PhD Handbook

PhD Scholarships in UK: Know About PhD Scholarships for Indian Students in UK

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Rohan Deshmukh
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PhD in UK is a highly sought-after program for international students who want to join the fields of research and innovation. PhD courses are offered in top institutes of UK such as the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University College London, and London School of Economics.

Given the bustling economy, excellent educational standards, and high employment rates, the cost of studying in UK might be high if you don’t plan it well. While students can seek financial assistance in numerous ways, opting for the PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK is the best choice. The scholarships in UK for PhD students provide financial aid and support to deserving applicants. In this blog, we provide details about the different types of PhD scholarships in UK, their application process, eligibility criteria and more.

Table of Contents

How Much Does a PhD Cost in UK?

PhD in UK is a full-time 3-to-4-year degree and the annual cost of the program is somewhere around 20000 GBP – 50000 GBP. Apart from that, there are other costs for students living in the UK such as accommodation costs, food, transportation, and study resources.

All of these costs can combine to be quite a lot. Luckily, there are fully funded PhD programs in UK for the students. Most government organisations, private groups, as well as universities tend to offer scholarships to deserving students. The scholarships are merit-based and need-based as well.

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students with stellar academic records. Students who have maintained excellent grades throughout their high school, bachelor's degree, and master’s degree, will be considered for these scholarships.

2. Need-Based Scholarships: Need-based scholarships, on the other hand, are awarded to students who have financial concerns and require the scholarship to finance their studies. So, individuals can find the right financial assistance in UK to continue their studies. 

Know How to Apply for PhD in UK from India

What are the Different Types of PhD Scholarships for International Students in UK?

To provide international PhD students with some respite from the overbearing program fees, UK has a plethora of funding opportunities and scholarships. There are mainly three different types:

  1. Government scholarships
  2. Non-Government scholarships
  3. UK University scholarships

Every single type of scholarship in UK has its own eligibility criteria and benefits. Let us have a look at some of these important scholarships in PhD grants in UK.

Government Scholarships for PhD in UK

The UK government offers different scholarships for students who are pursuing a PhD in the country. There are some other public-funded scholarships for international students as well. These scholarships have different requirements, application processes, etc. Here we are going to talk about the scholarships in detail.

1.  Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Countries

The Commonwealth Scholarships for PhD and Master’s studies in UK are made available to students of poorer commonwealth nations. It is offered by the UK Department for International Development. These scholarships are awarded to students with an aim to contribute to the goals of overall development and promotion of higher education in UK.

Eligibility Criteria for Commonwealth Scholarship

  1. Students should be a permanent resident of a Commonwealth country. .
  2. A student should be able to start the academic program in UK by the beginning of September 2022.
  3. Students should be a holder of a first degree or upper second-class degree (Honours) for the post graduate qualification.
  4. Students who are unable to afford to study in UK without a scholarship.

Application Process

Apply to one of the national nominating agencies

Application Deadline

To be notified

Amount Covered

Approved round-trip airfare

Examination costs

Tuition fee

Monthly stipend

Fieldwork grants

Duration

3 Years of the academic program

2Goa Education Trust Scholarships

This merit-based scholarship is one of the best options for a fully funded PhD in UK for Indian students. The Goa Education Trust Scholarships are awarded to deserving students who show excellent academic performance. Depending on the performance, students are awarded full or partial tuition fee coverage.

Eligibility Criteria for Goa Education Trust Scholarship

  1. International students must be below the age of 30 years.
  2. The student must be academically proficient with participation in extracurricular activities.
  3. Students must be enrolled in a university or institute in UK for their PhD program.
  4. The student must be a citizen of India with an Indian passport.

Application Process

Students will have to mail the application package to the official email address of the British Council of India 

Application Deadline

To be notified

Amount Covered

12500 GBP

Duration

One-Time

3.  Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships

It is one of the best PhD scholarships for Indian students given by the Government of Scotland to students in the research, technology, healthcare, and medical science fields. The PhD scholarships are awarded to students who have the aim to become important leaders in their fields. The program offers 50 different scholarships worth 8000 GBP each towards tuition fees.

Eligibility Criteria for Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships

  1. The student must be a citizen of India, Japan, Canada, USA, China, or Pakistan.
  2. The student must have an offer letter from any Scottish university promising an eligible course.
  3. Should not be a previous recipient of a Scotland Saltire Scholarship.
  4. Should not have completed any undergraduate course in Scotland.

Application Process

Visit the website of the universities listed under the program and fill the online application form

Application Deadline

28th May 2022

Amount Covered

8000 GBP

Duration

One-time payment

Suggested: Phd In London

Non-Government Scholarships for PhD in UK

Apart from the funded PhD programs in UK offered by the government, there are some private organisations and trusts that provide financial aid to students. These scholarships help them in developing their skills of research while covering their tuition fee and much more.

1.  Richard Stapley Educational Trust Scholarships

The Richard Stapley Educational Trust provides more than 300 scholarships in UK to support the work of students in the field of research. Students belonging to the field of medical science, healthcare, etc. can apply for the scholarship. The scholarship supports tuition fees and other expenses of international students.

Eligibility  Criteria for Richard Stapley Educational Trust Scholarships

  1. The student must be enrolled on a PhD program at any eligible UK institution
  2. Must have a first-class or upper second-class degree (honours)
  3. Must be living in UK at the time of application.
  4. Students should be facing an academic shortfall during 2023-2024.

Application Process

No separate application is needed

Application Deadline

3rd January 2023

Amount Covered

400 – 1200 GBP

Duration

1 Year

2.  Gates Cambridge Scholarships for International Students

The Gates Cambridge Trust provides postgraduate scholarships for a fully funded PhD in UK for international students. International students with outstanding academic performance throughout their program will be considered for the scholarship. The main aim of the program is to build a network of promising leaders around the world for the overall improvement of lives.

Eligibility Criteria for Gates Cambridge Scholarships for International Students

  1. Students must be citizens of any country other than UK.
  2. Should be pursuing a PhD program at the University of Cambridge.
  3. Students with exceptional academic scores in previously attended universities can apply.
  4. Students facing a financial crisis and in need of a scholarship are considered eligible.

Application Process

Apply at the official website of the University of Cambridge

Application Deadline

12th October 2022

Amount Covered

Full coverage of tuition fees

Maintenance fee up to 12000 GBP

Visa

Travel costs

Duration

Program Duration

UK University Scholarships

Students that want to study PhD in UK universities with scholarships can seek support from the universities that they apply to. Several top universities in UK offer the best scholarships for Indian as well as international students.

1.  ORID Rhodes Scholarship

Awarded by the University of Oxford, the ORID Rhodes Scholarship aims to deliver outstanding support to students pursuing PhD in UK. More than 100 different scholarships are offered to students who are making a contribution in the field of science, research, and technology, from the University of Oxford.

Eligibility Criteria for ORID Rhodes Scholarship

  1. Students must be a citizen of India, China, US, Saudi Arabia, West Africa etc.
  2. Must be in the age group of 18 to 27 years.
  3. Must have completed an undergraduate degree with a GPA of 3.7 or above.
  4. Students must have cleared their English language proficiency tests.

Application Process

Online application should be submitted to the University of Oxford

Application Deadlines

1st August 2022

Amount Covered

Tuition fee

Maintenance stipend

Airfare

Duration

4 Years

2.  Carnegie PhD Scholarships

The Carnegie Scholarships are  the most prestigious options for students who are pursuing their research works in UK. These grants are renewable for 3 years for the full-time PhD programs. More than 15 scholarships are awarded to academically exceptional applicants.

Eligibility Criteria for Carnegie Scholarships

  1. Have already graduated or are on track to graduate with a First-Class Honours degree from any eligible university.
  2. Have an undergraduate degree in a subject related to the PhD program
  3. Have been accepted to pursue a doctoral program at one of the universities in Scotland.
  4. Students will start their research program before Feb 2023.

Application Process

No separate application is required

Application Deadlines

28th February 2023

Amount Covered

Tuition fee

Living allowance

Research expenses

Duration

4 Years

3.  Felix Scholarships at University of Reading for Developing Countries

It is one of the most prestigious programs under the Felix Scholarships Scheme. About 4 scholarships are provided to students from developing countries who want to study PhD at the University of Reading. These scholarships help in supporting the students through their academic program by covering different expenses such as university fees, stipends, etc.

Eligibility Criteria for Felix Scholarships

  1. Students must be a citizen of India and must be living and studying in India during the time of application.
  2. Students must not have previously studied outside India.
  3. They must have a first-class bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in India.
  4. Students with an upper second-class result in their master’s degree are also eligible if they have a first-class degree in the master’s program.

Application Process

No separate application is needed

Application Deadlines

To be notified

Amount Covered

Tuition fee

Maintenance grant

Living expenses

Duration

3 Years

A Complete Guide to PhD in UK for International Students

Scholarships for PhD students in UK can definitely help them in covering at least a small amount of their expenses. With some financial support, students don’t have to worry about the costs and focus more on their research work. Choose Yocket Premium to resolve your queries about scholarships for PhD in UK for international students.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about PhD Scholarships in UK

It is difficult to get a scholarship for PhD in UK?

How can I apply to scholarships for PhD in UK?

Is UK an expensive destination for studying PhD?

Which universities in UK are offering PhD Scholarships?

Which are some of the best scholarships for PhD students in UK?

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