting, but it did help me grow personally and professionally. Not many students will be lucky enough to have supervisors with grant money aside or to get a scholarship, which does make entire PhD experience much easier because, instead of focusing on survival, you can actually focus on your thesis. Some students have more opportunities than others because their governments or employers are supporting them, or they are eligible for doctoral loans . However, this doesn’t mean that if you are not one of them, you should give up on your dream. In the second half of this blog post, I will discuss some ideas and tips that can help you to achieve your academic goals when the universe is sending you a not very subtle message that it is not meant to be.

To be continued… 🙂

Have you been struggling with securing funding for your research degree? Are you a self-funded student? Tweet us at  @ResearchEx , email us at [email protected], or leave a comment below.

Blanka Matkovic is the 4 th year PhD candidate in Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick, where she previously completed an MPhil degree in History department. Her MPhil thesis was published in the USA in 2017. Blanka’s primary interests are peace and war studies, conflict resolution, migrations and diaspora, human rights violations, the Second World War and war crimes, and dealing with the past and memory. She is the Blog Editor for the PhD Life and the Study Blog. Blanka can be contacted via email and followed on Twitter at @bmsplit .

Cover image:  career-road-away-way-of-life-479578 / geralt /  CC0 1.0

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Ph.D Scholarships UK - Ph.D Funding UK 2024-2025

If you want to take your Ph.D program in UK but you need financial support, below is a list of available Ph.D scholarships for International students in UK  2024-2025. These Ph.D grants uk are made available by universities in UK

• Fully funded

University Of Birmingham PhD Scholarship for Black British Researchers 2024

The PhD will provide a unique opportunity to engage with an under-researched collection of African art at the University of Birmingham (UoB), a discrete collection that is part of Research and Cultural Collections (RCC) - a university museum holding full Museum Accredited status from Arts Council En

Published: 2024-04-02 Type: PhD Study in: Birmingham Deadline: January 1, 1970

City Law School PhD Law Scholarships for Black British Researchers 2024

The City Law School is offering a full-time, three-year doctoral scholarships (entry in September 2024) specifically addressed to Black British applicants. Applications are invited from exceptional and ambitious graduates wishing to pursue cutting-edge research in any of the School's key rese

Published: 2024-03-28 Type: PhD Study in: London Deadline: April 1, 2024

University of Sussex Peter Carpenter Africa Climate Scholarship for African PhD Students 2024

This prestigious fully-funded PhD Peter Carpenter Climate Change scholarship is awarded to African citizens with top level academic qualifications. The PhD programme is hosted within the Climate Science and Society Research (CSSR) group in the Department of Geography, where there is a v

Published: 2024-03-28 Type: PhD Study in: Brighton Deadline: April 15, 2024

University of Kent Law School PhD Research Studentship in UK 2024

This studentship is offered by Kent Law School in association with the UKRI-funded Future Leaders Fellowship project led by Dr Connal Parsley, “The Future of Good Decisions: an Evolutionary Approach to Human-AI Government Administrative Decision-Making”. The project will take a new appro

Published: 2024-03-05 Type: PhD Study in: London Deadline: March 31, 2024

Newcastle University PhD Studentship in Skeletal Muscle (UK) 2024

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a motivated and talented individual to join our team. Our prior studies have revealed intriguing structural changes in patients with mitochondrial myopathy, a condition characterised by mitochondrial dysfunction. Specifically, we have observed an increased

Published: 2024-02-26 Type: PhD Study in: Newcastle upon Tyne Deadline: April 30, 2024

University of Kent Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Scholarship for PhD Students 2024

The University of Kent is pleased to offer four EPSRC studentships starting in September 2024 to exceptional students undertaking PhD study in the following schools on a full-time basis: School of Physics and Astronomy School of Chemistry and Forensic Sciences School of Computing School

Published: 2024-02-22 Type: PhD Study in: London Deadline: March 24, 2024

University of Southampton Horizon Europe Fee Waivers for Postgraduate Students 2024

The University of Southampton is introducing a new programme to support the reassociation of the UK with the Horizon Europe programme, and the University strategy to grow the international diversity of its doctoral cohort. The University will apply a fee waiver - equivalent to the diffe

Published: 2024-02-20 Type: PhD Study in: Southampton Deadline: Not Specified

University Of Portsmouth PhD Scholarship Opportunity: Narcissus 2024

This Ph.D. project explores the rarely studied area of corona structures in Narcissus flowers, highlighting the striking species-to-species variation. To solve the puzzles surrounding corona development, the research combines cooperative efforts, high-throughput DNA sequencing, developmental genetic

Published: 2024-02-16 Type: PhD Study in: Portsmouth Deadline: March 1, 2024

Newcastle University Konishi Foundation Scholarship for PhD Students 2024

The Konishi Foundation Scholarship provides support to an excellent candidate who wishes to pursue a PhD in Politics in topics related to East Asian politics within the School of Geography, Politics and Sociology at Newcastle University. For purposes of this call, East Asia includes China, Hong Kong

Published: 2024-02-16 Type: PhD Study in: Newcastle upon Tyne Deadline: February 19, 2024

King’s College CMCI London African Music PhD Scholarship 2024

The researcher will be based in the Department of Culture, Media and Creative Industries (CMCI),  King’s College London and co-supervised by Professor Roberta Comunian (Professor of Creative Economies in the Department of Culture, Media & Creative Industries) and&n

Published: 2024-02-15 Type: PhD Study in: London Deadline: March 19, 2024

King’s College London Afro Beats And Afro Bytes: PhD Studentship for African Students 2024

The researcher will be based in the Department of Culture, Media and Creative Industries (CMCI),  King’s College London and co-supervised by Professor Roberta Comunian (Professor of Creative Economies in the Department of Culture, Media & Creative Industries) and Dr Eka

Published: 2024-02-13 Type: PhD Study in: London Deadline: March 19, 2024

Newcastle University AHRC-funded PhD Studentship in Early Modern Studies 2024

Interested in early modern books, print culture and politics? This project investigates how the early modern English state used the book trade guild known as the Stationers’ Company to censor publications.  You will work with the Stationers’ Company’s extensive archive (in

Published: 2024-02-12 Type: PhD Study in: Newcastle upon Tyne Deadline: February 28, 2024

Newcastle University Overseas Research Scholarships (NUORS) for International PhD Students 2024 entry

Newcastle University is committed to offering support to the very best international students hoping to pursue a programme of research. We are pleased to offer a small number of University funded NUORS awards for outstanding international students who apply to commence PhD studies in any subject in

Published: 2024-02-08 Type: PhD Study in: Newcastle upon Tyne Deadline: May 10, 2024

Newcastle University Overseas Research Scholarships (NUORS) 2024 entry

Published: 2024-02-07 Type: PhD Study in: Newcastle upon Tyne Deadline: May 10, 2024

University of Bristol Black Heritage PhD Scholarships 2024

We welcome applications for full scholarships to postgraduate research programmes starting in 2024. As part of our commitment to the Black community, the University of Bristol has launched a number of postgraduate research scholarships exclusively for students of Black heritage for 2024/25 entry.

Published: 2024-02-02 Type: PhD Study in: Bristol Deadline: February 27, 2024

University of Leeds Business School Marketing Department Scholarship 2024

Doctoral research students in marketing will develop the ability to pursue research that advances the frontiers of the marketing discipline and solves business and marketing problems using advanced research tools and techniques. They will learn how to derive implications from their research results

Published: 2024-01-23 Type: PhD Study in: Leeds Deadline: April 26, 2024

University Of Manchester Dean's Doctoral Scholarship Award 2024

These scholarships are open to all nationalities and across all research areas, and will be of interest to students of the highest calibre who have the commitment and desire to work on challenging research projects in a world leading research environment.  

Published: 2024-01-18 Type: PhD Study in: Manchester Deadline: March 31, 2024

Regent's University London PhD Progression Scholarship 2023

Regent's PhD Progression Scholarships reward the loyalty of undergraduate students or taught postgraduate students who progress to enrol on a PhD degree with us. It's our way of saying thank you.  

Published: 2024-01-18 Type: PhD Study in: London Deadline: Not Specified

University of Edinburgh 2023 Informatics Global PhD Scholarship

If you have a strong academic record of accomplishment at undergraduate or Masters level, and are highly motivated to pursue a PhD programme in the School of Informatics at The University of Edinburgh, you could be selected to receive a full PhD scholarship.  Applicants who submit a programm

Published: 2024-01-12 Type: PhD Study in: Edinburgh Deadline: April 26, 2024

University of Edinburgh Law School & Cameron PhD Scholarship to Study In UK, 2024

Edinburgh Law School offers a number of full PhD studentships, one of which is provided through a generous bequest from alumnus Ewen Cameron in his name. These scholarships will pay tuition fees and an annual stipend in line with UKRI rates (approximately £18,662 per annum). The stipend wil

Published: 2024-01-11 Type: PhD Study in: Cardiff Deadline: February 1, 2024

Best UK Scholarships

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PhD studentships

If you're looking to get PhD funding for a specific research project or field of study, Doctoral studentships can provide you with either a partially or fully-funded PhD

Who awards PhD studentships?

PhD studentships are most commonly awarded by the UK's seven Research Councils in the form of Research Council grants , with research funding overseen by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) .

Individual UK universities also offer scholarships and bursaries to PhD students, while many professional bodies fund Doctoral research in collaboration with these academic institutions.

For instance, research awards are offered by the following engineering organisations:

• Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) - QUEST scholarships
• Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
• The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

Additionally, Cooperative Awards in Science and Engineering (CASE) can be part-funded by any non-academic body. These four-year PhDs require the student to work at the organisation for at least three months.

You can also apply for funded PhD opportunities through many charities, foundations and trusts, including:

• Action Medical Research
• Alzheimer's Society
• British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG)
• British Heart Foundation (BHF)
• Cancer Research UK
• Diabetes UK
• Rosetrees Trust - PhD Plus
• The Leverhulme Trust
• Wellcome Trust

Before you start applying for a funded PhD, it's always a good idea to discuss this with a prospective supervisor first, as they're often able to provide tips on maximising the likelihood of receiving financial support.

How much can I receive?

Many PhD studentships, including those offered by universities, professional bodies, or charities, foundations and trusts, provide three years' funding paid at a similar rate to the Research Council grant:

• Fees-only studentship - These cover a student's tuition fees, plus any associated project and training costs (a minimum of £4,786 per year).
• Full studentship - These add a non-repayable, tax-free maintenance grant known as a 'stipend'. In 2024/25, this is worth a minimum of £19,237 and it can be used towards living costs - see UKRI - Find studentships and Doctoral training .

For example, a University of Manchester School of Social Sciences PhD studentship includes tuition fees for three-and-a-half years and a maintenance grant of £16,062 (2022/23 rate) per year for living expenses, plus associated research costs - such as fieldwork and attending conferences - from the Research Training Support Grant.

However, you should be aware that some PhD studentship recipients are required to teach undergraduates. While this provides an excellent opportunity to gain vital employability skills, it can also be hugely time-consuming. You must be satisfied that tutoring won't negatively affect the quality of your research before accepting your place.

Is my programme eligible for a PhD studentship?

PhD studentships can start at any time of the year, but most begin in September, October or January.

Certain types of PhD, for example professional Doctorates, may not be eligible for a PhD studentship. The same applies to part-time or distance learning options.

Am I eligible?

PhD studentships typically demand that applicants have a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above, plus a relevant Masters degree or professional experience at that level of study.

Those who already possess a PhD are often ineligible, while some PhD studentships are limited to students fitting certain criteria - for example, those from a disadvantaged background, from a certain country or of a certain ethnicity.

If you're a European Union (EU) national, you'll need to have settled or pre-settled status under the government's EU Settlement Scheme to be eligible for student finance in this country - and this includes PhD studentships.

How do I apply for a PhD studentship?

The application process can be lengthy, and competition is fierce.

Some PhD students will be automatically considered for financial support once they've been accepted by an institution, but many are required to make separate PhD funding applications. These are usually made directly to the university - even for those studentships from Research Councils, professional bodies, or charities, foundations and trusts.

You'll typically be asked for your PhD application form, a research proposal , a cover letter and your references. After the institution has reviewed your application, you may be invited to interview.

Throughout this process, the university will scrutinise what you'll bring to the institution. Applicants at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), for example, are judged on:

• the quality of their research project and how it connects with research currently being undertaken at the institution
• how appropriate the supervisory team is
• their calibre, academic qualifications and academic/research experience
• whether the research can contribute towards the Research Excellence Framework (REF), meaning that interdisciplinary research will be preferred.

How do I increase my chances of getting a PhD studentship?

You can improve your chances of success by:

• asking a friend or family member to proofread your application
• carefully choosing your referees, ensuring that they'll speak positively of you
• discussing your draft application with a relevant academic
• explaining how your work will be unique and innovative
• following the funding body's guidance regarding word counts and formatting.

What other PhD funding is available?

If you're unsuccessful with your PhD studentship application, you could consider:

• crowdfunding
• employer sponsorship
• PhD loans .

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PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page
• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Programme options

Programme overview.

• We're ranked in the top ten universities in the UK for Education (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022).
• Learn with research-active experts in the field of education and work with highly diverse cohorts of students and staff.
• Contribute to improvements in the overall wellbeing of students, their families and communities throughout the world through research.

The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and programmes. On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see Open days.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 19 January 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

Scholarships and funding

Would you like to turn your dream of studying in the uk into a reality.

Deciding to study in the UK is an investment in your future. A prestigious degree from the UK is a valuable and transformative experience and will take your education - and your employability - to the next level.

There are many funding options available for international students who want to study in the UK. They range from part-funding, for example paying part of your fees, to full-funding which covers programme fees, living expenses, and return flights to the UK.

You can search for the right scholarship for you on the course and scholarships finder below.

Postgraduate funding

The UK government runs a variety of scholarship programmes to financially support international students who are looking for help funding their studies in the UK.

The three main UK government scholarships on offer are:

GREAT Scholarships

GREAT Scholarships are scholarships to UK universities across a variety of subjects, for students from 15 countries. Applications for 2024-25 are open.

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships offers fully funded master's degrees in the UK. Learn more about one of the UK's most prestigious scholarships.

Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships are UK university scholarships given to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage.

Wider UK government funding

The UK government offers hundreds of scholarships, bursaries and additional financial support to students from a large number of countries.

You can visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website to find out more about the funding available if you are studying in the UK as a postgraduate student, including whether or not you are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Just scroll down to the relevant section of the webpage.

UKCISA is the UK’s national advisory body serving the interests of international students and those who work with them.

Hear from international scholars What's involved in receiving a UK scholarship?

Tips for choosing a scholarship, international scholars in the uk.

Thinking of applying for a scholarship? Here are some top tips from international students who have received a scholarship to study in the UK.

GREAT scholarships

Nadine, university of kent.

What are GREAT scholarships and who is eligible? Watch as Nadine, a GREAT scholar, and Maria from the University of Kent explain everything you need to know.

Commonwealth scholarships

Commonwealth scholars.

Are you a high-achieving student living in the Commonwealth? Watch as scholars Suahib and Hamna explain all you need to know about Commonwealth scholarships.

Chevening scholarships

Chevening scholars.

If you have a vision to make the world a better place, the Chevening scholarships might be for you. Watch to learn more about the programme.

Being a GREAT scholar

Ismet, university of essex.

Ismet tells us about receiving his GREAT Scholarship for Sustainable Futures, and why he chose the University of Essex.

Being a Commonwealth scholar

Olaoluwa, nigeria.

Olaoluwa has received a Commonwealth shared scholarship. See her impressions on studying in the UK and receiving this life-changing scholarship.

Postgraduate studentships

Many universities offer fully-funded postgraduate studentships for PhD programmes. Find out more .

Institution-specific scholarships

Many UK higher-education institutions offer their own scholarship programmes.

These are offered based on a number of factors, which can be broadly split out into the following categories:

• Academic, merit and excellence scholarships - These are usually awarded to students with a strong academic background, including achieving strong grades in their school exams. 
• Performance-based scholarships - These are usually awarded to those who have exceptional ability in an extracurricular activity such as sports, music or performing arts like drama or dance.
• Subject-specific scholarships - These are often offered by individual departments for students studying a particular course or subject.
• Equal access or sanctuary scholarships - These scholarships can take the form of a tuition fee reduction or waiver or maintenance award and are offered to refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution from their home countries.
• Disability scholarships - These scholarships support international students with a disability, long-term mental health condition, learning difficulty or other special needs. 

Always check out different institutions’ websites to discover what is available, and take a look at specialist websites like Postgraduate Studentships and Prospects for curated information that covers different institutions.

Application advice Six top tips on applying for a scholarship

Read our essential advice on how to apply for a scholarship, from eligibility criteria to tailoring your application.

Global scholarships

A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship

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• Waiting it Out

Would you do a PhD without funding?

By katiegud December 16, 2013 in Waiting it Out

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I'm still waiting to hear from 3 programs I applied to, I have an interview at another, and two have accepted me. Of the offers though, one is almost definitely unfunded and the other I won't find out until March (arg!). The ones I'm waiting to hear from have potential funding (I applied for scholarships), but in the UK funded PhDs are very competitive. My fear is that my only offers will be without funding. 

I can defer for a year to reapply for scholarships, so that is my first option, but what if I still don't get anything? Would you fund yourself? Or would you take that as a rejection? Just looking for some outside opinions. 

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DirtyLabCoat

IMHO, I would never pay for a PhD. There are more than enough schools with funding available. Many mentors have told me the same.

• LeoBixby , thegraydude , somebloke and 2 others

I would not go to a PhD program without funding either. In fact, I would not have gone to a PhD program if I did not think their funding was enough for me to do my part in supporting my spouse and I (it worked out in the end, but at first it wasn't clear if my spouse would be able to work in the US even). 

• socioholic and somebloke

Maleficent999

I've been advised the same.

No...but it's easier for those of us in the sciences to say this. You may be able to get a TA or RA once you are on campus. I have even heard of students looking for them shortly after being admitted, as the fall they start tends to be too late (At least for that first semester/year).

I would never do a PhD without full funding. If for some reason I don't get funded offers I am going to work as a research assistant for a year or two. This is incredibly unlikely as I only applied to schools that have a history or statement that says they fully fund admitted PhD students.

Adenine_Monarch

Nope. Wouldn't pay either. There are too many schools out there that fully fund their students.

I got accepted into a PhD program in the UK as well, and won't know of funding until March/April. If I was doing my PhD here in the US, I will definitely NOT do a PhD without funding. That said, I heard from a few friends who did their doctorates in the UK that guaranteed funding (i'm in the social sciences) is extremely competitive the first first year, but gets easier to get once you are already in the program. So even if you "self-fund" (thru FAFSA, etc) the first year, there is a strong chance you'll get funding for the remaining 2 years, so the personal expense is mitigated somewhat. The way I see it, self-funding on my first year and studentships for the remaining two years is better than 5-6 years of (near poverty) wages from a funded US program. Hope this helps.

• istanbulnotconstantinople

Guest Gnome Chomsky

Personally, not a chance. It's too long. It's like 5 years. I can't afford that. I could afford a year or two of loans for a master's program, but definitely not 5 years for a PhD. 

Flandre Scarlet

Hell emphatically no.

I did private undergrad with a combination of scholarships, grants, and student loans and if I have to add another loan, I'm not going to do it. Jobs aren't just falling from the sky, so taking on 50-100k worth of debt over a 5-7 year span is not worth it. Nope, too many out there willing to pay for people to go.

http://www.memecenter.com/fun/2214947/godzilla-nope-nope-nope

^^^ That's how I feel about doing a PhD program without funding.

juilletmercredi

Hell to the no!

And I don't think it's "easier" for those in the sciences to say that.  In fact, I think it's even more important for humanities and arts hopefuls to not pay for PhDs, since their job markets are tougher.

would I pay tens of thousands of dollars each year to be somebody else's bitch?

But then again, it's one thing to go 5 years without funding. But entirely different if your intent is to pay for the first year in the hopes of walking on in case your professor gets more funding, or walking out with a masters.  

anthropologygeek

Wow, in the real world a lot of people go without funding. Hard sciences give funding to everyone soft sciences don't. I started without funding, got funding within a month of the semester starting, gave it up a year later due to fellowships and been doing fellowships since. If your confident in yourself being able to not have to rely on the department for funding why not go?

When I use the word "funding" in the context of graduate school education, I mean a "guaranteed" source of income to cover tuition and standard living expenses for the duration of my studies. I say "guaranteed" because few schools will actually promise money for X years, but they will usually say "up to X years, as long as the student makes satisfactory progress", which is good enough (usually unsatisfactory progress = expulsion from program). 

So, in the past, there were some years of grad school where the department provided only the tiny bit of funding needed to cover costs above my external fellowships. I have not ever gone into a program without a certain source of funding though because I had won the fellowship before I started the program (I found out shortly after I heard from grad school decisions). I agree that if, for some reason, you are 95% sure that you can get your own funding and there will be no or manageable gaps, then it might be worth it to go. However, there are non-monetary reasons to want funding, primarily because when a department spends money on you and pays you, it's an implicit recognition that what we are doing is actual work and that our time is valuable and not an limitless resource.

Also, I don't know what you mean by "in the real world a lot of people go without funding". Do you mean the non-academic real world? Everyone else in my family and my spouse's family is not in academia and not one of them have ever gone "without funding" which would be the equivalent of working in a job for no pay. Or do you mean in reality, many graduate students do not have funding and have to pay for their own programs? If so, then I agree, but it's really field dependent as you say. In professional fields, the expectation is that your eventual income will pay for your schooling later on. I think that if your field is one where the norm is not to receive funding, then it's perfectly acceptable for someone who is thinking about grad school to make that part of their decision on whether or not to go to grad school. I love doing my research and science but I will never do it for free--if for some reason, my field's norm became unfunded PhD programs, I would rather do pretty much anything else!

It depends upon the country.

In the North America and in Australia, it's the norm to get funded for PhD and one shouldn't go for a PhD program that doesn't offer funding.

But in the UK and in the rest of Europe, funding probabilities are mixed. Some top-ranked universities have almost guaranteed funding (also shorter PhD), but there are many universities that don't guarantee funding if you are not from the EU.

The question is how badly you want this unfunded PhD from the UK. If you can wait for another cycle and apply for PhDs with guaranteed funding, I think it's better to take that option. If you can't wait, then you need to think how competitive this PhD will be in the job market against similar PhDs from other institutions and whether you feel confident about getting the kind of job you want with this PhD.

From your list of Universities, Edinburgh was the best option, but since it's no longer an option, I think Manchester is the other competitive PhD and my guess is that Manchester will most likely give you at least partial funding. So, worth waiting to hear from them.

I'm not sure about the unfunded PhDs from the rest. You know best about their potential to get you success in the kind of job you want to do.

I would suggest wait to see what kind of funding you get from the rest. If you don't get funding this year, apply next cycle to funded PhDs across UK, EU, Canada and if possible, US.

i wonder how much is the tuition you have to pay each year for the PHD?

Absolutely not. I only have one school on my list with a possibility of not having full funding -- and that's an MA program. Every single professor I spoke to (including my recommenders), all insisted that I not enter any program that didn't have funding. It's a detriment to go into further into debt in my field. It's a detriment in most fields and to be honest, why would you want to? 

If you can afford it, it's up to you. I eliminated any school that wouldn't fund, or did not have a high chance of funding from my list because I can't afford it, and an acceptance without money would essentially be a rejection for me. I knew I would have to eliminate any UK programs when I looked at the costs and the chances of scholarships. But you must have felt you could still afford it somehow? Perhaps taking the year to apply to fellowships + funding would at least give you an opportunity to see if you can afford to go  and/or apply to programs that would fund you. 

Your profile says you're in the US, so applying to US schools that would fund you would be more beneficial to your wallet. 

• 2 weeks later...

Yes, if I were vastly independently wealthy and doing it just for my own personal enjoyment. Otherwise, clearly not - because of the practical reasons cited before and because securing funding and working as a TA/RA is an integral part of the doctoral experience, and a signal in the job search process that happens at the end.

Panama Slim

Not happening.

Brisingamen

I do know someone who did a UK PhD without funding -- at least, she paid her way through the first year and then got a job on campus to cover some of it. It worked out for her because she used an inheritance to pay. Can't imagine going into debt for that, however... 

I'm fairly certain that, at least in the Humanities and Social Sciences, paying for your own PhD is a job application kiss of death. While the saying 'funding begets funding' is pithy and annoying, I think it's worth thinking about in the long run. If no one was willing to pay you to do your research as a PhD, why would anyone pay you as a post-doctoral researcher/prof/whatever?

For the record, I would never, ever pay for a PhD. I'd even be (and am) a bit nervous about programs that offer fewer years of guaranteed funding than they project their PhDs to take to finish (i.e. offer 4 years funding when the average finishing time is 5-6 years).

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Is PhD for me

Can you self-fund a PhD in the UK?

Is phd in the uk free for international students, why a uk phd is not funded, how much does it cost to do phd in the uk for international students, other facts you should know if you want to pursue a self-funded phd in the uk, is it smart to attend a phd program without funding, drawbacks of a self-funded phd in the uk, reasons to self-fund your phd, do you need funding for a phd, wrapping it up, faqs: can you self-fund a phd in the uk.

Although 92% of UK PhD supervisors agree that doctoral students should be provided funding , self-funding a PhD is the norm in many fields of study.

When deciding to self-fund a PhD in the UK you need to make a careful analysis of (i) the post-PhD career prospects, (ii) the job opportunities a PhD can open for you in your particular area of study (iii) the time and opportunity cost you will have along with financial costs for a PhD in the UK.

If you are thinking about self-funding your PhD in the UK like many other international PhD students (link) then you must know these things

• Tuition fees can really drain your bank. The tuition fee can rise every year. You may be charged with other additional costs such as bench fee, PhD extension fee, re-submission fee, etc.
• You might lose your savings and get into debt. Apart from fees, you may need to bear the monthly living expense which may vary depending on what area you live in and what kind of lifestyle you can bear.
• A self-funded PhD might not be the best option to prepare for an academic career. The brutally competitive environment of academia is already filtering candidates with multiple postdocs, high-impact publications, and many other criteria they have to get the best they can (although that is another debate). Self-funding a PhD means you are signing up for post-PhD academic struggles.
• A self-funded PhD might not be the best way to pursue a non-academic career. First, there is an opportunity cost of losing earnings. Second, employers care more about experience than an advanced research degree which most jobs do not require. Third, working under managers who have more experience but fewer academic qualifications than you is really not good for your health or job satisfaction.

PhD is not free in the UK, even local students need to pay the fee or acquire some kind of financial aid to support themselves during PhD years.

Every year there are more and more international students applying for a UK PhD. This increasing demand and low supply of funding push the universities to enroll self-funded PhD students.

As an international PhD applicant, if you want to get a free PhD in the UK , you are expected to bring some funding either from your own country or secure a PhD scholarship offered by the prospective university.

The most criticized thing in the UK PhD system is the funding options for PhD students, especially for international PhD students.

The major reasons are

• You are a consumer of Education as a PhD student in the UK . Unlike many other parts of Europe, the UK does not consider PhD as a job . This encourages the perspective that you are a consumer of education and not a producer of original knowledge for the benefit of society. Therefore, you are not provided a salary against your input. I have discussed this in detail: Why are PhD students paid poorly ?
• UK PhD supervisors may not hire PhD students from their own grants. The UK funding system discourages and makes it difficult for PhD supervisors to hire PhD students from their own grants. So, if a University, department, or your intended research team does not have support from DTPs (Doctoral training partnerships) grant then a PhD supervisor will struggle to hire you.
• A yearly increasing number of PhD applicants for UK PhD positions. Despite losing international PhD students to other nations , the UK remains the most popular PhD destination outside of the US. This high demand for a UK PhD and supply of PhD positions may not change for some time, thus, leaving the funding situation unattended by the UK policymakers.
• UK government funding options. UKRI Grants/ Research Councils Funding. UKRI allocates a major portion of grants under DTCs (Doctoral Training Centers) around 70% for local UK students. This means high competition from ever-increasing PhD applicants against fewer funds.  REF grants on the hands are usually reserved for the elite departments, plus they encourage inter-departmental competition for limited funds. This may not be healthy in an already questionable working culture of academia.

This notion of the supervisor ‘being removed’ from the recruitment process came up several times. For example: “(I would like to have) the agency to pick your own students rather than going through the DTP process which removes the supervisor from the student.” UK Research Supervision Survey

Why Are There So Many Self-Funded International PhD Student In The UK?

A UK PhD is still worth a lot when it comes to career prospects in or outside academia. This is the reason why hundreds of international PhD applicants “hedge their bets” each year to get into a UK PhD program.

The perceived future incentives which let the PhD applicants from around the world to do so are

• Best research facilities. The UK being a developed nation attracts lots of researchers from around the world. A good number of them are from developing countries where these researchers might not have the same labs, equipment, or funding to pursue their scholarly passions. UK research environment, culture, and funds are the main reasons that attract these PhD applicants.
• Attractive post-PhD academic career in the UK. Like many European nations, a UK PhD is generally expected to help in getting an academic job (e.g., post-doc contract). However, the real situation might differ as UK universities often hire lecturers and researchers from other institutions.
• Attractive post-PhD industry career in the UK. I am sure that many international PhD applicants are ambitious for a post-PhD academic career. Still, there are many PhD applicants who consider PhD as an extended master’s as reported by the UK PhD supervisors themselves. Further, a PhD is assumed as a training ground for academia, however, more and more PhD graduates are getting hired in the industry. This might increase the perception that PhDs are more in demand or they get higher overall income. This may be the reason why so many international PhD students are self-funded in the UK. However, t hat might be the wrong way to look at things because PhD means you are losing your peek earning years in the industry, plus what is the use of getting a job if you are not satisfied with the position you are in?
• A UK PhD is well regarded in their home country. UK education and research has a good reputation around the world. This helps PhD graduates in securing jobs in their home country.
• A hope to settle in the UK. A lot of international PhD applicants are from countries where the equality of life is lower than in the UK. The UK is an English-speaking nation where highly educated individuals can enjoy personal freedom. Considering the high number of bachelor’s and master’s degree holders who come to study in the UK with the hope of a better life , PhD applicants are assumed to have these motives too.

“People teach, design websites, work in cafes and bars – anything to earn money in a way that hopefully leaves time for study. As funding falls away, the arts and humanities risk becoming the playground of the wealthy

The cost of PhD may vary in the UK due to several factors including

• Subject Area. This one matters most as some fields of study are much more demanding than others. For instance, the fee of a biomedical science PhD is expected to be much higher than a PhD in medieval studies.
• University or department. Universities providing better faculty, training facilities or labs may charge you more than those who are considered average by UK pedagogical standards.
• Bench Fee. The subjects which require the use of expensive equipment and labs are going to cost more than those where you only need access to library resources.
• Cost of living in the area. Some areas such as London and Cambridge are more expensive to live in compared to other places.
• Travelling and visa costs. You may not consider the traveling costs because they are much less than your tuition fee for the PhD. Still, these expenses can build up fast if you visit your home country too often.
• PhD extension fee. Many PhD students have to extend their PhD thesis write up because of various reasons. If you are extending your PhD from the standard registration period for a PhD then you will have to pay extra.
• PhD resubmissions fee. If you resubmit your PhD thesis UK universities charge will charge a separate fee.
• Part-time PhD. The visa category for international PhD students does not allow for a part-time PhD.
• The Yearly increase in the PhD fee. UK universities typically raise their fee rates from around 3-5% annually. This means you should be prepared for an increase in this multi-year journey of self-funded research.

PhD Tuition Fee

PhD fees vary from one UK university to another and there are several other factors to consider too.

• STEM Subjects PhD fee. The Edinburgh university, for example, charges £28,000 for PhD with Integrated Study (link) – 4 Years (Full-Time) in Natural Language Processing, Wind and Marine Energy Systems and Structures. At the University of Sheffield, a PhD in the Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering demand £25,700 annually from international PhD students. However, the University of Sussex charge as low as £22,975 for STEM subjects that require dedicated labs.
• Life sciences PhD fee . The story is not much different in life sciences which also require heavy use of research labs with expensive equipment. Thus, charging a bench fee increases the cost of an overall PhD in the UK. Edinburgh University in our example charges £28,000 for a PhD in Biomedical Sciences while a PhD in Neuroscience can cost you £25,700 per annum at the University of Sheffield.
• Social Science and Business PhD fee. Here the story gets interesting where universities like Leeds Trinity University only charge you £12,500 for a social science and business PhD. Whereas, in sharp contrast, the Edinburgh university can charge you £25,300 for a PhD in Accounting and £23,350 for a full-time Statistics PhD. More, prestigious institutions like the University of Bristol also charge high rates (£25,300 per year) for a PhD in Psychology. Leeds Trinity University is not a single example of a cheap university there are many more UK institutions that charge you around £12,000- £13,000 for a PhD. Birmingham City University and De Montfort University, for example, will charge you around £13,200 per annum for any PhD in Humanities, Business & Law, Social Work, Community, Education, or Media.
• Arts & Humanities PhD fee. Now discussing humanities PhD fees we can again start to look at high-ranking institutions like the University of Edinburgh and Sheffield where you are expected to pay £23,350 for a full-time PhD in Medieval Studies and £22,510 per annum for a PhD in Music respectively. On the contrary, there are institutions e.g., the University of Huddersfield that can let you take any Architecture, Art and Design, Drama, English, Fashion, Journalism and Media, or Music PhD for £16,000 per annum.

“One of the main problems is that universities, both in the UK and overseas, tend to operate beyond their carrying capacity and accept more PhD students than they can afford. In Europe, however, universities treat graduate researchers like employees which may push colleges to get more funding to satisfy the demand. Due this lack of money, self-funding becomes an adaptation strategy or a plan B.” Thousands pursue PhDs without research funding every year

“…. the dearth of jobs in academia – may also deter potential arts postgraduates. “Because you’re not in any way guaranteed a job at the end, the huge cost of paying for three or four years of study can be a real barrier to entry” As funding falls away, the arts and humanities risk becoming the playground of the wealthy

Cost of living in the UK

Just like the PhD fee, the living cost varies from one area to another. However, l iving cost for student is increasing every year making lives of self funded PhD students more difficult than it ever was.

Combine it with (i) stigma towards self funded PhD student in the research teams, (ii) constant pressure to come up with funds for various academic training opportunities e.g., fieldwork, conference travel etc. , and (iii) declining hope for future prospects and the picture is not prettier then it initially was.

10 Cheapest Universities in the UK for PhD

As we have seen above that some universities can be cheaper to do a humanities PhD and some may offer an inexpensive PhD in science & technology. Further, the bench fee, PhD extension fee, and your personal expenses (living cost) near that university area may also make offers affordable that are expensive at first glance.

Despite all that complexity, here is a short list of cheap universities (especially for international students) in the UK where you can do your PhD.

1. How many years is PhD in the UK?

Usually, the PhD in the UK is 3 years (link) if you are considering PhD by thesis only. However, more and more universities are offering integrated PhD programs (4 years), where you first sign up for a master’s by research (1 year) and then are offered a PhD position for 3 years.

2. Is proof of funds required for a UK student visa for PhD?

Yes, you are required to provide proof of funds to get a visa for UK PhD. Sometimes you need to prove that you have the PhD fee as well as funds to bear the cost of living for at least a year in the UK. If you have dependents the cost may accumulate.

Exemptions from the proof of fund. If you are a national of a specific country you may not need to provide financial evidence to the UK visa & immigration department. However, some UK universities may still demand financial evidence from you for their own concerns. Read this post to know who needs a visa to study for a PhD in the UK.

You can take help from the international office of your target university to get exact information on the amount of financial proof and other requirements you need to provide.

3. How do PhD students make money UK?

By now you might have realized how hard it is to get a PhD funding in the UK . Now, if you are thinking of doing a self-funded PhD in the UK. You may think about the option of earning while studying in the UK.

There are two major sources of income for international PhD students in the UK.

• PhD Stipend. If you are provided financial support for your PhD then you are likely to get a monthly stipend. This is considered enough by some and not enough by many others.
• Part-time work. You are allowed to work part-time while doing PhD in the UK. This can be a good way to earn an extra income. However, this work can slow down your PhD progress. This means you may not be able to complete a rigorous work of research in the time period of 3 or 4 years. Also, note that you are only allowed to do a certain type of work as an international PhD student in the UK.

I have discussed in detail why a PhD without funding may not be possible for international students. If you are thinking of self-funding your PhD you must take it as an investment in your future career. If you consider PhD too sacred to consider as a financial investment then that is a whole new argument.

“The best jobs are outside academia, not only in terms of salaries, but also in terms of satisfaction. Because a career in academia is very hard. First of all, gaining a tenure takes many years of work and frustration after the PhD.” Labour market perspectives for PhD graduates in Europe

However, the real question here is a PhD really for you. To answer this question you need to ask some further questions from yourself.

1. Am I aiming for an academic career?

There are very few fields where you will find ample post-PhD academic opportunities.

If you really want an academic career and you are researching a subject area that is lucrative and in demand then you don’t need to self-fund your PhD.

This means that PhDs that really lead to good academic jobs are most likely to be at least fully funded.

Otherwise, if you are studying a subject area where funding is scarce then post-PhD opportunities will also be scarce as well as precarious.

Suggested Reading: Why doing a PhD is often a waste of time

2. How important is a doctorate in my field?

Do you really need a PhD to get the position you want? I am arguing this because, first, though there are benefits to doing a PhD in the UK and there are many jobs that may require an advanced research degree, 99% of industry careers don’t require a PhD.

Second, and the most important thing is your job satisfaction . There are risks of disengagement when PhD graduates are over-qualified for the job , especially after self-funding a degree that they thought is a good investment for their future prospects.

All people getting their PhD some decades ago had some kind of luxury position. They were the highest level of education, they came to the system like being wanted, being needed and this is a completely different situation as it is today. Labour market perspectives for PhD graduates in Europe

3. Am I ready to spend four or more years on a dissertation?

Self-funding a PhD in the UK as an international student might cost you your peak earning years. This risk is higher if you are a fresh graduate or in an early career in the industry.

This is what most of the PhD graduates call the opportunity cost of doing a PhD. Time being the most important thing we have as mortals need to be managed effectively. Otherwise, we may regret putting our mental and financial resources into a multi-year project which might not lead to the results we want from it.

4. What do I want to achieve with this title?

88% of PhD students believe that their doctorate will positively impact their career prospects. A reasonable argument is that by taking a loan you will be investing in yourself. Later, this can lead to increasing your market value after you graduate.

Many areas of studies such as the humanities or social science PhDs have a norm of self-funding the PhD in the UK.

Pursuing such PhDs may not lead you to a great career but can be a source of self-satisfaction. So, even for a humanities PhD, make sure to plan for post-PhD options according to the labor market.

However, people like me can agree that there are much more efficient and less arduous ways to learn, explore, and satisfy your intellectual hunger.

A PhD is considered a contribution to a particular field of study and you have to work to contribute. This makes you scientific labor , if you are self-funding your PhD, this means you are not getting paid to work.

5. Am I doing PhD because of escapism?

Escapism is very rampant among PhD candidates. However, escapism observed in PhD students from developed nations is very different from that of those who are coming from the developing world.

PhD students from developed nations. First, the PhD students from developed nations are unconsciously escaping from the fact that school is over and they may prefer to stay in the well-known academic environment instead of joining the grind of the early industry jobs.

For instance, staying in the academy and self-funding their PhD might let the students of developing countries feel that they are progressing. However, many call it the illusion of progress.

PhD students from developing nations. On the other hand, those of us who are grown up in struggling economies and strict conformist cultures may want to do a PhD in a developed country in the hope of getting better employment and settlement opportunities in the libertarian developed world.

While this is a worthy goal considering the lack of opportunities in developing nations for these highly talented individuals, however, there are risks involved as well e.g., change of host country government policies to merge immigrants or lack of certain job opportunities for your particular area of work in the host nation.

Suggested Reading: When are you too old for a PhD?

6. Can I afford to do a PhD?

Affording a PhD can be in terms of time and energy too, however, here I would like to discuss affording self-funding for a PhD.

If you have the financial resources enough to get you through the 3-4 years of a PhD in the UK then by all means go for it. If not then please consider many aspects while investing in a degree this expensive.

It is easy to understand that there are more drawbacks than benefits of self-funding your PhD in the UK. However, to make the picture clear for you let’s discuss these pros and cons one by one.

a) Destitution Excuse. You have the excuse of no money. As a self-funded student, you can apply for many discounts and waivers on certain fees and any additional costs. For instance, you can write applications for discounts on bench fees, and conference attendance fees. Also, you may be preferred for any paid teaching opportunities.

b) Liberty on time. As a self-funded PhD student you are free of any responsibilities assigned to many funded PhD students. Therefore, you can use this freedom to focus your mental and financial resources to complete your PhD thesis faster.

c) Liberty of intellectually. We all think of doing PhD because we want to work on a project that we are interested in. However, many funded PhD students also have to consider the priorities and interests of the grant provider as well as the research team focus in order to justify the investment. However, you as a self-funding PhD student are free in setting the direction of your research project.

a) You miss a funded opportunity. What if a funded opportunity comes later and you are doing this self-funding decision in hurry? What if you increase your chances of getting a funded PhD in the UK by improving your application and performing well in PhD interviews. For example, if you are not clearing the interviews you may need to ask for feedback and improve.

b) Lost earnings for the next 3-4 years . Some may argue that a funded PhD in the UK does not cost you a loss of income . I may disagree (like many) and argue that the UK PhD stipend is not enough for PhD students. Still, we can agree on the fact that a funded PhD scholarship is a great thing to keep you out of debt.

Staying out of debt is important because of the prevalence of precarious (if any) job opportunities in academia. Graduating with the burden of debt can make your life a lot harder even after your complete your PhD.

If you are an international PhD student staying debt free becomes more crucial. You may not have the luxuries of UK home students who can fall back on other loans in case of any unsuspected mishaps.

c) Challenges in getting the most out of your PhD. A PhD is really designed for those who want to work in the academy. This means you as a PhD student need to learn various aspects of academic and scientific responsibilities. Honing these skills can help you become a good academic .

However, the cost of self-funding your PhD as an international student in the UK might lead you to work part-time. These increased part-time work hours can occupy the time other funded PhD students will have for funded conferences, workshops, and even teaching responsibilities.

“As a self-funded student, I knew I would need to raise funds for conference travel, fieldwork and consumables,” said the student, who did not wish to be identified. “But I also budgeted how much I need to live on and how much that means I need to work each week. The current increases in living costs have completely changed that budget.” Self-funded students ‘extremely concerned’ as cost of living bites

In turn, you might lead with less preparation (at least in the eyes of academic hiring committees) than other funded PhD students. Given the competition in the academic market, each edge a candidate has on the other counts.

This brings me to the next point.

d) Difficulties in Post-PhD academic career. If you have thoroughly searched the prospects of your PhD in academia then you may be aware of the brutal competition for unreliable post-PhD academic positions.

Further, if you are self-funding your PhD you may suffer from the biases academic hiring committees have against self-funded PhD graduates.

a) If you don’t need an academic job. If you need a PhD for a career in the industry then self-funding a PhD might make sense. Industry employers may not care about how you got your PhD or even what a PhD really is for. If the industry is your goal then self-funding your PhD may let you complete your thesis faster.

However, I won’t recommend this for most cases. The reason again is that most industry jobs do not require a PhD from you. Many employers still are biased against PhDs . Therefore, a master’s combined with the experience you will get in 3-4 years may make you more desirable than a PhD.

b) If you have sufficient funds for PhD as well as a post-PhD career struggle. If you are wealthy then do what you want to do. The rest of us who are always worried about our livelihood may not bear the financial and mental struggles of doing a PhD.

c) If you are already working in the UK and want to pursue a PhD part-time . If you are someone who is working in the UK and still not considered as a a home student . You may pursue a PhD part-time. This might be light on your pocket as well as your mind.

After reading this post if you think that you should try for funding. There are a lot of simple steps you can take to get a funded PhD in the UK .

Besides funding you might want a detailed insight into what UK universities are looking for in PhD applicants .

As a self-funded international PhD student you are free labor as well as an income source for the universities. Self-funding a PhD is the norm in many humanities & social science subjects, however, you need to note that post-PhD academic positions in these certain areas are also precarious (if available ). Plus, there is an influx of supply for these limited positions.

If you need a PhD and you nothing important to do in your life for next 3-4 years you are welcome to self-fund your PhD. However, most of us may have other more stable and lucrative options in the non-academic world.

My advice is to dig deep in yourself to figure out that you really do need a PhD (even a self-funded one) to get where you want to be.

“Postgraduate researchers should be treated as staff rather than students, which would give them the right to access the cost of living payment, universal credit and workers’ rights,” he said. Self-funded students ‘extremely concerned’ as cost of living bites

Do PhD students have to pay tuition in the UK?

Yes, if you are a self-funded PhD student in the UK then you have to pay the tuition fees as well as other additional fees e.g., bench fees, and conference fees, etc. International students need to prove to the UK visa & immigration services that they have ample funds reserved for all these costs in the UK.

Can I do a free PhD in the UK?

Yes, you can do a free PhD in the UK if you take smart steps to improve your application. This may include (i) preparing yourself during your undergraduate or master’s degree, (ii) convincing your prospective PhD supervisor in the UK that you have the potential complete a PhD successfully, (iii) taking note of UK PhD scholarships or home country scholarship requirements as well as deadlines.

Is PhD fully funded in the UK?

PhD can be fully funded in the UK if you have secured a PhD studentship offered by the UK government (UKRI), an international PhD scholarship offer (e.g., common wealthy), or have some financial support (monthly stipend + tuition fee for PhD in the UK) from your home country government.

Doing a PhD without funding does not make sense for most applicants. First, if your field of study has ample post-PhD academic opportunities (particularly stable job contracts) then you can find a lot of funding opportunities out there. Second, you should start thinking with the end in mind, leaving all the arguments of the sacredness of knowledge persuasion, and evilness of thinking about finances. Simply put, ask yourself this one question: what career options will you have if you already hold your PhD?

Is it hard to get PhD scholarship in UK?

Yes, getting funding in UK, especially for international PhD applicants is hard. However there are less competitive ways you can fund your PhD in the UK.

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Funded PhD research programmes 2024 UK

The University of Brighton regularly invites applicants for fully-funded PhD studentships across all its disciplines. 

These allow motivated, high-calibre applicants for research degrees to join our thriving academic community and contribute to our rich and innovative research environment. 

Our deadline has passed for the October 2024 start for funded PhDs, but there will be further announcements shortly. Meanwhile, please visit our PhD funding advice pages . 

Visit our PhD disciplinary programme lists

What UK PhD studentships are available ?

Our academics at the University of Brighton regularly develop research projects in which they can offer outstanding support and which they are committed to developing and growing.

The studentships available will be given to candidates who best fulfil the promise outlined by these academic departments.

These funded PhD opportunities are generally open to home and international students. 

Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can watch the video on YouTube .

Can you be a researcher? Professor Bhavik Patel reassures applicants of all backgrounds that they can study for a PhD and aim for a research career. 

How do I apply for a PhD studentship?

The application for our schemes will usually involve:  

• submitting a full application through the university's PhD application portal, accessible from the  PhD funded projects webpages . You will upload your research proposal as part of this process.
• The submission must include two letters of reference, academic qualifications, a proposed project approach, a personal statement and your CV (resumé).
• Please note, deadline for 2024 start on the most recent funding scheme was 29 February 2024 16:00 (UCT/GMT).
• Shortlisted applicants are likely to be invited for interview.

Details of application for fully funded PhD studentships

To apply for your studentship at the University of Brighton, you should first review the specific projects or project areas that our academics are offering to support. 

All eligible applications for the funded PhD will be reviewed, with shortlisted candidates entered for final decisions on the allocations of funding, which will rest with the university's central Doctoral College. 

What does PhD funding include?

The funding for the PhD usually cover the full fee and a stipend at the UKRI rate plus an allowance of £1,500 per year for researcher training for three years (or part-time equivalent). 

Successful candidates benefit from expert supervisory teams, a programme of postgraduate researcher development workshops and membership of specialist, interdisciplinary research centres and groups. There will be introductions to a network of relevant researchers, careers advice and opportunities for interaction within and beyond the university. Through this, our PhD students have the best start possible towards ambitious careers that make use of their research degrees.

The University of Brighton fosters research careers and will provide doctoral training, attentive and expert supervision and access to world-class laboratories and equipment. 

We are renowned as a leading applied university, with pioneer academics in disciplines from sport science to design history and applied science research that translates efficiently to the global challenge of worldwide health and wellbeing. Our strategy of 'practical wisdom' leads to real-world partnerships and beneficiaries across all disciplines while the development of community-university partnership practices have placed us among the best universities for many aspects of co-produced research and innovation.

We pride ourselves on the ways we work in partnership with those outside higher education, across the European Union and internationally. Through our research collaborations we work with a wide range of universities, both internationally and with universities in the UK. We are also founding members of two UKRI Doctoral Training Partnerships which, this year, are dealt with outside our University of Brighton studentship offer. We learn constantly from our involvement in these, and our rich resources are offered across all doctoral research programmes.

Recently the University of Brighton celebrated its performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) and the Knowledge and Exchange Framework (KEF2023). Over 87 per cent of our submitted impact case studies in REF2021 were rated as having 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' impact beyond academia. We are dedicated to developing this quality work with new students. Read more about the review of our research and knowledge exchange performance in REF2021 . Also, read more about our KEF2023 results, which placed Brighton in the top tier for economic and social benefits .

How will you build a relationship with your supervisor? Professor Annebella Pollen and Dr Tom Ainsworth are among those offering advice. This film was made by the University of Brighton for UKRI and also features academics from other institutions.

How do I increase my chances of getting a PhD studentship?

You must be able to show your suitability for a UK research degree if you wish to apply for fully-funded studentships.

This includes evidence either of a relevant and successful academic background or equivalent relevant professional/expert background in the applied subject area. Applicants from overseas will also have to fulfil any English language and visa requirements.

This will be true for studentships in the UK across most of the UK universities. It is usual for applicants either to have completed (or be about to complete) a masters degree, have an exceptional undergraduate record and references, or demonstrate the equivalent scholarly potential.  

Supervisory staff and research students at the University of Brighton consider how important diverse thinking and inclusive practice are to their doctoral studies.

Can I get PhD funding at the University of Brighton?

We have a long-standing annual programme of funded PhD opportunities across all our disciplines, including several rooted in research council (UKRI) partnerships.

The initiatives allow postgraduate study for UK-based students as well as study in the UK for international students (depending on the PhD programme). 

We are also keen to encourage students who might be able to self-fund their doctoral studies. Studying part-time, for example, is likely to prove more affordable and more easily balanced with professional life than you'd imagine. 

We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere and structure for your studies. Show us your own qualities and your suitability for these programmes. We look forward to receiving your application. Good luck!

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Millions in public funding awarded to UK PhD applicants without interview

Staff strike prompts decision to award esrc studentships to cardiff university candidates based on paper applications only.

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Concerns have been raised after it emerged that about £2.8 million in funding from the UK's Economic and Social Research Council was awarded to Cardiff University PhD candidates without interview.

Hopeful candidates applying for ESRC-sponsored general studentships at Cardiff University starting in the 2018-19 academic year received an email advising them that “no interviews” were to take place as a result of impending staff shortages following national strike action  over pensions taken by university lecturers.

Instead, candidates were told that they would be selected based on their initial application proposal and personal statement.

The email, seen by Times Higher Education , is signed by Teresa de Villiers, director of postgraduate research at Cardiff, who said that the decision had been made to “ensure no disadvantage to any individual applicant”.

One academic, who asked for their name not to be used, labelled the decision to “carelessly allocate” public money to unseen candidates as “utterly unjustifiable”, however.

“Competent university professors will agree that failing to hold interviews for a three- to four-year PhD studentship and filling positions based on a 1,000-word research proposal alone is wholly inadequate to make an informed judgement. It is nothing short of insane to even consider,” the academic told THE .

At least 35 general three- to four-year studentships are affected, at an indicative cost of £80,742 for each four-year award, Cardiff University confirmed. The costs are met 50 per cent by the ESRC and 50 per cent from university or external funds.

The ESRC devolves responsibility for recruitment of students to regional Doctoral Training Partnerships, in this instance ESRC Wales DTP.

An ESRC spokeswoman suggested that it was likely that other universities had also forgone interviews this year, the DTP having “followed the practice at a number of other DTPs such that the final selection across those nominated would rely solely on the extensive written elements of the application”.

She said that the organisation was “confident in the robustness of the recruitment process”.

An ESRC statement read: “Following industrial action, the Welsh DTP reviewed their processes and took the decision to remove the interview stage as due to the industrial action they were not confident that it would be possible to interview all applicants and therefore wanted to avoid this being a source of inequity among candidates.”

A Cardiff spokeswoman pointed out that it is “not a requirement to interview all applicants” for the PhD recruitment process. “Following industrial action, we took the decision not to interview candidates as we were not confident that it would be possible to interview all applicants,” she said. “We did not want this to be a source of inequity among [them].”

A Swansea University spokeswoman said that its own PhD selection “has been operating as normal”.

Paul Wakeling, head of the department of education at the University of York , said that it was “critical” for PhD students to meet with their supervisor before accepting a position.

“I always interview…on the basis that the student and the supervisor are going to be working together very closely for a number of years, and you really need to meet each other and speak and interact in ways that you can’t on paper, to work out if it’s going to work for both of you,” he said.

While he sympathised with the fact that disruption was likely to have occurred as a result of industrial action, he highlighted that the Quality Assurance Agency code of practice for doctoral degrees strongly recommends interviewing to help with selection.

“If that doesn’t happen, that’s something that I would be concerned about on an interpersonal level. It’s a risk,” he added.

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• PhD Salary in UK – Explained
• Funding a PhD

What Are PhD Salaries?

The average cost of undertaking a PhD in the UK is approximately £20,000 per academic year for UK students and £40,000 for international students. To help offset the cost of this, many students question whether undertaking a doctorate comes with a PhD salary.

The salary of a PhD student is governed by three factors: whether they’re assisting in undergraduate teaching, assisting in research, or have secured a PhD with a stipend. Depending on which of the three categories a student falls within, they will receive an income during their studies, however, the amount will differ by a substantial amount.

To help show you how you can fund your postgraduate degree and how much you can expect to earn whilst doing so, carry on reading below.

Types of PhD Salaries

There are three types of PhD degree salaries:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) . In exchange for a salary, you’ll be required to assist in the delivery of one or more courses over a number of years. This includes, but is not limited to, marking student tutorials, supervising lab experiments and providing support to undergraduates during office hours. Besides this, you may have to teach a small section of the course itself. You can discover more about GTAs on King’s College London’s website.
• Research Assistantships (RAs) . In exchange for a salary, you assist a departmental professor with their research. In the ideal scenario, the professor you work with should also be your PhD supervisor and the research you’re asked to support with relates to your own doctoral project.
• Stipend via Studentship: A stipend is a non-repayable grant provided to doctoral students to help support their studies. A studentship covers a student’s tuition fees whilst a stipend covers a PhD student’s living costs. This includes outgoings such as rent, food, bills and basic travel. Unlike Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships, stipends rarely have duties attached to them. The only expectation of receiving a stipend will be that you maintain continuous progress within your degree.

It’s worth noting these earning opportunities can be also be combined. For example, it’s possible to be a research assistant whilst also committing time to teach undergraduate students.

Average PhD Salary in UK

The average PhD student salary for teaching assistantships will vary depending on the level of responsibility you’re taking. However, to provide figures, past doctoral students have reported receiving approx. £10/hr for marking tutorials, £15/hr for leading laboratory sessions and up to £20/hr for leading undergraduate classes and tutorials.

The actual amount you can earn from teaching assistance will depend on the rate your department offers and the hours you can realistically take on. If you’re on a Graduate Teaching Assistantship programme, they will require you to dedicate a set number of hours per week. If you’re not on a GTA but would still like to earn an income through this scheme, you will likely need to commit several hours per week consistently. Although this can be a great way to earn whilst you study, you need to make sure you manage your time effectively as to not become overwhelmed by taking on an additional commitment.

The average salary for research assistantships will vary depending on the field of the doctoral degree you are enrolled in. Usually, these positions pay between £25,000 to £30,000 per year, however, it’s possible to come across positions which sit slightly outside of this. As a general rule of thumb, STEM assistors are paid more than non-STEM assistors.

In the UK, PhD students can receive a stipend which varies between £15,000 and £18,000 per annum. As part of the studentship your stipend is provided under, your tuition fees will also be paid for. UK tuition fees will vary between universities but are approximately £4,500 per year for doctoral courses starting in 2021/22 as per the UKRI recommendations .

Although £15,000 to £18,000 per year is the typical range for a stipend, some can be far greater than this. For example, Wellcome Trust , a research-charity based in London, offers an annual stipend of up to £23,300 and £26,000 for doctoral students located outside and within London, respectively.

Are PhD Salaries Taxed?

PhD stipends are tax free. Therefore, you don’t need to pay any income tax nor do you need to make any national insurance contributions. This means you’ll keep all the money you receive from an annual stipend. However, this is not the case for Research Assistants.

In the UK, Research Assistants are employed as university staff members and are paid a direct salary as opposed to a stipend. As a result, it will require you to pay tax on your earnings and make national insurance contributions.

To put this into perspective, for the 2019/20 UK tax year, you’re required to pay a 20% tax on any income above £12,500 but less than £50,000. You’re also required to make national insurance contributions of 12% of your weekly earnings over £166 but less than £962. This means that an annual Research Assistantship salary of £30,000 will equate to a take-home salary of £23,938 per year.

How to Get a PhD Stipend

To find research positions which offer stipends, we recommend you search our PhD database and filter by ‘funded’ positions.

Besides this, you can also secure a studentship from UK Research Councils or directly from your university as a scholarship. Independent organisations, such as charities and research trusts, and innovative firms within your industry also offer funding. You can read our PhD studentship guide to see how these work or our Where to find a PhD guide for further ideas.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How to Get a Research Assistantship PhD

Unfortunately, research assistantships opportunities aren’t as common to come across compared to PhD stipends. Besides this, when they are available, they’re predominantly in STEM subjects such as computer science and engineering. The reason for this is these subjects usually have access to greater research grants and have a greater volume of practical work available.

To find a research assistantship, we recommend that you contact the university departments who host the courses you’re interested in directly. This is because research assistantships help professors with their research, and while they may require help, they may not be openly advertising for it. They may, therefore, be able to create a role for you within their department or put you into contact with one of their colleagues who already has an open position.

International Students

It’s worth noting that international students will have a harder time securing a funded PhD position than UK ‘home’ students will. This is largely because there are usually fewer funding opportunities available to international students, which as a result also attract significant competition.

Besides this, if you’re an international student studying in the UK you will most likely than not be on a Tier 4 visa. Although a Tier 4 visa will allow you to work to earn an additional income alongside any studentship you may have, there will be certain restrictions on what you can and can’t do. For example, during term-time, you won’t be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. For a full list of restrictions, please refer to the government website.

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Fully Funded Phd in UK for International Students with Scholarships (2024 Admissions)

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Updated on 27 January, 2024

Sr. Content editor

While many of us are interested in pursuing a PhD program in the UK, the fees for the program could add tremendous stress. But fret not; there are many fully-funded PhD programs in the UK for international students that make higher education affordable.

We will discuss all the details regarding applications, deadlines, tenure, and much more for fully-funded programs in the UK for international students.

Scholarship

High-calibre students who wish to apply for fully-funded PhD studentships can consider these programs. These fully-funded programs are offered by a wide range of universities in the UK and some Non-profit and corporate organizations. The positions in these fully-funding PhD can close at any time if someone accepts the offer.

Country/course eligible for

Usually, these fully-funded programs in the UK are available for overseas, European Union, and domestic students. The courses eligible for fully-funded PhD programs will vary according to different scholarships and programs.

Level of scholarship

The fully-funded PhD scholarship in the UK is for candidates who plan to pursue a PhD program or are currently pursuing one. You should essentially have a bachelor’s and master’s coursework for the same.

Tenure/duration

The fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students covers the expenses for the entire duration of the course, which is typically three years.

Subject/fields

There are no fixed subjects or fields where the scholarships will be offered. Students can find opportunities in every discipline across different fully funded PhD programs.

Number of scholarships available 

Several scholarships are available for fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students. Some of the renowned names are

Ten universities offering fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students

Here are ten universities in the UK offering international students a fully-funded doctoral program in the country for your reference:

1. University College London

2. University of Leeds

3. University of Nottingham

4. Imperial College London

5. Lancaster University

6. Aberystwyth University

7. Kings College London

8. University of St Andrews

9. University of Liverpool

10. London Business School

Application duration

Each of these fully-funded PhD programs has a different application start date. We strongly suggest you be aware of the same by regularly checking the official websites.

As far as deadlines are concerned, below mentioned are some of the renowned fully funded Ph.D. program scholarships along with their deadlines.

Mode of Application

The mode of application for fully-funded PhD programs in the UK is online.

Eligibility Criteria and Additional Requirements

1. Eligible countries: the UK, EU citizens, and foreign candidates are acceptable

2. Acceptable course/subjects: PhD support is generally awarded in the given research areas such as Architecture, construction projects and organization, building energy, construction products and processes, digital construction, urban planning, water engineering, and infrastructure, transport.

3. Admissible criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the following criteria:

It would be best if you had, or expect to achieve, a minimum of 2:1 honours degree (equivalent international qualification) in a similar discipline.

Previous applicants should have their degrees in Civil Engineering, transport, geography, building services engineering and physics, mathematics, or chemistry.

A relevant master’s degree clubbed with employment experience will also give you an edge.

Value of Scholarship

The scholarship value for a fully-funded PhD in the UK varies from GBP 20,000 to GBP 23,200 (INR 20 Lakh to INR 21.56 Lakh).

Selection Process

The selection process involves a panel of experts who access your academic, research, and extracurricular contributions. At times, need-based scholarships are also provided to students.

Requirements for continuing the Scholarships

Most of these scholarships are allotted annually, but we recommend maintaining a stellar academic record if you wish to continue the scholarships.

1. Masters in Finance in the UK

2. MS Courses in the UK

3. Oxford University’s Rhodes Scholarship

4. Cambridge University Scholarships

5. Duke University in the UK

In summary, the availability of fully funded PhD programs in the UK for international students in 2024 represents a significant opportunity for scholars worldwide. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial challenges associated with advanced studies but also open doors to extensive research resources, expert guidance, and international academic networks. For aspiring doctoral candidates, these programs in the UK offer more than just financial support; they provide a platform for groundbreaking research, intellectual growth, and the chance to contribute to global knowledge. The 2024 admissions cycle thus stands as a gateway for talented international students to embark on a journey of discovery and academic excellence, fully supported by the generous scholarship opportunities available in the UK.

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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Scholarships available to pursue graduate studies in the UK

Interested in pursuing graduate study and/or research at a university in the UK starting in fall 2025? Consider whether these scholarship programs fit your interests and goals. Most require university nomination to apply (but not all). Get more details, information, tips and advice about exploring UK graduate programs and applying for UW nomination through our  Global Fellowships Prep  resources.

>>   Gates Cambridge Scholarships : Supports 1-4 years of graduate study at Cambridge University. Open to citizens of any country outside the UK considering almost any graduate-level program at Cambridge.

>>   Rhodes Scholarships : Provides funding for 2-3 years at Oxford University. Open to citizens of any country, and eligibility requirements and nomination processes vary by country. US applicant eligibility requirements include a 3.7 GPA or higher and 18-23 years old by Oct. 1, 2024, or up to 27 years old if you will complete your first degree after 10/1/23.

>>   Marshall Scholarships : Provide 1-2 years of funding to study at any university in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. Eligibility requirements include US citizenship, 3.7 GPA or higher, and earn a first bachelor’s degree anytime between April 2022-August 2025.

>>   Churchill Scholarships : Support one year of graduate study in mathematics, science and engineering fields, or science policy at Cambridge University. Eligibility requirements include US citizenship and graduation anytime between fall 2023 and summer 2025.

UW Application for Nomination:  https://expo.uw.edu/expo/apply/730

UW Application Deadline:  June 20, 2024

Upcoming special event:

Panel discussion with UW scholars: Study and Research in the UK via the Churchill, Gates Cambridge, Marshall and Rhodes Scholarships

Thurs., April 18, 12:30-1:30pm on Zoom.

>>   Register to attend.

Questions? Please feel welcome to reach out to me anytime! And please join us for  Global Fellowships Prep  to get additional resources and support.