The United Kingdom is a well-known destination for international students seeking PhD scholarships for international students in the UK. A PhD in the UK for international students is a prestigious research degree that requires students to complete a significant piece of original research in a particular field, typically taking between 3 and 4 years to complete. The UK boasts a strong tradition of research excellence, with universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London offering PhD programs in the UK for international students across a wide range of disciplines. With PhD funding for international students in the UK, students can access unparalleled academic resources, ensuring they are supported throughout their research journey. Whether you are applying for PhD scholarships in the UK or pursuing a PhD in the UK with scholarship, the country offers numerous opportunities for those aiming to make a global impact in their field.
International students can find PhD scholarships in the UK through prestigious programs like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Commonwealth PhD Scholarships, and University-specific scholarships such as the Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but often provide living expenses, travel allowances, and research funding, making them highly sought after by international students worldwide. The financial support and academic rigor offered by UK universities make it an ideal place to pursue your PhD and contribute to global research innovations.
Top 20 PhD Scholarships in the UK for International Students
Top 20 PhD Scholarships in the UK for International Students, providing financial support for those aiming to pursue a PhD in the UK for international students. These scholarships are designed to support a variety of disciplines and are offered by top UK universities, as well as government and private organizations.
1. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to international students applying for a PhD at the University of Cambridge with an excellent academic record (First-Class Honours or equivalent) and leadership potential.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees, living allowance (£17,000/year), airfare, and research expenses.
- Deadlines: PhD application: December 1, 2025. Gates Cambridge Scholarship: December 8, 2025.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Mentorship, global network, career development, and academic conferences.
- Scholarship Duration: Renewable annually based on satisfactory academic progress.
2. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to students from Commonwealth countries with a strong academic background.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition, airfare, monthly stipend, and additional academic expenses.
- Deadlines: March 2026 (exact date varies by region).
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for up to 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Opportunity to return to home countries and make a global impact.
- Scholarship Duration: Up to 3-4 years, based on the length of the PhD program.
3. Chevening Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to students from over 160 countries with leadership potential.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, and travel expenses.
- Deadlines: November 2025.
- Scholarship Amount: Fully funded for 1-3 years (depending on the program).
- Additional Benefits: Networking opportunities and career development.
- Scholarship Duration: Up to 1-3 years, depending on the program.
4. Clarendon Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: For graduate students, including PhD, at the University of Oxford with a strong academic record.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition and living expenses.
- Deadlines: December 2025 (for graduate admissions).
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Access to academic resources, networking, and mentorship.
- Scholarship Duration: Renewable annually based on satisfactory academic progress.
5. Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship
- Eligibility Criteria: Exceptional academic achievements and strong research potential.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition and a competitive stipend for living expenses.
- Deadlines: Varies, check Imperial’s PhD page for details.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Mentorship from world-class researchers, research facilities, and academic workshops.
- Scholarship Duration: Up to 3-4 years.
6. University of Cambridge International Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to all non-UK PhD students with a strong academic record.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition and living expenses.
- Deadlines: Varies by department; typically December.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for up to 4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Academic support and international exposure.
- Scholarship Duration: Up to 4 years, renewable annually.
7. University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Non-EU international students with outstanding academic qualifications.
- Funding Coverage: Partial tuition fee waiver.
- Deadlines: Typically in January.
- Scholarship Amount: Partial funding for up to 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Access to academic resources and global research opportunities.
- Scholarship Duration: Up to 3-4 years.
8. University of London PhD Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to international students applying for PhD programs at the University of London.
- Funding Coverage: Full or partial tuition fee coverage.
- Deadlines: Varies by department.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to 3 years of funding, depending on the scholarship.
- Additional Benefits: Networking and professional development opportunities.
- Scholarship Duration: Up to 3 years, depending on the scholarship.
9. University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to high-achieving international students pursuing a PhD.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees and living expenses.
- Deadlines: January 2026.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Mentorship and access to academic resources.
- Scholarship Duration: 3-4 years.
10. University of Glasgow International PhD Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to international students with a strong academic background.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition and living expenses.
- Deadlines: Varies by department.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for up to 4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Access to global research networks and career development.
- Scholarship Duration: Up to 4 years.
11. The University of Manchester International PhD Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: For international students with a strong academic background applying for PhD programs.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition and living costs.
- Deadlines: Varies annually.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for up to 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Career services, academic development, and mentorship.
- Scholarship Duration: Up to 3-4 years.
12. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Research Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to international students with exceptional academic achievements.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses.
- Deadlines: January annually.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Access to cutting-edge research and global networks.
- Scholarship Duration: 3-4 years.
13. King’s College London International PhD Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to outstanding international PhD applicants.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition and living expenses.
- Deadlines: Varies by program.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Networking, mentorship, and career development.
- Scholarship Duration: 3-4 years.
14. UCL Graduate Research Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Available to international students pursuing a PhD at UCL.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition and living allowance.
- Deadlines: Varies by program.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for up to 3 years.
- Additional Benefits: Access to UCL’s global research network and professional development programs.
- Scholarship Duration: Up to 3 years.
15. Lancaster University International PhD Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Available to high-achieving international PhD students.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition and living expenses.
- Deadlines: January annually.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for up to 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Mentorship, research collaboration, and networking.
- Scholarship Duration: 3-4 years.
16. University of Southampton International PhD Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: For international students applying for PhD programs.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition and living costs.
- Deadlines: Varies annually.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Academic support, research mentorship, and career services.
- Scholarship Duration: 3-4 years.
17. Sheffield Hallam University International Postgraduate Research Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to international students with strong academic backgrounds.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees and living expenses.
- Deadlines: Varies by program.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Career development and academic collaboration opportunities.
- Scholarship Duration: 3-4 years.
18. University of Birmingham International PhD Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to students from outside the UK with a strong academic background.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees and a living stipend.
- Deadlines: Varies annually.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for up to 4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Mentorship, research collaboration, and networking.
- Scholarship Duration: 4 years.
19. University of York International PhD Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Available to highly-qualified international PhD students.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition and living expenses.
- Deadlines: Varies by program.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for up to 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Academic mentorship and research collaboration.
- Scholarship Duration: 3-4 years.
20. University of Leicester International PhD Scholarships
- Eligibility Criteria: Open to international students pursuing a PhD.
- Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees and living stipend.
- Deadlines: Varies by program.
- Scholarship Amount: Full funding for 3-4 years.
- Additional Benefits: Research facilities, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
- Scholarship Duration: 3-4 years.
These PhD scholarships in the UK for international students provide excellent opportunities to pursue a world-class education and research experience in a variety of disciplines. Whether you’re looking for full or partial funding, these scholarships offer financial support, academic mentorship, and access to cutting-edge research facilities, making the UK an ideal destination for your PhD journey.
If you are looking for PhD scholarships in the UK, get a free consultation, click to call on WhatsApp, or call directly on +44 07722990005 to book an appointment.
Top Universities to Study Universities in the UK for PhD studies
To help you with your search, here is a table of some of the most popular universities in the UK for PhD studies, along with their locations and the scholarships they offer:
| Rank | University Name | Scholarships | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Oxford | Clarendon Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships, Oxford-India Scholarships | Oxford |
| 2 | University of Cambridge | Gates Cambridge Scholarships, Churchill Scholarships, Marshall Scholarships | Cambridge |
| 3 | Imperial College London | Clarendon Scholarships, Marshall Scholarships | London |
| 4 | University College London | Wolfson Merit Scholarships, Beit Fellowships | London |
| 5 | University of Bristol | University of Bristol Chancellor’s International Scholarships | Bristol |
| 6 | University of Warwick | University of Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships | Coventry |
| 7 | University of Sheffield | University of Sheffield Chancellor’s International Scholarships | Sheffield |
| 8 | University of Edinburgh | University of Edinburgh Global PhD Scholarships | Edinburgh |
| 9 | University of Manchester | University of Manchester International PhD Scholarships | Manchester |
What Documents Are Required for PhD Scholarships in the UK for International Students?
When applying for PhD scholarships in the UK for international students, it’s crucial to ensure that all required documents are submitted correctly to maximize your chances of success. Below is a list of typical required documents for PhD scholarships:
- Application Form – Complete the official scholarship or university application form.
- Academic Transcripts & Certificates – Provide copies of your previous qualifications.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Highlight your academic achievements and relevant experience.
- Research Proposal – Outline your planned PhD research project.
- Personal Statement – Explain why you’re pursuing a PhD and your goals.
- Letters of Recommendation – Submit 2-3 reference letters from academic or professional referees.
- Proof of English Language Proficiency – Submit IELTS, TOEFL, or similar test scores.
- Passport Copy – Provide a valid copy of your passport for identity verification.
- Proof of Funding – Show evidence of financial support for tuition and living expenses.
- Portfolio (if applicable) – For certain fields, submit examples of your previous work.
The required documents for PhD scholarships in the UK for international students can vary slightly depending on the university and specific scholarship. However, the documents listed above are typically required across most applications. Make sure to double-check the requirements on the scholarship or university’s website to ensure that you have everything ready for submission. Properly preparing your application will increase your chances of securing funding and a place in your desired program.
FAQs
Q1. What are the entry requirements for a PhD scholarship in the UK?
The UK’s entry requirements for a PhD scholarship vary from university to university. However, most scholarships require applicants to have a master’s degree with a good grade. Some scholarships also require applicants to have research experience.
Q2. Do I need a master’s to do a PhD?
A master’s degree is not always required to do a PhD in the UK. However, it is often a requirement for PhDs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. In STEM subjects, a master’s degree is not always required, but it can be helpful in preparing for a PhD.
Q3. How much does studying for a PhD in the UK cost, even with a scholarship?
The cost of studying for a PhD in the UK with a scholarship can vary depending on the scholarship. However, most scholarships will cover the cost of tuition fees and living expenses.
Q4. What are the benefits of studying for a PhD in the UK with a scholarship?
There are many benefits to studying for a PhD in the UK with a scholarship. These benefits include:
- The opportunity to study at a world-renowned university
- The opportunity to conduct research with leading academics
- The opportunity to network with other international students
- The opportunity to live and work in the UK
Conclusion
A PhD scholarship in the UK can be a great way to do your research and study at a world-renowned university. If you are interested in applying for a PhD, contact us today for free and stress-free admission services to UK’s highly-rated universities.