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Fully Funded Phd in UK for International Students with Scholarships (2024 Admissions)

Updated on 27 January, 2024

Neha Uppal

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

While many of us are interested in pursuing a PhD program in the UK, the fees for the program could add tremendous stress. But fret not; there are many fully-funded PhD programs in the UK for international students that make higher education affordable.

We will discuss all the details regarding applications, deadlines, tenure, and much more for fully-funded programs in the UK for international students.

Scholarship

High-calibre students who wish to apply for fully-funded PhD studentships can consider these programs. These fully-funded programs are offered by a wide range of universities in the UK and some Non-profit and corporate organizations. The positions in these fully-funding PhD can close at any time if someone accepts the offer.

Country/course eligible for

Usually, these fully-funded programs in the UK are available for overseas, European Union, and domestic students. The courses eligible for fully-funded PhD programs will vary according to different scholarships and programs.

Level of scholarship

The fully-funded PhD scholarship in the UK is for candidates who plan to pursue a PhD program or are currently pursuing one. You should essentially have a bachelor’s and master’s coursework for the same.

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Tenure/duration

The fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students covers the expenses for the entire duration of the course, which is typically three years.

Subject/fields

There are no fixed subjects or fields where the scholarships will be offered. Students can find opportunities in every discipline across different fully funded PhD programs.

Number of scholarships available 

Several scholarships are available for fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students. Some of the renowned names are

Fully Funded PhD in UK for International Students

Eligible Nationalities

President’s Ph.D. Scholarships at Imperial College London

1. offered by Imperial College London to 50 research students

2. offered to all the nationalities

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

1. Nationalities from countries like  Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Syria,Madagascar, Mozambique, France, Portugal, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania,  India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan,Uganda, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Lancaster Ph.D. Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries

1. Offered by Lancaster University

2. Two fully-funded UK PhD scholarships to students in the field of environment

3. offered to students from developing students

Kamran Djam Scholarships

1. offered by  Fereydoun Djam Charitable Trust

2. Nationalities that can benefit from this scholarship are India, United Kingdom, European Union, and other international students

Aberystwyth University Scholarship

1. offered to to European students who wish to pursue PhD in the Department of Mathematics

Leeds Doctoral Scholarships

1. open to International student or British/European Union student

Krebs Memorial Scholarship

2. open to all the nationalities

British Council Newton Ph.D. Program

1. Open to students from Africa, Asia (including China, , Europe, Middle East, India & South East Asia),Oceania, North America, South & Central America

UCL Critical Histories of Art Scholarship

1. Open to UK and EU students only

2. offered by University College London

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

1. open to students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Madagascar, Mozambique, France, Portugal, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Ten universities offering fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students

Here are ten universities in the UK offering international students a fully-funded doctoral program in the country for your reference:

1. University College London

2. University of Leeds

3. University of Nottingham

4. Imperial College London

5. Lancaster University

6. Aberystwyth University

7. Kings College London

8. University of St Andrews

9. University of Liverpool

10. London Business School

Application duration

Each of these fully-funded PhD programs has a different application start date. We strongly suggest you be aware of the same by regularly checking the official websites.

As far as deadlines are concerned, below mentioned are some of the renowned fully funded Ph.D. program scholarships along with their deadlines.

Name of Scholarship

Application Deadline

President’s Ph.D. Scholarships at Imperial College London

5th November/ 11th January

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program

21st March

Lancaster Ph.D. Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries

31st March

Kamran Djam Scholarships

1st May

British Council Newton Ph.D. Program

Not indicated

Aberystwyth University Scholarship

End of January

Leeds Doctoral Scholarships

1st April

Krebs Memorial Scholarship

1st April

UCL Critical Histories of Art Scholarship

27th April

Mode of Application

The mode of application for fully-funded PhD programs in the UK is online.

Eligibility Criteria and Additional Requirements

1. Eligible countries: the UK, EU citizens, and foreign candidates are acceptable

2. Acceptable course/subjects: PhD support is generally awarded in the given research areas such as Architecture, construction projects and organization, building energy, construction products and processes, digital construction, urban planning, water engineering, and infrastructure, transport.

3. Admissible criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the following criteria:

It would be best if you had, or expect to achieve, a minimum of 2:1 honours degree (equivalent international qualification) in a similar discipline.

Previous applicants should have their degrees in Civil Engineering, transport, geography, building services engineering and physics, mathematics, or chemistry.

A relevant master’s degree clubbed with employment experience will also give you an edge.

Value of Scholarship

The scholarship value for a fully-funded PhD in the UK varies from GBP 20,000 to GBP 23,200 (INR 20 Lakh to INR 21.56 Lakh).

Selection Process

The selection process involves a panel of experts who access your academic, research, and extracurricular contributions. At times, need-based scholarships are also provided to students.

Requirements for continuing the Scholarships

Most of these scholarships are allotted annually, but we recommend maintaining a stellar academic record if you wish to continue the scholarships.

Also Read:

1. Masters in Finance in the UK

2. MS Courses in the UK

3. Oxford University’s Rhodes Scholarship

4. Cambridge University Scholarships

5. Duke University in the UK

Conclusion

In summary, the availability of fully funded PhD programs in the UK for international students in 2024 represents a significant opportunity for scholars worldwide. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial challenges associated with advanced studies but also open doors to extensive research resources, expert guidance, and international academic networks. For aspiring doctoral candidates, these programs in the UK offer more than just financial support; they provide a platform for groundbreaking research, intellectual growth, and the chance to contribute to global knowledge. The 2024 admissions cycle thus stands as a gateway for talented international students to embark on a journey of discovery and academic excellence, fully supported by the generous scholarship opportunities available in the UK.

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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