Worried about funding your PhD? You are not alone in this. For many students,
PhD from a good university is like a far off dream mainly due to the cost of doctoral programmes and lack of funding. Doctoral programs in the UK come with some of the highest tuition fees. But you need not worry. Here we bring to you the top 7 PhD scholarships in the United Kingdom. So, read on to discover the major sources of funding available for studying a PhD in the UK.
Top 7 Fully-Funded UK Scholarships for International Students
Several prestigious universities and organizations offer UK scholarships for international students to study for PhD. Here below is a list to help you navigate the available funding opportunities for PhD. So, raed on and apply for the ones that align with your goals.
1. Commonwealth Scholarship (PhD) in the United Kingdom-2021
Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries is the best PhD Scholarship in the United Kingdom. Every year, FCDO grants Commonwealth Scholarships for Master’s and PhD in the UK for citizens of developing Commonwealth countries. The UK Department for International Development (DFID) grants this scholarship. Their prime focus is on contributing to the UK’s international development while supporting excellence in UK higher education.
Application Deadline– February 22
Number of Scholarships– Every year the UK Department awards 300 scholarships. There is no specific quota for any particular country.
Details of Scholarship– The scholarship covers airfare, living allowance, tuition and examination fees. The stipend equals $1,554
Moreover, PhD Scholars are given fieldwork grant as well as paid mid-term visit (airfare) to your home country.
The scholarship is for 36 months for PhD students.
Official Website– Commonwealth Scholarship for PhD Students
2. University of Cambridge Scholarships for International Students
The University of Cambridge grants scholarships for international students. The interested candidates can apply online. They are required to apply to the University of Cambridge via the normal online application form. The applicants must be starting a course at the level of:
-Undergraduate (excluding UK applicants)
-Masters (such as MPhil, MASt, LLM)
-Research postgraduate (such as PhD)
Here are the relevant details below.
Application Deadline-3rd December 2020 and 7 January 2021.
Number of Scholarships– not-specified
Details of Scholarship– These are fully-funded scholarships.
Official Website– University of Cambridge Scholarships
3. Felix Scholarships
The prestigious Felix Scholarships are awarded to four well-qualified students from developing countries. They can pursue postgraduate study at the University. Under these scholarships, students can pursue a full-time MPhil/PhD programme.
Application Deadline-30th January
Number of Scholarships– 4
Details of Scholarship-This scholarships cover tuition fees and also provides a stipend to cover living expenses. The value is £14,005 or $19,492. Furthermore, they also provide generous allowances for clothes, books and airfare. These are available for up to 3 years.
Official Website– Felix Scholarships
4. Mo Ibrahim Foundation University of London Scholarships for African Student
The Centre of African Studies at SOAS, University of London, grants an extension of the Governance for Development in Africa Initiative. It is funded by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Available for 3 years, this Foundation has generously provided two PhD scholarships every year for African students who wish to pursue a full‐time PhD and Masters programme in the field of Governance for Development.
Application Deadline-31st March
Number of Scholarships– 2 candidates
Details of Scholarship-Duration of the scholarship is 3 years.
The scholarship covers the fees for three years. However, living cost is covered for the first year only. It also covers 2 return flights. The 2nd and 3rd-year candidates will also receive an annual stipend of £5,000 i.e., almost $7000.
Official Website– Mo Ibrahim Scholarships
5. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
One of the most PhD scholarships in the United Knigdom. The Gates Cambridge Trust offers full fee postgraduate (Masters and PhD) Scholarships. It is available for outstanding International students. They can study any course at the University of Cambridge, UK. Through this program they aim at building a global network of future leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
Application Deadline– The last date to apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship is 5 January.
Number of Scholarships– Several scholarships are awarded every year. The exact number remains undisclosed.
Details of Scholarship– £500 to up to £2,000. A fully-funded scholarship- covers fee, living, accommodation, stipend, airfare.
Official Website– Gates Cambridge Scholarship
6. IE Centenary Doctoral Scholarships for Developing Countries
IE Centenary Doctoral Scholarships is for Developing Countries at University College, London. It is a perfect opportunity for PhD Students. The scholarship funds their fee. Moreover, expenses and accomodation are also taken into consideration. The Institute of Education (IOE), University College, London partners with the International Students House (ISH). Together they offer doctoral students from developing countries a full scholarship. Here are the most relevant details.
Application Deadline-8th April
Number of Scholarships– The organization has not disclosed the exact number of scholarships.
Details of Scholarship-ISH provides accommodation. The IOE covers tuition fees. However, the scholarship does not cover subsistence in London as well as travel.
Official Website– IE Centenary Doctoral Scholarships
7. Newcastle University Overseas Research Scholarship (ORS)
Lastly, Newcastle University has come up with a promising support for PhD scholarships in the United Kingdom. They offer the very best international students aiming to pursue a programme of research.
Application Deadline-27th April
Number of Scholarships– 15
Details of Scholarship-This scholarship covers the difference between home and overseas fee rates (the value is approximately £10,800 to £16,200 per annum i.e., $15,036 to $22,556 per year.
Official Website– Newcastle University Overseas Scholarship
So, these were the top 7 PhD Scholarships in the United Kingdom. Check the details above and apply before the last dates. Grab your chance before anyone else takes it away!
