A PhD in the UK requires significant funding. Many top universities offer fully-funded scholarships for PhD students. These prestigious awards cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living costs. You can focus on your research without financial stress.
Fully Funded Scholarships for PhD Students in UK 2025 are essential resources for international scholars. These scholarships are offered by various institutions, including governments and private charities. Securing one of these highly competitive awards can fund your entire education. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of 10 fully funded scholarships.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of 10 fully funded scholarships for UK PhD students. It details specific scholarship names, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines. This resource will help you navigate the process of securing a prestigious award. It can help you find a great scholarship.
You can find the right Fully Funded Scholarships for PhD Students in UK 2025 to fit your academic needs. This guide details each award, including its value and benefits. It is a key resource for your Ph.D. journey. It will help you get started.
1. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship funds postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (subject) established (predicate) the program (object) in 2000. This scholarship selects students who demonstrate outstanding academic ability and leadership potential.
What It Covers: The scholarship covers full tuition fees, a living stipend, and travel costs. The stipend is £21,000 for the 2024-25 academic year. The scholarship also includes funds for academic development, visa costs, and dependent children.
Eligibility Criteria: The scholarship is for international students from outside the UK. You must have excellent academic qualifications, like a GPA of 3.7 or higher. You must be applying for a postgraduate degree at Cambridge, such as a PhD or MLitt.
How to Apply: You must apply for admission to Cambridge first. You submit a scholarship application within the university’s online portal. Academic departments nominate candidates, and shortlisted applicants attend a short, 25-30 minute interview.
A Complete guide to this prestigious award can be found at Gates Cambridge Scholarship.
2. Clarendon Scholarship (University of Oxford)
The Clarendon Scholarship funds graduate study at the University of Oxford. The university established the fund in 2000. It selects academically excellent students from all over the world.
What It Covers: The scholarship provides full funding, covering all course fees and a living stipend. The stipend for 2025-26 will be at least £15,009. The scholarship allows students to focus entirely on their research.
Eligibility Criteria: The scholarship is open to students of all nationalities. You must be applying for a new graduate program at Oxford. You must demonstrate outstanding academic ability, like a UK first-class honors degree.
How to Apply: You are automatically considered for this scholarship when you apply for a graduate course at Oxford. You must submit your application by the December or January deadline. The university’s academic department will nominate you for the scholarship. Read the complete guide to Clarendon Scholarship (University of Oxford).
3. Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship
This scholarship funds PhD studies at Imperial College London. The university created this program to attract 50 high-achieving students annually. It is a highly prestigious award.
What It Covers: The scholarship provides full funding. It covers full tuition fees for 3.5 years. It provides a living stipend of £25,980 per year. It also includes a consumables fund of £2,000 per year.
Eligibility Criteria: The scholarship is open to students of all nationalities. You must have a first-class or equivalent undergraduate degree. You must secure a supervisor’s agreement before you apply.
How to Apply: You must find a supervisor first. You submit an application for your PhD program through the university’s online portal. You must select the scholarship option in the funding section. Applications have three deadlines: November, January, and March.
Read the complete application process to Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships 2025 (UK Fully Funded).
4. Commonwealth PhD Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (subject) funds (predicate) PhD study (object) for students from eligible Commonwealth countries. The UK government provides the funding. This program helps address development needs in these countries.
The scholarship provides full funding. It covers all tuition fees and approved airfare. It provides a monthly living stipend of £1,378 or £1,690 for London-based students. It also offers allowances for clothing and dependents.
You must be a citizen of an eligible Commonwealth country. You must hold a first degree of at least a 2:1 honors standard. You must also prove that you cannot afford to study in the UK without the scholarship.
You must apply through a nominating body. These bodies include national agencies, NGOs, or universities. You must also submit a separate application through the CSC’s online system.
Learn how to secure funding for your studies with our Complete Guide to Commonwealth Scholarship.
5. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Studentships
UKRI Studentships are a major source of PhD funding in the UK. They are provided by the government through seven research councils. These studentships are tied to specific research projects.
The studentship provides full funding. It covers tuition fees at the domestic rate. It provides a tax-free living stipend of at least £20,780 per year. It may also offer a Research Training Support Grant of around £5,000 per year.
The scholarship is open to both UK and international students. International students are limited to 30% of the total. You must hold at least a 2:1 undergraduate degree. English proficiency is also required for international students.
You must find an advertised UKRI-funded PhD project. You must contact the supervisor before applying. You submit your application online through the university’s admissions portal.
6. Rhodes Scholarship
The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest international scholarship program. It was established in 1903 by Cecil Rhodes. It seeks to develop public-spirited leaders.
The scholarship is fully funded. It covers all University of Oxford course fees. It provides a living stipend of £19,800 per year. It also covers visa fees and two economy class flights.
The scholarship is for students from specific constituencies (countries). You must have a strong academic record and a commitment to service. You must be between the ages of 18 and 24.
ou must apply through the Rhodes Trust’s online portal. You must submit your application by your country’s deadline. You will be invited for an interview if you are shortlisted.
7. Felix Scholarship
The Felix Scholarship is for bright students from developing countries. It funds postgraduate study at 3 UK universities. These universities are Oxford, Reading, and SOAS.
What It Covers The scholarship is fully funded. It covers all course fees and a living allowance. The living allowance is around £18,300 per year at Oxford. It also provides a return flight.
Eligibility Criteria The scholarship is primarily for students from India. It is also available to students from other developing countries. You must have an outstanding academic record. You must demonstrate financial need.
How to Apply You must apply for admission to a partner university first. You then fill out a separate Felix Scholarship application. The scholarship application deadline is usually in late January.
8. UCL Research Excellence Scholarship
The UCL Research Excellence Scholarship (UCL-RES) funds doctoral research. University College London (UCL) established the scholarship to attract outstanding scholars. There are 40 fully funded scholarships available.
What It Covers The scholarship provides full funding. It covers tuition fees for both UK and international students. It provides a maintenance stipend of £21,237 per year. It also covers research costs of up to £1,200 per year.
Eligibility Criteria The scholarship is open to students from all countries. You must have, or be expecting, an upper second-class honors degree. You must apply for a new PhD or EngD program at UCL.
How to Apply You must first apply for admission to a UCL program. You then submit your scholarship documents to your academic department. The application deadline for the 2025-26 academic year is January 10, 2025.
9. University of Sheffield Research Scholarships
The University of Sheffield offers various research scholarships. These scholarships support postgraduate research degrees. They help the university attract bright students from all over the world.
What It Covers Many scholarships are fully funded. They cover tuition fees and a living stipend. The stipend is around £20,974 per year for 2024-25. The funding helps cover living and study-related costs.
Eligibility Criteria The scholarships are open to both UK and international students. You need a first-class or upper-second-class UK Honors degree. You must apply for a new PhD program at the university.
How to Apply You must find a research project first. You then apply for PhD admission. You must submit a detailed research proposal, letters of recommendation, and academic documents. Deadlines vary by project.
10. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
The Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships fund international students. They help international students undertaking PhD research at the University of Edinburgh. These awards are for international students with outstanding academic merit.
What It Covers The scholarship provides partial funding. It covers the difference between the UK/EU and international tuition fees. It does not cover living expenses. The awards are tenable for up to 3 years.
Eligibility Criteria The scholarship is for international students from any country. You must apply for a full-time PhD program. Competitive applicants typically have a first-class Bachelor’s degree.
How to Apply You must first apply for admission to a PhD program. You will then get access to the online scholarship application system. You must submit your academic transcripts and research proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What are the key criteria for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship?
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship selects candidates based on four criteria: intellectual ability, leadership potential, a commitment to service, and a good fit with the program. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria for a postgraduate degree at Cambridge.
How do I apply for the Clarendon Scholarship, and what does it cover?
Applicants are automatically considered for the Clarendon Scholarship, when they apply for a graduate degree at Oxford by the January deadline. The scholarship is fully funded, covering all fees and a generous living stipend.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarships?
You must have a first-class degree or a distinction in a master’s program. You must be a new PhD student at Imperial College London. You must secure a supervisor’s agreement before applying.
Do I need an offer letter from a UK university to apply for a Commonwealth PhD Scholarship?
You do not need an offer letter from a UK university to apply for a Commonwealth PhD Scholarship. An offer of admission is required later in the process.
How do I apply for a UKRI Studentship, and what do they cover?
You must find a UKRI-funded project at a university. You then apply for the PhD program, indicating your interest in the studentship. UKRI Studentships cover tuition fees and a living stipend.
What qualities does the Rhodes Scholarship seek in applicants?
The Rhodes Scholarship looks for five key qualities: academic excellence, leadership potential, courage, devotion to duty, and a commitment to service.
Which universities are affiliated with the Felix Scholarship, and is there a subject restriction?
The Felix Scholarship is available at 3 universities: the University of Oxford, the University of Reading, and SOAS. There is no subject restriction, with the exception of medicine.
Are University Research Scholarships typically open to international students?
Many university research scholarships are open to international students. Eligibility criteria vary, but generally include a strong academic performance and a compelling research proposal.
What does the UCL Research Excellence Scholarship cover, and what is the application process?
The UCL Research Excellence Scholarship provides full funding. It covers tuition, a maintenance stipend, and research costs. You must submit a completed admission application to UCL and then notify your department of your interest.
What are the main benefits of the Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships?
The Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships cover the difference between UK/EU and international tuition fees. This significantly reduces the cost of education.
