Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

by Alumni Team | Aug 2, 2022

COMMONWEALTH PHD SCHOLARSHIPS

How to apply, supporting documentation, advice for applicants, choosing a university/course, applicant eligibility.

  • Eligible countries

Completing the application form

  • Selection process and criteria

Tenure and placement

Financial assistance, general conditions, faqs and enquiries.

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are for applicants from least developed countries and fragile States, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), in the Commonwealth,  for full-time doctoral study at a UK university.

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives. It operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and offers a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. By attracting individuals with outstanding talent and identifiable potential from all backgrounds and supporting them to become leaders and innovators on returning to their home countries, the CSC’s work combines sustainable development with the UK national interest and provides opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration.

Purpose: Funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) , Commonwealth PhD scholarships contribute to the development needs of Commonwealth countries by supporting research that will have a developmental impact. They also enhance individual teaching and research capacity leading to increase institutional capacity in academic and other sectors in Commonwealth countries, and will contribute to UK higher education and research by attracting high-calibre international applicants and encouraging links and collaboration, and are aimed at those who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK.

Intended beneficiaries: Commonwealth PhD scholarships are for high-quality graduates who have the potential to undertake world-class research of a developmental nature and to become influential leaders, teachers, or researchers in their home countries.

These scholarships are offered under the six  CSC Development themes .

Applications for Commonwealth PhD scholarships for the 2024/25 academic year are now closed. Applications for the 2025 academic year are expected to open on 10 September .

Applications to the CSC must be made using the CSC’s online application system.

The CSC is unable to accept any applications or documentation not submitted via the online application system .

Applicants are advised to complete and submit applications as early as possible, as the online application system will be very busy in the days leading up to the application deadline.

As well as applying to the CSC, applicants must apply to a nominating agency .

There are three types of nominating agency for PhD scholarships:

  • National nominating agencies  – this is the main route of application.
  • Selected universities/university bodies  – which can nominate their own academic staff.
  • Selected non-governmental organisations and charitable bodies .

Nominating agencies put forward applicants to the CSC for consideration. The CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships.

Each nominating agency oversees its own selection process and may have additional eligibility criteria.  Applicants must check with the nominating agency for their specific advice and rules for applying, and their own eligibility criteria.

Nominating agencies may set their own closing dates for applications.

Agencies will nominate candidates to the CSC by December 2023.

Applicants can expect to hear the outcome by July 2024. We will contact all applicants by email and they should ensure all folders of their email accounts are monitored, including junk mail and spam folders. A scholarship offer may be withdrawn if an applicant is emailed but does not respond within a specified time.

Applications must include supporting documentation to be eligible.

Please note that applicants are required to collect references and supporting statements, on institution letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details, from referees and proposed supervisors in the UK and then upload them in PDF format to the application system with their other supporting documentation.

The references and supporting statements must be uploaded to the application system by the deadline for applications and we are unable to accept references and supporting statements any other way or after this date.

Applicants must upload the following documents with the application:

  • Proof that they are a citizen or have refugee status in an eligible Commonwealth country: a copy of a valid passport (or national ID card) showing a photograph, date of birth, and country of citizenship.
  • Full transcripts detailing all higher education qualifications, including to-date transcripts for any courses currently being studied, with certified translations if not in English. Where any transcripts are missing or do not include all pages, the application will be considered ineligible.
  • References from at least two individuals, in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details.
  • A supporting statement, in PDF format, signed and on institutional letterhead or an email clearly showing the sender’s details, from a proposed supervisor in the UK from at least one of the institutions named on the application form.

Applications will be considered ineligible if any of the required documentation is not included by the closing date.

The CSC will not accept supporting documentation submitted outside the online application system.

When completing the references, referees should be asked to comment as fully as possible on the applicant, keeping in mind the following points for inclusion, as appropriate:

  • How long, and in what capacity, the referee has known the applicant.
  • The referee’s views on the applicant’s suitability for the proposed Scholarship and the need for the particular subject of study in the UK.
  • Information on how, and to what extent, the applicant has shown ability in terms of capability to grasp concepts and reason analytically; capacity for original thought; and motivation and perseverance in achieving objectives.
  • Assessment of the applicant’s particular strengths and weaknesses.
  • The applicant’s potential to impact development in their home country.
  • Any other general qualities which the referee considers would make the applicant a good recipient of a Scholarship.

Please note that the CSC does not charge apply for any of its scholarships or fellowships through its online application system.

When completing supporting statements, proposed supervisors should be asked to confirm that they are, in principle, prepared to have the applicant working with them and that they have the facilities to undertake the research. They should also be asked how the applicant’s plan of study fits with the expertise of their department and to indicate how much of the applicant’s plan of study, if any, they wrote. Any additional comments they make will be appreciated by the Commission.

Applicants can find general information about applying for a Commonwealth Scholarship on our advice for applicants page .

Please read and complete the PhD Scholarships eligibility checklist before submitting your application.

Applicants may find the following resources useful when researching their choices of institution and course of study in the UK:

  • Study UK – British Council website, with guidance for international students and a course and institution search
  • Steps to Postgraduate Study – a guide to asking the right questions about taught postgraduate study in the UK
  • Postgrad.com  – information for postgraduate students, with a course search
  • Prospects – information on postgraduate study in the UK
  • Research Excellent Framework 2021 results – results of a system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions
  • UCAS Postgraduate – guidance on how to find and apply for a postgraduate course
  • Discover Uni – the official website for comparing UK higher education course data
  • UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs) – advice for international students on choosing a course of study

The CSC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Applicants can also discover how Commonwealth Alumni are making an impact and leading change across critical development issues by visiting our development impact stories page .

To apply for this scholarship, applicants must:

  • Be a citizen of or have been granted refugee status by an eligible Commonwealth country, or be a British Protected Person.
  • Be permanently resident in an eligible Commonwealth country.
  • Be available to start academic studies in the UK by the start of the UK academic year in September 2024.
  • By September 2024, hold a first degree of at least upper second-class (2:1) honours standard, or a lower second-class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification (usually a Master’s degree)*.
  • Not be registered for a PhD, or an MPhil leading to a PhD, at a UK university or in their home country before September/October 2024.
  • Be unable to afford to study in the UK without this scholarship.
  • Have provided all supporting documentation in the required format.

*The CSC recognises that disabled people have often faced and overcome challenges or barriers in their education journey which have prevented them achieving the academic requirement for a Commonwealth Scholarship. Disabled applicants who can demonstrate their potential to contribute to international development but who do not hold a 2:1 Undergraduate degree may be considered for a contextualised nomination through the Commonwealth Disabled People’s Forum (CDPF) nominator. For more information, please contact CDPF directly using the details on our NGOs and charitable body nominators page .

The CSC aims to identify talented individuals who have the potential to make change. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and non-discrimination and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants. For further information on the support available to scholars who share that they have a disability, see the  CSC disability support statement .

There is no age limit for CSC applications. Applicants are advised to confirm with their employers any age restrictions on leave entitlement they may have in place.

Eligible Countries

Please note that only applicants from the eligible countries listed below can apply for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states, as classified by the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC), in 2023/24.

Bangladesh Cameroon Kenya Kiribati Lesotho Malawi Mozambique Nigeria Pakistan Rwanda Sierra Leone Solomon Islands Sri Lanka Tanzania The Gambia Togo Tuvalu Uganda Zambia

In the application form, applicants are asked to:

  • List all undergraduate and postgraduate university qualifications obtained.
  • List up to 10 publications and prizes.
  • Provide details of employment history and explain how the experience gained supports and is relevant to the programme to be undertaken in the UK.
  • List names and positions of three referees who are qualified to comment on both their capacity to benefit from the proposed Scholarship in the UK and their ability to deliver development impact afterwards. One of the referees must be a current employer (if applicable) and at least two references must be included with the application.
  • Provide a Development Impact statement in four parts.

In the first part applicants should explain how the proposed scholarship relates to:

  • Development issues at the global, national, and local level
  • Development issues connected to the chosen CSC development theme and the wider sector

The second part should explain how they intend to apply their new skills once the Scholarship ends.

The third part should outline what they expect will change in development terms following the Scholarship, including:

  • The outcomes that they aim to achieve
  • The timeframe for their implementation
  • Who the beneficiaries will be

In the fourth part applicants should write about how the impact of their work could be best measured and evidenced.

Applicants are also asked to:

  • Confirm what their award objectives are and how each of them will be met by the Scholarship programme.
  • Confirm what their career plans are for the 5 years following the Scholarship.
  • Confirm their long-term career plans.
  • Provide a detailed plan of study.
  • Provide a personal statement to summarise the ways in which their personal background has encouraged them to want to make an impact in their home country. Applicants may wish to highlight any areas where they have already made significant contributions, including overcoming personal or community barriers in accessing higher education or within their field.
  • Summarise the ways in which they have engaged in voluntary activities and the opportunities they have had to demonstrate leadership.

Selection Process and criteria

Applications will be considered according to the following selection criteria:

  • Academic merit
  • Quality of research proposal
  • Potential impact on the development of the candidate’s come country

For further details, see the Commonwealth Scholarships selection criteria .

Applicants should note the criteria carefully and link their answers in the application form to each point listed.

Scholarships are tenable at any approved UK university or higher education institution with which the CSC has a part-funding agreement for a specific programme of research for 36 months of full-time study only. For the full list, see here: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/uk-universities

Scholarships are to obtain one degree; funding will not be extended to enable candidates to complete a qualification in addition to or higher than that for which the selection was made.

Scholarships are made in respect of full-time study only and no other course of study may be undertaken at the same time.

The CSC does not provide new direct financial or promotional support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas, defined as the extraction, production, transportation, refining and marketing of crude oil, natural gas or thermal coal, as well as any fossil-fuel fired power plants.

Applicants must make clear in the application which qualification they are applying for. This will enable the CSC to consider the application in the correct category. Applications which do not make this clear may be considered ineligible.

Applicants are advised to list three universities and supervisors that they think are the most appropriate for their study, in order of preference, and to explain their reasons. This is important because the CSC will not change the university or supervisor (or the order of preference) of a provisionally selected candidate after the point of selection, unless exceptional information becomes available that could not have been foreseen at the time of application.

Applicants may propose to study at one university for a four-year PhD, but this must be based in a recognised Doctoral Training Centre. They must research this option thoroughly and justify its added value compared with a three-year PhD. As the CSC will fund only a limited number of four-year PhDs, applicants are strongly advised to also propose at least one three-year PhD choice.

The CSC will make the final decision on institution of study, and reserves the right to overrule any preferences indicated by the candidate. The CSC will consider the suitability of the course and its value for money when deciding on any overrule.

Applicants must take the necessary steps to apply for admission to their preferred universities in advance of their scholarship application. Many courses have strict admission deadlines and candidates should check admission requirements carefully when applying. If an applicant is selected for a scholarship and has not applied and been accepted for a course, it may not be possible to proceed with the scholarship.

Applicants must provide a supporting statement for a named supervisor from at least one of the UK universities to which they are applying. Details of what the supporting statement should include are outlined in the supporting documentation section. Applicants are strongly advised to provide a supporting statement from a supervisor at the first choice university. If not, the CSC reserves the right to select for placement at another university for which a statement is provided.

Each scholarship provides:

  • Approved airfare from the Scholar’s home country to the UK and return at the end of the award (the CSC will not reimburse the cost of fares for dependants, nor the cost of journeys made before the award is confirmed).
  • Approved tuition fees: full fees are covered by agreement between the CSC and the UK university, and Scholars are not liable to pay for any part of the tuition fee.
  • Stipend (living allowance) at the rate of £1,347 per month, or £1,652 per month for those at universities in the London metropolitan area (rates quoted at current levels).
  • Warm clothing allowance, where applicable.
  • Study travel grant towards the cost of study-related travel within the UK or overseas.
  • Provision towards the cost of fieldwork undertaken overseas (the cost of one economy class return airfare to the fieldwork location), where approved.
  • Paid mid-term visit (airfare) to the Scholar’s home country, unless they have claimed or intend to claim spouse and/or child allowances during their scholarship or have received a return airfare to their home country for fieldwork.
  • If a Scholar is accompanied by their spouse but no children: spouse allowance of £290 per month for a maximum period of nine months, if they and their spouse are living together at the same address in the UK (unless the spouse is also in receipt of a scholarship; other conditions also apply).
  • If a Scholar is accompanied by their spouse and children: spouse allowance of £290 per month and child allowance of £290 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if their spouse and children are living with them at the same address in the UK (unless their spouse is also in receipt of a scholarship; other conditions also apply).
  • If a Scholar has children and is widowed, divorced, or a single parent, child allowance of child allowance of £576.61 per month for the first child, and £143 per month for the second and third child under the age of 16, if their children are living with them at the same address in the UK.

If a Scholar shares that they have a disability, a full assessment of their needs and eligibility for additional financial support will be offered by the CSC.

The CSC’s family allowances are intended to be only a contribution towards the cost of maintaining a Scholar’s family in the UK. The true costs are likely to be considerably higher, and Scholars must be able to supplement these allowances to support any family members who accompany them to the UK.

For more information, see the current Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars .

Please note that the conditions outlined in the Handbook are subject to change.

A Commonwealth Scholarship covers fees, approved fares, and personal maintenance. Other scholarships, awards, or bursaries that cover the same costs may not be held concurrently.

For the CSC to administer the application effectively and efficiently after submission, it will be necessary to create a record in the applicant’s name. If they apply for an award to the CSC, their details will be kept on file. Basic anonymised demographic data for all applicants will be kept for analytical research. The CSC is committed to protecting personal information and to being transparent about the information we are collecting about applicants and what we do with it. To find out more, see our privacy notice .

Applicant’s personal information will be used to conduct necessary due diligence checks to CSC’s satisfaction, before CSC proceeds with any type of formal agreement or contractual relationship. In most cases, the due diligence checks will be straightforward, however further information may be requested, so we ask for full co-operation to speed up the process.

If an applicant does not agree to personal data being used for the purpose of conducting due diligence, unfortunately CSC will not be able to proceed further with the application process.

If an application is successful, the CSC will notify the applicant that they have been provisionally selected (selected for an award subject to the CSC agreeing terms of admission to the university) at which point they will be a provisional scholarship candidate.

The CSC does not require any applicants to take an IELTS (English language) test.

The CSC will not be able to offer a scholarship if it would contravene the terms and conditions of another scholarship previously held.

When terms of admission to the university have been agreed, the CSC will provide a Notification of Award (formal offer of a scholarship).

When all conditions of the Notification of Award have been met, the CSC will provide a formal Confirmation of Award.

Candidates will be required to submit a Health and Disability Form  before the Confirmation of Award can be issued.

Candidates will be required to sign an undertaking to return to their home country as soon as possible after the end of the award.

Candidates are expected to start the award on the date stated in the Notification of Award.

If a candidate requires a Student visa to come to the UK to study, they must meet all relevant immigration requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration. They should check the GOV.UK website for updated information.

All UK immigration regulations are set by UK Visas and Immigration and are subject to change. The CSC has no control over these regulations.

Candidates will be selected for an award based on the plan of study outlined on the application form, which is not expected to change significantly during the award. Any such changes must be agreed by the CSC.

Throughout their award, Scholars are expected to reside in the UK, and must seek approval from the CSC in advance of any overseas travel.

Scholars must not undertake paid employment during the award without approval from the CSC in advance.

Collaboration is a feature of doctoral research. The CSC expects that participants in collaborative projects will develop a collaborative agreement to clarify the contributions and rights of each partner. The CSC will not get involved in negotiating an exploitation agreement but will need to be assured that an arrangement acceptable to all parties exists. Arrangements should be made to identify, protect, and value any arising intellectual property and to secure a suitable return to the institution and the investigators through exploitation. The CSC considers the intellectual property ownership to lie initially with the student; however, many universities have their own locally applicable policy. In many cases, it is in the best interest of a student for ownership to be vested with the university, which will have greater negotiating powers and will be likely to be able to seek the best returns in any exploitation agreement. Award holders are expected to notify the CSC when CSC-funded intellectual property is exploited.

The CSC will consider a request to extend a Scholar’s leave to remain in the UK after their award only if they wish to move from Master’s to PhD study. Strict conditions will apply.

The CSC cannot provide a letter of support or permission for Scholars to remain in or return to the UK after the award to enable them to work or undertake postdoctoral study.

The following are not eligible to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship; an employee, a former employee, or relative of an employee of the Government of the United Kingdom; or a staff member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities or the British Council; or a Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner, former Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner or a relative of a Commonwealth Scholarship Commissioner. Former employees of the organisations listed above are eligible to apply three years after ceasing their employment with them.

In line with the UK Bribery Act 2010, any applicant convicted of bribery will be banned from reapplying for a Commonwealth Scholarship or Fellowship for a period of up to five years.

Applicants are expected to adhere to the CSC’s Code of Conduct for award holders and the Disciplinary Policy and Procedure .

An award may be terminated at any time for reasons of unsatisfactory conduct, progress, or attendance, or if registration is suspended or terminated by the university for any reason.

The CSC is committed to administering and managing its scholarships and fellowships in a fair and transparent manner. For more information, see the CSC Anti-Fraud Policy and Procedure at and the FCDO guidance on reporting fraud .

The CSC is committed proactively to safeguard and promote the welfare of our beneficiaries, and to protect its staff, Commissioners, beneficiaries and all those with whom the CSC comes into contact. The CSC requires staff, members of the Commission, applicants for and recipients of CSC awards and suppliers to act consistently with its requirements for safeguarding. Applicants should note the  CSC Safeguarding Policy which sets out the obligation for staff, members of the Commission, applicants for and recipients of CSC awards and suppliers to act consistently with its requirements for safeguarding.  Any safeguarding concerns should be reported to the Commission at:   [email protected]

All conditions of award are subject to UK local law and practices and are subject to change by the CSC.

For more information, see the current Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars . Please note that the conditions outlined in the Handbook are subject to change.

For general information about applying for Commonwealth Scholarships or Fellowships, please see our FAQs page.

For queries not covered on the website, please use the contact us form .

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King's College London

International phd scholarships.

King's College London is one of the world's leading research institutions with a diverse research community producing internationally recognised work. King's and the Centre for Doctoral Studies are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing top international postgraduate research talent to study alongside our renowned academic supervisors.

If you are interested in a postgraduate research degree (MPhil/PhD) at King's. there are a range of funding opportunities for international postgraduate researchers at King's, including:

  • Joint PhD Programme Funding
  • King's China Council Scholarships

You can learn more about these opportunities below. You can also access our postgraduate funding database to search all currently open funding competitions at King's.

Postgraduate Funding Database

A link to PG Funding database

Joint PhD Scholarships

Three scholarships are available for the 2023/24 academic year for students applying to joint PhD programmes run in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong, National University of Singapore or the University of Sao Paulo, with King's as their home institution.

The King's Joint PhD Scholarship provides full tuition fees, stipend and an annual research grant.

Download the guidance for the 2023/24 Joint PGR Scholarships .

Find out more about the Joint PhD Programmes available at the National University of Singapore, University of Hong Kong, and University of Sao Paolo by visiting the International Education webpage.

  • Applications close 26 March 2023

King’s-China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship programme (K-CSC) 2023-24

King's College London and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) hold an agreement to jointly fund PhD students to pursue research degrees at King's College London.

As part of the agreement, successful students will receive a scholarship that covers the tuition fee, an annual living allowance that includes overseas student health cover, a return airfare to London and visa application fees.

Please be aware that students funded through this scheme must abide by any additional terms and conditions set by the CSC. Scholars will be required to enter into a legally binding agreement with the CSC before they are able to take up the scholarship. If there are any significant developments that could affect/hamper a scholar's expected completion of the PhD, scholars are advised to get in touch with the Education Section in the Chinese Embassy.

A considerable number of K-CSC scholarship awards are available for the 2023-24 competition.

  • Applications close 02 January 2023

Find full details on the KCL Funding Database.

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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

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phd scholarships united kingdom

10 PhD scholarships in the UK for international students 2022

PhD scholarships

With a strong research culture on top of encouraging interdisciplinary research, the UK is a great choice if one wants to pursue a PhD scholarship in an exciting and stimulating environment with many research links. The UK is one of the most popular destinations for many international students with many top-ranked and world-class universities and a welcoming culture as well.

Being a research powerhouse means more access to cutting-edge research facilities, which can go a long way in conducting research during your PhD studies. The UK, however, as a developed Western country, has higher living costs, with some major cities and programmes bearing notoriously expensive price tags.

This can be a heavy burden for international students seeking a UK PhD degree. Fortunately, the UK has a great list of university PhD scholarships that may help you realise your dream.

PhD scholarships

The UK is a research powerhouse. Source: Christine Bird/Shutterstock.

Leeds University Business School: International Business Department Scholarship

The International Business Department of the Leeds University Business School is offering up to two PhD scholarships for international applicants; the deadline is Apr. 1, 2022. One of the world’s leading units for international business and among a handful of triple-accredited business schools in the world, this department is well-known for their exceptional research and teaching.

The award is for three years; the last two years are renewable subject to academic performance. The successful recipient will get a maintenance grant worth 15,609 pounds (standard UKRI rate for Session 2021/22).

University of Cambridge: Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme

Awarded to a select group of 25 brilliant University of Cambridge PhD students of all disciplines and nationalities, this programme aims to produce graduates who can make a tangible difference to the academic community with their excellent research. The majority will be affiliated with St Catharine’s College; the rest will be distributed among the other colleges. 

Depending on your chosen department, the last deadline is Jan. 6, 2022. The PhD scholarship winners will receive a generous package including the University Composition Fee and a 6,000 pounds personal allowance throughout their studies, an annual stipend of 18,000 pounds and student visa costs.

SOAS University of London CHASE

SOAS University of London is among the world’s top 50 for Arts and Humanities (QS rankings 2021) and is a top 20 UK institution for these same subjects (THE rankings). As part of the Consortium of the Humanities and the Arts South-East England (CHASE) funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, this Doctoral Training Partnership offers up to 56 Arts and Humanities studentships; a limited number is available for international applicants. 

You should first apply to SOAS by Jan. 10, 2022 so that you can work with your proposed supervisor(s) on the CHASE application to submit by Jan. 28, 2022. You can expect to receive a training grant and a stipend as well.

Aston University College of Business and Social Sciences

As a multidisciplinary college in Aston University, Birmingham, the College of Business and Social Sciences is home to researchers from Aston Business School, Aston Law School and the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Up to six fully-funded PhD studentships are available for application to any of these schools’ programmes – the deadline is Feb. 28, 2022.

You will get full tuition coverage at the international rate plus an annual maintenance grant of 15,840 pounds (2022-23 rate) throughout your three years. You should have obtained a merit for your master’s dissertation besides a first class or second upper class honours degree.

University of St Andrews: Doctoral Scholarship in Biology and Statistics

St Leonard’s Postgraduate College at the University of St Andrews is offering a doctoral scholarship to a suitably qualified student to take up research on developing novel methods for estimating the abundance of breeding grey seals. You will have three co-supervisors, and can choose to matriculate in either Biology or Statistics.

The PhD scholarship covers full tuition fees for up to three and a half years on top of an annual maintenance stipend (the 2021-22 annual rate is 15,609 pounds). You will have access to the free GRADskills training programme as well. 

University of Liverpool: Accounting and Finance Subject Group

This PhD scholarship takes on a slightly different form as a  Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GTF) – the deadline is Jan. 7, 2022. If you have a first or upper second class honours degree plus a distinction for your master’s degree besides being committed to research, this GTF allows you to collect teaching experience together with your PhD studies.

Under the Accounting and Finance Subject Group, you will have the opportunity to complete a teacher training programme offered by the University of Liverpool . A living stipend of 15,609 pounds plus a fee waiver will be awarded to exceptional applicants.

Swansea University: the UKRI CDT in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Advanced Computing

At Swansea University , you can apply for the four-year fully funded opportunity to research upon these broad areas of particle physics and astronomy, biological and health, and mathematical and computer sciences. You will be trained in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and high-performance data analytics.

After training in the first year, you will have several short-term work placements in the second and third years. Besides full tuition fees, you will enjoy a stipend of  15,921 poundsand other allowances; the closing date is Feb. 11, 2022.

University of Exeter – PhD Scholarship

The University of Exeter’s generous funding scheme consists of two funding parts funding – one Research Masters in Economics and then a PhD programme in either Finance or Economics – both at the Business School; you have to apply by Jan. 21, 2022. As part of the scholarship, students have to work as teaching or research assistants for about 180 hours (23 days) a year, which can help enhance your research and education skills.

The funding includes a combined stipend and teaching allowance for 180 hours of 19,000 poundsper year. Students can also apply for additional funding for research, development and conference travel expenses. 

Imperial College London: Chemical Engineering PhD Scholarship

One of the best universities in the UK, Imperial College London has up to 10 fully-funded Chemical Engineering PhD scholarships via the Chemical Engineering Department . You should have a First Class Honours Degree at master’s level in chemical engineering or a related engineering/science field. This scholarship is tenable for 42 months, covering both tuition fees and 21,400 pounds for maintenance.

You should apply by Jan. 31, 2022. If you are successful, you would be asked to select two projects; depending on your supervisor’s agreement, you can be given either your first choice or second one.  

Oxford University – Clarendon Scholarship

The Clarendon Scholarship is one of the most famous PhD scholarships. You do not need to submit a separate application form for this scholarship; when you apply for a Oxford University PhD programme, you automatically qualify to apply for the Clarendon Scholarship.

Your preferred programme at Oxford may have different deadlines but generally, January is the last application deadline to be eligible for this scholarship. This particular PhD scholarship covers full tuition fees and a living stipend of 15,609 pounds (2021-22 rate).

All in all, if you have been planning to pursue your PhD studies in the UK but are short on funds, these scholarships are great choices, and will definitely help you achieve your dream!

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PhD opportunities

Fully funded phd studentships.

Our mission is to create lasting, meaningful change throughout the world, and with our funded PhD studentships, your research can be a key part of us achieving that goal.

What is a studentship?

A studentship is like a scholarship but for a research degree at the university, helping to fund your research project. Finance shouldn’t be a barrier to delivering world-leading research, that's why we run an annual fully funded PhD studentship competition, to recruit talented researchers from across the world.

Doctoral research that encourages change and produces real-world impacts is more important than ever. A doctoral degree is more than just a thesis: it is an opportunity to realise your potential as a researcher, to develop your passion and knowledge in a community that values progress. Get support for your research with a NTU Studentship.

Applications for our 2024 studentships have now closed. The scheme usually opens in October. Sign up for emails to be notified of the next release and to keep up to date with research funding.

Discover our PhD opportunities that drive innovation and delivers real-world impact. Browse our PhD projects, or submit your own proposal.

Professional Doctorates

Make an impact with world-leading and award-winning research at Nottingham Trent University.

PhD fees and funding

Find out more about the fees and funding options available for research study at Nottingham Trent University.

How to apply for a PhD

Everything you need to know about applying to study at the NTU Doctoral School.

Re:shaping re:search - why join NTU?

With world-class facilities, dedicated doctoral support, and a growing portfolio of interdisciplinary and collaborative research programmes — all delivered alongside our worldwide family of academic and industry partners — NTU is the place to truly re:alise your potential.

We offer a unique Doctoral Education, Training and Development programme to support the growth of all our doctoral candidates, in everything from academic writing and academic software to healthy research practices. We support our candidates throughout their doctoral journey, enabling them to reach their potential as experts in their field.

As a two-time recipient of the Queens Anniversary Prize — the most prestigious national award for research outputs — 86% of our work has been judged as ‘world-leading’or ‘internationally excellent.’* We want to continue building this reputation for research excellence by taking a themed approach to addressing the world’s most pressing problems — the key questions that span business, the arts, science, sustainability, healthcare, politics, and the environment. We’re calling this new approach Re:search Re:imagined

* Latest data, Research Excellence Framework 2021

A diverse community

"I chose to pursue a PhD because I've always been intellectually curious". Hear about Richards's doctoral experience.

We’re committed to removing barriers to doctoral education — an ambition reflected in the award of joint funding to improve access and participation for black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in PGR study. Our Doctoral School is a diverse and highly inclusive community; it enables its members to become confident, skilled researchers, regardless of their backgrounds.

Join us to help fulfil our boldest ambitions — to value ideas, create opportunities, embrace sustainability, empower people, enrich society, and connect on a global scale. We believe in applied, meaningful research that delivers better answers. Be part of a community that champions your voice and experience.

By breaking down the financial barriers to PhD study, our fully funded studentships ensure you’ll have the freedom and confidence to deliver the kind of research that truly matters.

Re:searchers Re:vealed

Here at NTU, our researchers come from a variety of backgrounds, and they all have a powerful story to tell. In this series, we share their stories.

Imperial College London Imperial College London

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President's PhD scholarships

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  • What the scholarship covers

Check if you're eligible

How to apply, review and selection, when you'll hear, current scholar or imperial staff member.

If you have a question about the application process/application form, please speak with the relevant Admissions department and/or your department or supervisor.

If you have a question about our President's PhD Scholarships, please email the Student Financial Support team:  [email protected]

If you are a high performing undergraduate or Master's student and have a strong desire to undertake a PhD programme at a world-class research institution, a President's PhD Scholarship could provide you with the outstanding opportunity to receive full funding for tuition fees and a generous stipend for a 3.5 year PhD place at Imperial College London.

The President’s PhD Scholarships allow students to undertake a research project of their choosing with the support of an excellent supervisor, alongside cohort-building opportunities with other President's PhD Scholars.

Meet our scholars

Read stories of Imperial students who have received a President's PhD Scholarship.

What the scholarship covers

Each of the 50 scholarships available provides the following support during the 3.5 years of study:

  • Full funding for tuition fees
  • A stipend of £25,150 (2024-25 rate) per annum to assist with living costs 
  • A consumables fund of £2,000 per annum for the first 3 years of study
  • A programme of bespoke opportunities and events delivered by the Graduate School

You will also have access to the  full range of support available to postgraduates at Imperial, including tailored support for disabled and international students, and the wider Graduate School programme of professional skills courses.

This competitive scheme has higher than usual eligibility requirements, attracting candidates that show excellent academic performance and promising research potential. 

We accept applications from talented candidates from Imperial College London, the UK and worldwide. There are no restrictions on nationality.

The scholarship applies to both full- and part-time study.

We encourage applications from people from all backgrounds, as we recognise that diversity not only benefits Imperial but also helps the sector to better represent the communities that we serve.

Academic criteria

  • Candidates must be in receipt of, or due to receive, a  first class or equivalent  in an undergraduate or integrated Masters degree; or if this has not been achieved
  • Candidates must be in receipt of (or where this has yet to be received be able to provide evidence of high performance that will lead to) a distinction in a standalone Master’s qualification.

This allows candidates who have demonstrated excellence at Master's level, but not achieved a first class undergraduate degree, to be able to apply to the scheme.

Candidates with only a single undergraduate degree or integrated Master’s must still must be in receipt of, or due to receive, a first class or equivalent.

Other criteria

  • Applications are accepted from talented candidates from Imperial College London, the UK and worldwide. There are no restrictions on nationality, although some departments may be unable to support international candidates.
  • The scheme is only open to new PhD applications. Current registered Imperial PhD students are  not eligible  to be considered for a President's PhD Scholarship.

Read our scholarships terms and conditions .

Applications for this scholarship scheme will be considered at three points throughout the academic year – see 'When you'll hear' below.

Before you apply

  • You must have made contact with a supervisor in an academic department at Imperial College London who has agreed to supervise your research project.
  • Supervisors are limited to supervise one scholar at any time. Please review the  President's PhD Scholarships - Unavailable Supervisors page for more information.

Application process

  • There isn't specific scholarship application form. 
  • You should submit your application for admission to study at Imperial through our  online admissions system  and your department will put you forward for the scholarship based on academic merit and potential.

Scholarship-specific instructions for the admissions process are below; you must also meet any additional application requirements stated by your department of choice.

Additional admissions instructions

  • For the 2024–25 academic year, the earliest start date for funded places is 1 August 2024, the latest start date is 1 November 2024.
  • the first page should be a personal statement (motivations for applying to Imperial and the scholarship, and any other supporting information not included elsewhere on the form that you feel will enhance your application)
  • the second page should be your research proposal. You may submit updated versions of this statement if required following application submission if your department shortlists you for the scholarship. You are encouraged to write in the first person. 
  • When prompted for the names of  two academic referees , these should be people who can provide an academic reference in support of your application (e.g. your personal tutor or your thesis supervisor). You should not include your proposed PhD supervisor. You are encouraged to share this guidance  with your two referees, noting, in particular, the recommendation to use ‘they/them’ language (rather than gender pronouns).
  • To be considered for the President's PhD Scholarship scheme, you must select this option in the funding section of the additional questions tab within the online application form.

50 scholarship places are available. Applications will be reviewed by a two-stage process:

  • Candidates meeting or predicted to meet the eligibility criteria will be reviewed by the Department to which they have applied. Departments will select a shortlist of candidates to present to the College Selection Panel for consideration. 
  • A Faculty allocation stage will score and rank candidates in Departmental shortlists, making initial offers to the most promising candidates. Faculty Vice Deans present these candidates with justification for offers at the College Selection Panel.
  • The College Selection Panel makes additional offers from a ring-fenced allocation to candidates that meet widening participation or other strategic alignment goals. 

Assessment criteria

Candidates are assessed by the Faculties and College Selection Panel against the following criteria:

  • past academic results
  • transcripts
  • relative class position
  • distinctions
  • the candidate’s research experience to date
  • their interest in discovery
  • the research plan and its potential contribution as described in their research proposal
  • the departmental statement, which also reflects on performance at interview

Successful candidates will receive written confirmation of their scholarship. Any offer of a PhD place will be conditional on the candidate receiving the predicted qualifications.

Applicants not selected for the scholarship will automatically be considered for a standard PhD.

Successful candidates will receive written confirmation of their scholarship. Any offer of a PhD place will be conditional on the candidate receiving the predicted qualifications.

  • Applicants who apply by 23:59 (UK time) 6 November 2023  and are awarded a scholarship will be notified by  end of  January 2024. 
  • Applicants who apply by 23:59 (UK time)  8 January 2024  and are awarded a scholarship will be notified by  end of  March 2024.
  • Applicants who apply by 23:59 (UK time)  4 March 2024  and are awarded a scholarship will be notified by end of  May 2024.

If you're a current Imperial President's PhD Scholar or Imperial staff member, please find information for you at the following links:

  • information for current scholars
  • information for Imperial staff
  • Postgraduate study

PhD scholarships

We invest heavily in PhD study and the development of our postgraduate community.

University of Sheffield scholarships

These include:

  • University of Sheffield Research Scholarships  (Closed)
  • Hossein Farmy Scholarships  (Closed)
  • China Scholarship Council  (Closed)

Research Council (UKRI) scholarships

The UK Research Councils are a major source of financial support for research postgraduates.

List of Research Council scholarships

Department/project scholarships

Departments and Supervisors may have funding for specific projects throughout the year. When available these projects may be advertised in the  PhD projects directory  or via information provided on Departmental webpages

Other funding bodies

Many charities, foundations and trusts provide funding for postgraduate study, from small grants to full scholarships. Some are for specific subject areas while others have more general eligibility criteria. Please see our list of  additional funding  for more information. 

Related information

Eligibility for UK, EU and international students

Postgraduate doctoral loans (home fee-paying students)

Alumni Rewards

Search for PhD opportunities at Sheffield and be part of our world-leading research.

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University of Brighton

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  • Funded PhD programmes 2024 UK

Funded PhD research programmes 2025 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 processes also often allow us to support promising candidates for applications to external funders and we regularly welcome self-funded applicants to programmes across all disciplines.

We will be advertising University of Brighton studentships later in the year. Meanwhile, please visit our PhD funding advice page  for current offers or see below for further general advice about applying for a funded PhD in the UK. 

Visit our PhD disciplinary programme lists

What UK PhD studentships are available ?

Depending on the discipline area, applicants for postgraduate research study may be:

  • applying to work on specific, defined research projects
  • applying to work with an academic department or individual with specific interests
  • or applying with a self-identified research topic proposal.

When available, studentships are open to home and international students and will be given to candidates who best fulfil the promise outlined by these academic departments.

Students may like to review the funding opportunities listed at the foot of the page or visit our  PhD funding advice page  . 

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 financing schemes will usually involve:  

  • submitting a full application through the university's PhD application portal, our University of Brighton portal is 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).
  • Shortlisted applicants are likely to be invited for interview.

What does PhD funding include?

The funding for the PhD usually covers 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 programmes as they become available and we will look forward to receiving your application. 

Insitutions and funding bodies for PhD study

On the Funding pages of our website we post advice as to the regular and specific funding opportunities available through the University of Brighton, its partners and networks. 

These include  Doctoral Training Partnership  and University of Brighton PhD studentship calls,  individual studentship projects , University of Brighton  international research scholarships  and our  alumni scholarships  for current and past students. 

We also include below some of the major funding options for international students wanting to do a PhD with us, each of which may support all or part of your studies.

Worldwide international funding schemes for PhD research

The british council.

The British Council offers a search engine for UK courses, institutions (including the University of Brighton) and scholarships.

Find out more about scholarships and funding through The British Council.

The Gen Foundation

The Gen Foundation considers applicants living in all countries. It is a charitable trust which principally provides grants to students/researchers in natural sciences, in particular food sciences/technology.

Find out more about grants to students and researchers from The Gen Foundation .

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Our multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.

Find out more about research funding through the Aga Khan development network .

The Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundations are active in more than 120 countries around the world, using grant-giving, research, advocacy, impact investment, and strategic litigation to support the growth of inclusive and vibrant democracies. The four main themes of the Open Society Foundations are climate justice, equity, expression, and justice and they will award grants and fellowships throughout the year to organisations and individuals who share those values. The Open Society Foundations look for grantees who have a vision and whose efforts will lead to lasting social change.

Find out more about postgraduate funding through The Open Society Foundations .

International Education and Financial Aid

The International Education and Financial Aid (IEFA) provides students from all over the world comprehensive information on financial aid for studying abroad. Using the IEFA website, you can easily search the IEFA database for scholarships, grants, loan programs, and other options available to help finance your international education.

Find out more about international PhD research funding through the IEFA .

The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds 

The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) awards PhD fellowships of two to three-and-a-half years to outstanding junior scientists worldwide who wish to pursue an ambitious PhD project in basic biomedical research in an internationally leading laboratory.

Find out more about the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds fellowships .

Resource sites for international PhD research funding

Internationalstudent.com.

InternationalStudent.com is a leading online resource for international students around the world providing advice pages for studying in the USA, UK and Australia for international students, plus a dedicated study abroad center for US students who want to travel abroad.

Find out more about international study through InternationalStudent.com .

ScholarshipTab

ScholarshipTab is an online portal that connects international students to available scholarship opportunities round the world.

Find out more about the Scholarship Tab resource .

International Education and Financial Aid (IEFA)

The IEFA provides students from all over the world comprehensive information on financial aid for studying abroad. Search the IEFA database for scholarships, grants, loan programs, and other options available to help finance your international education.

Find out more from the International Education and Financial Aid website .

The European Funding Guide 

Scholarships and grants for students from the European Union

Find out more through the European Funding Guide  

The Americas: Postgraduate doctorate funding from institutions and bodies to study in the UK

  • Marshall Scholarship:  Provides for United States students to study abroad.
  • Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship provides for United States students to study abroad.
  • American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
  • Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program
  • Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund
  • Canada's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
  • The Bolsas Lideres Estudar Program provides for Brazilian students studying in the UK .

Asia: Postgraduate doctorate funding from Asian institutions and bodies to study in the UK

The Charles Wallace Bangladesh Trust

The Charles Wallace Burma Trust

China and Hong Kong

Great Britain – China Educational Trust is a charity that promotes mutual understanding between the UK and China and aims to build long-term connections between the two countries. It delivers awards contributing towards university tuition fees and living expenses for Chinese nationality students studying for a PhD in any subject at a UK university.

Great Britain China Centre Chinese Student Awards  offers scholarships of up to £3,000 for citizens of China and Hong Kong studying for a PhD in any subject at a UK university

The Hong Kong People Association (HKPA)  aims to provide financial aids for further university education to students from Hong Kong who are not able to afford international tuition fees. 

The Charles Wallace India Trust  offers PhD funding for study in the arts, heritage conservation or the humanities.

The Inlaks India Foundation

The JN Tata Endowment award funds 90 to 100 scholars across disciplines ranging from the sciences to management, law and commerce and the fine arts.

The KC Mahindra Education Trust

The Persia Educational Foundation Abdolreza Ansari Scholarship   is designed to support the education of students of Iranian descent enrolled in a Master or Doctorate programme in human rights or public service in the UK.

Momeni Iranian Financial Assistance Scholarships  offer partial funding scholarships for international students of Iranian descent towards a PhD in any subject.

The Kenneth Lindsay Scholarship Trust

The Anglo-Jewish Association (AJA)  provides funding for Jewish students to study a Masters or PhD in the UK.

The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Advanced Studies  funds students of macroeconomics with a view to them working at the International Monetary Fund.

The Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan . The HEC offers government scholarships for Pakistani students to study abroad in various countries, including the UK.

Saudi Arabia

The Cultural Bureau of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia (SACB)  offers scope for full tuition fees and supporting fees for PhD level study.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research

The Thai Office of Educational Affairs 

Europe: Postgraduate doctorate funding from European institutions and bodies to study in the UK

The European Funding Guide  - Scholarships and grants in the EU.

France -  Entente Cordiale scholarships for postgraduate studies  provide funding to help students enrolling for a Masters or a PhD qualification in the UK or in France.

Italy -  Il Circolo Italian Cultural Association is a UK-registered charity based in London with the mission to support deserving students with awards and scholarships.

Norway - Lanekassen  - The Norwegian student loans and grants awarding body supports Norwegian students studying overseas.

Scandinavia - Fundraising.how  - article database offering funding advice for Scandinavian students.

Sweden - CSN -  loans and grants for Swedish students studying overseas.

Australia: funding for PhD study in the UK

The Australia Day Foundation  offers grants to young Australians for fees and course materials.

Africa: funding for PhD study in the UK

Sudan -  The Gordon Memorial College Trust Fund (GMCTF)

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PhD scholarships

PGR/Postgraduate Research use only

Pursue your passions

with a fully funded PhD

Whether you’re a UK, EU or international student, you’ll find exciting opportunities to start your postgraduate research journey with us in 2024. You can apply for one of our funded PhD studentships across a range of subject areas.

Explore funded PhDs by subject area

Area studies /history.

  • From Sail to Steam, Carbon to Green: Empowering Port Communities in the Global South (Peru)

Funding information and eligibility 

Candidates applying for these projects may be eligible to compete for one of a number of bursaries available – some bursaries fund tuition fees only, while others cover tuition fees at the UK rate for three years plus a stipend in line with the UKRI rate ( £19,237 for 2024/25).

Most projects are open to applications from UK, EU and international students unless otherwise specified in the project advert. Please check your eligibility before submitting a formal application. 

Costs for student visa and immigration health surcharge are not covered by these scholarships. For further guidance and advice visit our international and EU students  ‘Visa FAQs’ page .

How to apply

1. Select a subject area from the list above where you will find eligible project areas/projects and entry criteria. 

2. Get in touch with the named project supervisor to discuss your interest before you apply. Forwarding your CV and an outline of your research idea would help speed up the process.

3. When you are ready to apply, use the online application form link found in the project advert, making sure you submit all the required documentation before the application deadline. 

Please note : If you want to be considered for a funded PhD opportunity you must quote the project code provided when applying.  E mail applications are not accepted.

Application deadline

Application deadlines vary depending on the funding scheme. 

What happens next?

We’ll review your application and if you’re shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview. Shortlisting and interviews will take place after the application deadline.

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Postgraduate research proposal guide.

If you are considering undertaking a postgraduate research degree, follow our step by step guide to writing the perfect research proposal. 

FOR PGR USE ONLY

Find a PhD Supervisor

If you've already got your own research idea, start looking for a supervisor whose research interests match yours.

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Postgraduate scholarships for international students

You can apply for a postgraduate scholarship from the UK government. A scholarship can cover things like:

  • course fees 
  • the cost of living when you study in the UK

Apply for a scholarship to do a one-year taught masters

You can apply for a Chevening Scholarship if you meet the eligibility criteria .

That includes having at least 2 years’ eligible work experience .

Check if applications for a Chevening Scholarship are open where you live .

If you’re from a Commonwealth country

You might be able to apply for a Commonwealth Scholarship if you:

  • have an undergraduate degree
  • are a citizen or a permanent resident of a Commonwealth country or British Overseas Territory

Find out which Commonwealth Scholarships are available where you live . Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria.

If you’re from the USA

You can apply for a Marshall Scholarship to do a masters or a PhD if all the following apply:

  • you graduated from a 4-year undergraduate course in the USA in the last 3 years
  • you got a GPA of 3.7 or more in your degree
  • you have not studied for a UK degree before

Find out how you can apply for a Marshall Scholarship .

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Top 10 UK Scholarships For PhD Students

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Top 10 UK Scholarships For PhD Students

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Are you thinking of pursuing a PhD in the UK, but the financial burden worries you? Look no further; The UK offers a range of scholarships specifically tailored to support PhD students, whether they are UK nationals or international students. In this blog, we will uncover different types of PhD scholarships for international students in the UK and their eligibility. So sit tight and explore scholarships in the UK!

Top 10 PhD scholarships in the UK

The United Kingdom is a famous choice for students planning on studying abroad thanks to its well-established education. Still, sometimes the fees seem like a burden holding you back from applying. But we bring you solutions for this problem! These PhD scholarships for international students will help you reach your dreams. The following are the top 10 PhD scholarships in the UK you should keep in your scholarship list. 

Top 10 scholarships for PhD students

1. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship

If you are a non-UK citizen and planning to pursue a full-time program at the University of Cambridge, you can apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, as it is one of the best PhD scholarships in the UK. The Scholarship covers PhD, one-year postgraduate, MSc, or MLitt courses and is also available for current students who wish to pursue another degree. The selection process evaluates candidates based on their academic achievements, motivation for choosing the course, leadership potential and commitment to improving the lives of others. The students who tick all these boxes receive full funding for their studies, including a maintenance allowance of £17,500 per pay for up to 4 years, two-way economy class airfare, visa expenses and immigration health surcharge. 

Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for this UK scholarship, you must:

  • Citizenship of any country outside the UK.
  • Application to pursue one of these full-time courses:
  • MPhil/MLitt
  • Any one-year postgraduate course

2. Carnegie PhD Scholarship

This is yet another PhD scholarship in the UK that students get competitive for. Suppose you demonstrate exceptional academic abilities and plan to pursue a PhD at a university in Scotland. In that case, you can apply for scholarships from the Carnegie Trust for Universities in Scotland. These scholarships of £17,904 cover tuition costs, living allowances and research expenses and can be renewed for up to 3 years of study and up to 6 years of part-time education. You can also apply for an extension of up to 42 months by submitting a case for such an extension at the time of nomination, which will be considered part of the award. The Trust aims to award 12-15 scholarships for doctoral studies across all Scottish Universities in the 2022-2023 academic year.  

  • Applicants must have a First Class Honours undergraduate degree from a Scottish university to qualify for the scholarships. 
  • This First-Class Honours degree must be in an area relevant to the planned doctorate study. 
  • Students in their last year of an undergraduate degree who are anticipated to graduate with a First-Class Honours degree may also apply. 

From ambition to achievement - let amberscholar sculpt your PhD destiny!

3. scotland's saltire scholarship.

This is yet another PhD scholarship in the UK the Scottish government offers in collaboration with Scottish educational institutions. These scholarships are designed to support students from Canada, India, China, Japan, Pakistan and the US to study full-time PhD students. The Saltire Scholarship aims to promote Scotland as a destination for academic excellence and to encourage cultural exchange between Scotland and other countries. This UK PhD scholarship tuition fee is for one academic year of full-time study, with up to 50 available scholarships each year. If you're one of the lucky few, you will receive a living allowance of £8000 for a year of study in Scotland. Students pursuing disciplines such as science, healthcare, technology, arts, and renewable energy can apply for this Scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria   To be eligible for this UK scholarship, you must:

  • You must be a resident of any of the following countries: India, China, Canada, USA, Pakistan and Japan.
  • You must have an official call letter from a recognized Scottish University.
  • You must be able to demonstrate that they can meet the living expenses in Scotland.
  • You should not have studied previously in Scotland.
  • You must meet the language requirements.
  • You should not have received the benefits of the Saltire scholarship previously.

4. The Marshall Scholarship

The Marshall Scholarship is a comprehensive PhD scholarship in the UK that covers the entire cost of postgraduate studies in any field at any UK university. Students who are from diverse backgrounds and disciplines and who show exceptional intelligence and personal potential may be one of the few that are qualified for the Marshall Scholarship. Around 100 scholarships are awarded yearly, which cover one or two years of study, depending on the program you've chosen. Moreover, if you get selected for the Marshal Scholarship, you'll receive an annual stipend of £27,000. Now doesn't that sound like a sweet deal?

  • Be a United States of America citizen at the time of application.
  • Pass your first undergraduate degree from an accredited four-year college in the United States by September 2023.
  • Achieve a grade point average of 3.7 on their undergraduate degree at the time of application. Rounded GPAs are not accepted.
  • Graduate from their first undergraduate college or university after April 2020.
  • Not have studied for, or hold a degree or degree-equivalent qualification from a British University, or have taken GCSE or A Levels at school in the UK.

5. Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries

The Commonwealth strives to provide financial aid to exceptional students from all over the world who possess the potential to make a positive impact on global development. Every year, approximately 800 students from commonwealth countries are granted the chance to be selected and pursue their desired academic program at one of the esteemed institutions in the United Kingdom. Without a doubt makes, this is one of the best PhD scholarships in the UK.

  • A citizen or permanent resident of any one of the commonwealth countries
  • The applicant must have an undergraduate degree in the upper second class
  • The candidate should also have a relevant master's degree.
  • The applicant must be financially incapable of pursuing higher studies in the UK

6. Imperial College London President's PhD Scholarship 

The Imperial College London President's PhD scholarships in the UK are an amazing program that covers tuition fees and other expenses for 50 talented students to study at a prestigious university like Imperial College London. And guess what? It's not just for full-time students, but part-timers can apply too! So if you aim to take your research game to the next level and pursue a PhD in your chosen field, this is the opportunity for you!

  • The applicant must have completed the postgraduate degree with distinction.
  • Only fresh applicants, not those already enrolled in the course, are eligible to apply for the Scholarship.
  • No nationality restriction

7. Oxford University- Clarendon Scholarship

The Clarendon scholarship is a well-known PhD scholarship in the UK that does not require a separate application form. If you apply for an Oxford University PhD programme, you are automatically eligible to apply for this Scholarship. The application deadline may vary depending on your preference programme but typically falls in January. If awarded this Scholarship, you'll receive full tuition coverage and a living stipend of £15,609.

  • GPA score of at least 3.7 if the mark is out of 4
  • Outstanding academic achievement at the Master's level
  • Previous transcript
  • Proof of previous university prizes and awards.

8. University of Cambridge: Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme

The University of Cambridge is looking for 25 exceptional PhD students from all walks of life and areas of expertise who have to make a real contribution to the academic world with their top-tier research programs. Most students will be affiliated with St Catharine's College, while the rest will be placed in other colleges. The deadline to apply for this PhD scholarship in the UK varies from department to department but for most programmes. The successful students will receive a comprehensive package that includes coverage of the university, including coverage of the university composition fee, a personal allowance of £6,000 throughout their studies, an annual stipend of £18,000 and even coverage of student visa costs. 

  • Have merit in your Master's degree in addition to holding a first-class or second-upper-class honours degree

9. University of Exeter- PhD Scholarship 

The University of Exeter is offering two parts of funding for students: 1) research master's in Economics and a PhD program in either Finance or Economics. As a part of this PhD scholarship in the UK, you will be required to work as a teaching or research assistant for around 180 hours, about 23 days per year. But don't worry; this can be beneficial in enhancing your research and educational skills. The funding includes a combined stipend and teaching allowance of £19,000 per year for those 180 hours. Plus, students can apply for additional funding to cover research, development and conference travel expenses. 

  • An upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area.
  • A Master's degree at a Merit level or equivalent in a relevant subject area (some programmes may require a Distinction level).
  • Meet the English language requirements for the programme they are applying to. 
  • Provide references that support their academic and research potential.
  • Submit a well-developed research proposal that aligns with the research priorities 
  • Meet any additional programme-specific requirements, such as relevant work experience or knowledge of a specific subject area.

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10. aston university college of business and social sciences.

If you apply for this PhD scholarship in the UK, you'll study at the College of Business and Social Sciences and Humanities. Multiple students seeking admission to any of these school programmes are automatically eligible to apply for up to 6 fully-funded PhD studentships. Suppose you're successful in receiving these PhD scholarships in the UK; in that case, you'll be receiving full coverage at the international rate and an annual maintenance grant of £15,580 pounds for the duration of your three-year program. 

  • Have merit in your Master's degree and a first-class or second-upper-class honours degree.

So if you are considering a PhD scholarship in the UK but are worried about the cost, it is worth exploring the various UK scholarship PhD options available. These scholarships can support you in pursuing your academic goals and making your dreams a reality! You can also check out the amber scholarships that aim to help students from all over the world who possess the required qualifications and win a scholarship of up to £10,000. Seize this excellent opportunity and submit your application for the amber scholarship now and reach your goals 2X faster!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of uk scholarships for phd students are available, who is eligible to apply for phd scholarships in the uk, how to find a phd scholarship in the uk, how competitive are phd scholarships in the uk, can i work while receiving a phd scholarship in the uk.

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We offer scholarships for international students, and we welcome students funded by external scholarships.

Applications for our China Scholarship Council Research Excellence Scholarship are open for 2024 entry. Please check the webpage for eligibility information and deadlines.

Applications for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are also now open. Please check the webpage for eligibility information and deadlines.

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We have 176 fully funded PhD for international students PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

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fully funded PhD for international students PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

Zenith phd project: elastic tailoring of composite winglet-wing systems for enhanced performance, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide)

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

PhD Programmes in Business and Management

Funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Business Research Programme

Business Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Sensing wastewater for real-time public health PhD

Funded phd project (uk students only).

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

PhD in International Business and Strategy at Henley Business School

Seven university of bath fully funded studentships in sustainable aerospace materials and structures starting september 2024., epsrc centre for doctoral training.

EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training conduct research and training in priority areas funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Potential PhD topics are usually defined in advance. Students may receive additional training and development opportunities as part of their programme.

Making Additive Manufacturing Sustainable Using Functionalised Coatings (Fully Funded PhD)

Arts and humanities postgraduate research, university of glasgow, arts research programme.

Arts Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

School of Law PhD Programmes (PhD in Law, and PhD in Criminology)

Funded phd programme (european/uk students only).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. It is available to citizens of a number of European countries (including the UK). In most cases this will include all EU nationals. However full funding may not be available to all applicants and you should read the full programme details for further information.

Law Research Programme

Law Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Fully–funded PhD Studentship with the Optical Networks Group, Department of Electronic & Electrical Engineering, UCL

Understanding material dissolution in aqueous environments for fusion applications, fully funded phd studentships at the epsrc centre for doctoral training in statistics and operational research in partnership with industry (stor-i), next-generation low-carbon cement wasteforms for safe disposal of radioactive waste, economics phd studentships, ahrc collaborative doctoral partnership (cdp) studentship – “second life: understanding deterioration of recycled plastics in museum collections” with victoria and albert museum, fully funded phd studentship: 2d material enhanced atr and raman chips for biomedical sensing applications, competition funded phd project (european/uk students only).

This project is in competition for funding with other projects. Usually the project which receives the best applicant will be successful. Unsuccessful projects may still go ahead as self-funded opportunities.

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  1. PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

    Qualification Type: Fully-funded PhD. Location: London. Funding for: Home tuition fees (currently £6,035/year) & stipend (currently £22,737/year). Read more. Supervisors: Prof R Balachandran, Dr M Talibi. 31 August 2024 PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide) More Details.

  2. 168 Phd Scholarships in United Kingdom

    Scholarships for Your phd Studies in United Kingdom. Find a detailed list of scholarships for postgraduate programmes, financial aid for PhDs, student fellowships, doctorate grants, and more. Pick a scholarship for your PhD and apply to partially or completely cover your tuition fees for universities, business schools, law schools, medical ...

  3. PhD Programmes, Research Projects & Studentships in the UK & Europe

    Explore PhD opportunities within the Institute for Digital Technologies. CTP-SAI four-year studentships for October 2024. Department of Health Technology and Informatics. Non-Clinical PhD studentships for informatics and data science researchers. Sciences Research Opportunities at the University of East Anglia.

  4. Scholarships and funding

    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.

  5. COMMONWEALTH PHD SCHOLARSHIPS

    Applications for Commonwealth PhD scholarships for the 2024/25 academic year are now closed. ... Scholarship or Fellowship; an employee, a former employee, or relative of an employee of the Government of the United Kingdom; or a staff member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities or the British Council; or a Commonwealth Scholarship ...

  6. PhD Opportunities PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in ...

    PhD Studentship opportunities in the College of Business and Social Sciences. Founded in 1895, Aston University has a history of academic excellence. Since becoming a university in 1966, our campus located in the heart of Birmingham, England has welcomed thousands of students from around the globe. Read more.

  7. Find PhDs

    Physical & Environmental Sciences 234. Politics & Government 5. Psychology 19. Social Sciences & Social Care 18. Sport & Leisure 3. Search for PhDs, research studentships, professional doctorates & more opportunities on jobs.ac.uk. Plus funding & careers advice and FREE PhD.

  8. International PhD Scholarships

    The King's Joint PhD Scholarship provides full tuition fees, stipend and an annual research grant. Download the guidance for the 2023/24 Joint PGR Scholarships. Find out more about the Joint PhD Programmes available at the National University of Singapore, ... King's College London Strand London WC2R 2LS United Kingdom.

  9. Find your PhD scholarship in England, United Kingdom

    Merit-based. Read more about eligibility. Cranfield University. Cranfield, United Kingdom. 1 of 17. Discover all available scholarships for your PhD degree in England, United Kingdom with PhDportal's scholarship search tool.

  10. Ph.D Scholarships UK

    The scholarships will be awarded on the strength of candidates' overall profiles as presented in their PhD applications including academic and/or professional achievement, research proposal, and letters of reference. The value of each scholarship i. Published: 2024-07-24 Type: PhD Study in: Aberdeen Deadline: August 16, 2024.

  11. Commonwealth Scholarships

    Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (for least developed countries and fragile states) Commonwealth Split-site Scholarships (for low and middle-income countries) ... The United Kingdom's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland).

  12. 10 PhD scholarships in the UK for int'l students 2022

    The University of Exeter's generous funding scheme consists of two funding parts funding - one Research Masters in Economics and then a PhD programme in either Finance or Economics - both at the Business School; you have to apply by Jan. 21, 2022. As part of the scholarship, students have to work as teaching or research assistants for ...

  13. Fully funded PhD studentships

    A studentship is like a scholarship but for a research degree at the university, helping to fund your research project. Finance shouldn't be a barrier to delivering world-leading research, that's why we run an annual fully funded PhD studentship competition, to recruit talented researchers from across the world.

  14. President's PhD scholarships

    Each of the 50 scholarships available provides the following support during the 3.5 years of study: Full funding for tuition fees. A stipend of £25,150 (2024-25 rate) per annum to assist with living costs. A consumables fund of £2,000 per annum for the first 3 years of study. A programme of bespoke opportunities and events delivered by the ...

  15. fully funded PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships for UK ...

    Open to UK students and international students. Fully Funded. 3.5 years of Home tuition fees (currently £5,860/year) and a tax-free maintenance stipend of £24,000 per year. Read more. Supervisor: Dr A Leung. Year round applications PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (Students Worldwide) More Details.

  16. PhD scholarships

    Many charities, foundations and trusts provide funding for postgraduate study, from small grants to full scholarships. Some are for specific subject areas while others have more general eligibility criteria. Please see our list of additional funding for more information. We invest heavily in PhD study and the development of our postgraduate ...

  17. Funded PhD research programmes 2025 UK

    The funding for the PhD usually covers 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 ...

  18. PhD scholarships

    How to apply. 1. Select a subject area from the list above where you will find eligible project areas/projects and entry criteria. 2. Get in touch with the named project supervisor to discuss your interest before you apply. Forwarding your CV and an outline of your research idea would help speed up the process. 3.

  19. Postgraduate scholarships for international students

    You can apply for a Marshall Scholarship to do a masters or a PhD if all the following apply: you graduated from a 4-year undergraduate course in the USA in the last 3 years. you got a GPA of 3.7 ...

  20. Top 10 UK Scholarships For PhD Students

    Top 10 PhD scholarships in the UK. The United Kingdom is a famous choice for students planning on studying abroad thanks to its well-established education. Still, sometimes the fees seem like a burden holding you back from applying. But we bring you solutions for this problem! These PhD scholarships for international students will help you ...

  21. International research scholarships

    We offer scholarships for international students, and we welcome students funded by external scholarships. Applications for our China Scholarship Council Research Excellence Scholarship are open for 2024 entry. Please check the webpage for eligibility information and deadlines. Applications for Commonwealth PhD Scholarships are also now open.

  22. fully funded PhD for international students PhD Projects ...

    Open to UK students and international students. Fully Funded. 3 years of Home tuition fees (currently £5,860/year) and a tax-free maintenance stipend of £24,000 per year. Read more. Supervisors: Prof P Lee, Dr A Leung. Year round applications PhD Research Project Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only) More Details.

  23. Scholarship for United Kingdom

    Full-time PhD tuition fees for a student with oversees fee status (around £19,000 per annum) Additional Training fund (around £2,000 total) for supporting training programme and conference attendance. You may apply for this scholarship with a bachelor's degree (or you will obtain the degree before October 2023) in Computer Science, Electronic ...