PhD Scholarships UK – Studying in the UK can cost a lot. This is especially true for research and postgraduate degrees. Enrolling in fully funded scholarships makes education cheaper. This is true even for international students who need help to continue their studies.
Reputable universities, the UK government, and charity foundations provide these scholarship opportunities. The institution offers diverse financial support covering tuition fees, providing living stipends and covering travel expenses. These opportunities allow candidates to focus completely on their research program without worrying about financial setbacks.
There are many grant opportunities for postgraduate programs. We have created a list of 10 fully-funded Ph.D Scholarships UK from universities for researchers. Without further ado, let’s get started!
PhD Scholarships UK For International Students
1. Birmingham City University Scholarships
Birmingham PhD scholarships are financial support programs offered by the University of Birmingham to eligible candidates. They offer a wide range of funded scholarship programs across various courses. These awards are fully packaged, covering tuition fees, providing annual stipends, and offering financial support to researchers.
Benefits: Fully funded | Annual stipends | Relocation expenses | Support in research costs
Eligible Countries: Open to all international countries
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Program specific
2. University College London PhD Scholarships UK
University College London (UCL) is one of the leading universities in London. The institution offers various scholarship programs for researchers to support them during their studies. Some of these programs offer fully funded packages, covering both tuition and research expenses during study.
Benefits: Fully funded tuition | Annual stipends | Relocation expenses | Accommodation allowance
Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Program specified
3. London Schools of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) PhD Scholarships UK
Candidates who are passionate about global health and research can apply for this LSHTM scholarship award. This award offers a range of financial assistance to students pursuing their doctoral degree.
Benefits: Fully funded | Annual stipends
Annual Stipends: Depends on the scholarship program
Eligible Countries: Varies by scholarship program
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Program specified
4. King’s College London PhD Scholarships
The King’s College London scholarship awards cover tuition fees and living expenses. There are diverse ranges of opportunities for prospective researchers. Interested applicants can apply by visiting the University’s scholarship page.
Benefits: Fully funded | Annual stipends | Research cost
Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Program-specified
5. Brunel University Aluminium Alloys Development PhD
This is a project-based PhD scholarship at Brunel University in Uxbridge, west London. It’s also a fully funded opportunity granted to eligible candidates. Selected candidates will work on the development of high-performance and highly impurity-tolerant recycled aluminium alloys.
Benefits: Fully funded | Annual stipends
Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline:Program-specified
6. University of Oxford PhD Scholarship Program
The University of Oxford offers a wide range of fully funded PhD scholarships, including the Mastercard Foundation AfOx. Schools usually award these opportunities based on academic performance and potential. Selected candidates will receive financial support from the institution.
Benefits: Fully funded | Living expenses
Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Program-specified
7. University of Southampton PhD Scholarships UK
Southampton is a reputable institution in the UK offering scholarship opportunities for postgraduate candidates across various degrees. There is a wide range of PhD scholarships for talented researchers.
Eligible candidates can receive fully funded grants for their tuition fees. They will also get a £20,000 tax-free stipend. Additionally, there is an annual training grant of £1,100 for researchers.
Benefits: Fully funded | Annual stipends | Annual researcher training | Annual researcher grants
Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Program-specified
8. University Of Warwick PhD Scholarships UK 2025-2026
Warwick University is one of the leading research institutes located in the West Midlands of England. The institution offers numerous scholarships to attract global and talented researchers. They comprise a range of programs which can cover tuition fees and living expenses.
Benefits: Fully funded | Annual allowances | Relocation expenses | Accommodation allowance
Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Program-specified
9. Northumbria University PhD Scholarships
Northumbria University is currently offering up to 100 fully funded PhD scholarships for exceptional and talented global researchers. These awards include funding tuition fees and some other essential costs during study.
Benefits: Fully funded | Annual stipends | Relocation expenses | Accommodation allowance | Various higher degrees
Annual Stipends: Depends on the scholarship program
Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Program-specified
10. PhD Scholarships at Swansea University
Swansea University scholarships are available for postgraduate candidates with strong academic potential from across the world. The opportunities cover a range of financial expenses, including living expenses. Interested and eligible candidates can apply by submitting their application on the school’s website.
Benefits: Funded tuition | Annual stipends
Eligible Countries: Open to all countries
Application Status: Ongoing
Application Deadline: Program-specified
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are There Scholarship Programs Available for International PhD Students in the UK?
Yes, there are numerous PhD scholarship opportunities for students outside the United Kingdom. The UK government, institutions, and charity organizations sponsor these opportunities.
Some students may be eligible for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan from Student Finance. This loan acts as a contribution towards the cost of study.
It is unlikely that it will cover the cost of both tuition fees and maintenance. Students can borrow up to £29,390 (2024/5 figure) for their whole course.
2. How Much is a Ph.D Program In the UK?
The cost for PhD programs depends on the institution and the course of study. However, universities expect international students to pay a tuition fee within the range of £15,000 to £35,000 per year.
When calculating the cost of a postgraduate research degree, consider two main factors. First, think about tuition fees.
Second, consider living costs. Tuition fees will vary from programme to programme and depend on your fee classification. Check Graduate Prospectus for information on what your fees may be for any particular programme.
The amount students spend on living costs can vary a lot. It depends on their lifestyle and personal situations.
3. How To Get PhD Scholarships in the UK?
To get a PhD scholarship:
- Search for available PhD scholarship programs that align with your research
- Check the eligibility criteria and ensure you meet all the requirements
- Gather all your supporting documents
- Craft a strong research proposal and submit your application
- Applications are submitted through the University’s official website
4. Do UK Universities Give Full Scholarships?
Yes, many reputable universities offer a range of fully funded scholarship programs for various degree levels. The scholarships aim to cover all financial expenses, such as living and research expenses.
5. Do All PhD Students Get Stipends in the UK?
No. Not all PhD students receive a stipend during their studies. Most researchers with fully funded scholarships get an annual stipend. This amount depends on the program they are in.