Best PhD Scholarships in UK for International Students – 2025 Guide
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Dreaming of doing your PhD in the UK but worried about the cost? Don’t worry—you’re not alone, and you’ve got options! Every year, thousands of international students land in the UK thanks to fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, living costs, travel, and more. From government-backed programs like UKRI, Chevening, and Commonwealth Scholarships, to university-specific awards at places like Oxford, Imperial, and UCL, to private and external scholarships like Felix and Inlaks—there’s something for every type of researcher and field of study. Whether you’re into engineering, arts, health, science, or social impact, this guide breaks down the top PhD scholarships for 2025 in the UK—complete with eligibility info, benefits, and how to apply. Let’s get started!
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Studentships
If you’re planning to pursue a fully funded PhD in the UK, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) studentships should be on your radar! UKRI is one of the largest public funders of research in the UK, supporting thousands of students each year through its seven Research Councils.
In 2025, UKRI aims to fund over 25,000 PhD students, with up to 30% of these awards open to international students. That’s a big opportunity for global talent! These studentships are usually offered through partnerships with UK universities, so students apply via the university (not directly to UKRI). You’ll receive funding for tuition fees (minimum £4,596/year) and a tax-free maintenance stipend (minimum £17,668/year)—plus access to world-class training, mentoring, and research networks. Below are the key details of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI):
| Category | Details |
| Funding Coverage | Full tuition fees + tax-free maintenance stipend (min £17,668/year) |
| Eligibility | Open to international students; ~30% of awards available for non-UK applicants |
| Where to Apply | Through participating UK universities (search via UKRI Doctoral Training Partnerships) |
| Application Timeline | Varies by university (most deadlines between November and March) |
| Stipend Increase | Stipend may be higher depending on location and inflation adjustments |
| Program Types | Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs), Centre for Doctoral Training (CDTs) |
| Research Fields | Science, Engineering, Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Environment, Health |
Commonwealth and Chevening Scholarships
Dreaming of a fully funded education in the UK? For international students, Commonwealth and Chevening Scholarships are two of the most prestigious and generous options out there covering everything from tuition to travel. These awards are not just scholarships; they’re gateways to global networks, leadership opportunities, and academic excellence. Following are details about Commonwealth and Chevening Scholarships:
Commonwealth Scholarships
Offered by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), these scholarships are designed for talented students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries who could not otherwise afford to study in the UK. Over 30,000 students have benefited from Commonwealth Scholarships since they began in 1960. In 2023 alone, over 800 awards were granted across various postgraduate levels, including PhDs. Below are the key details of Commonwealth Scholarships:
| Category | Details |
| Funding Coverage | Tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare (to/from UK), thesis grant, warm clothing allowance, and more |
| Eligibility | Citizens/permanent residents of Commonwealth countries; undergraduate degree (minimum upper second class 2:1) |
| Application Timeline | Usually opens in August/September; varies by country |
| Application Route | Through nominating agencies or university direct applications |
| Additional Benefits | Leadership training, return flights, visa coverage, and support networks |
| Number of Awards | Approx. 800+ per year (across all Commonwealth scholarship types) |
| Fields of Study | Includes science, technology, health, agriculture, education, and governance |
Chevening Scholarships
Chevening is the UK Government’s global scholarship program, available in over 160 countries and territories. It’s aimed at individuals with strong leadership potential, offering funding to pursue a one-year Master’s degree at any UK university. Since its launch in 1983, over 55,000 global leaders have become part of the Chevening alumni network, including presidents, diplomats, CEOs, and change-makers. Following are the key details of Chevening Scholarships:
| Category | Details |
| Funding Coverage | Full tuition fees, return flights, visa fees, monthly living allowance, arrival and departure allowances |
| Eligibility | Citizens of Chevening-eligible countries; bachelor’s degree + 2 years of work experience |
| Application Timeline | Applications open annually (usually Aug–Nov) |
| Application Route | Apply online via chevening.org |
| Number of Awards | Around 1,500 annually |
| Additional Benefits | Access to exclusive networking events, global conferences, and career development programs |
University-Specific PhD Scholarships in the UK
Did you know many top universities in the UK offer fully funded PhD scholarships directly through their own departments? These university-specific awards are a fantastic option for international students because they’re often tied to prestigious institutions, specific research projects, or subject areas with high demand. Every year, thousands of international PhD candidates receive institutional scholarships that cover tuition fees, living stipends, and sometimes even research or travel grants. Here are some of the best-known university-specific scholarships you should definitely have on your radar:
| University | Scholarship Name | Funding Coverage | Eligibility Criteria |
| Imperial College London | President’s PhD Scholarships | Full tuition + £25,150/year (stipend) + consumables fund | First-class degree or equivalent; strong academic and research background |
| University of Oxford | Clarendon Scholarship | Full tuition + college fees + living expenses (~£17,668/year) | All graduate applicants considered automatically; based on academic excellence |
| University of Cambridge | Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Tuition + stipend (~£20,000/year) + visa/travel + academic support | Academic merit, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving others’ lives |
| University of Sheffield | University Research Scholarships | Full tuition + £18,622/year stipend (2025 rate) | Competitive basis across faculties; requires strong research proposal and merit |
| University College London (UCL) | UCL Research Excellence Scholarships | Full tuition + stipend + research costs | Open to both UK and international applicants; academic merit + project alignment |
| University of Edinburgh | Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships | Covers difference between UK and overseas tuition fees | International PhD applicants; merit-based with strong academic record |
External PhD Funding Opportunities
Looking for PhD scholarships in the UK that aren’t tied directly to a university? Great news! Many external foundations and charities offer generous funding for international students, especially from developing countries like India.
These scholarships often support high-achieving students with leadership potential and can help you study at prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, and SOAS. Some cover everything from tuition to flights and health allowances, making them excellent alternatives to traditional university-specific funding. Let’s dive into some of the best-known external PhD scholarships in the UK for 2025:
Felix Scholarship
The Felix Scholarship is specifically aimed at students from developing countries, particularly India, who dream of studying at top UK universities. Since its inception in 1991, it has supported over 400 scholars to pursue full-time graduate studies. It is available at Oxford, Reading, and SOAS University of London, and is a highly respected award covering most major expenses. Below are the key details of Felix Scholarship:
| Category | Details |
| Funding Coverage | Full tuition fees, living expenses, one return flight from India to the UK |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens (or other developing countries); first-class undergraduate degree |
| Age Limit | Generally under 30 years old at the time of application |
| Where to Apply | Directly via the admissions process of participating universities (Oxford, Reading, SOAS) |
| Fields Covered | Most subject areas including social sciences, humanities, science, and law |
| Additional Benefits | Academic excellence recognition and study at elite UK universities |
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
The Inlaks Scholarship is one of the most prestigious private awards for Indian students. It funds graduate and doctoral studies at top institutions in the UK and USA and supports exceptional candidates in fields like humanities, social sciences, fine arts, and more. Around 20–25 scholarships are awarded annually, and the foundation has supported 1,000+ students since its founding. Following are the key details of Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships:
| Category | Details |
| Funding Coverage | Tuition fees, living expenses, one-way travel, and health allowance |
| Eligibility | Indian citizens with a first-class bachelor’s degree; age limit ~30 years |
| Application Process | Written application, followed by an interview (and sometimes a test) |
| Universities Covered | Most top UK universities, especially for niche or interdisciplinary programs |
| Fields Preferred | Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Architecture, Environmental Studies |
| Additional Benefits | International exposure, alumni mentorship, and long-term networking |
Other External Funding Sources Worth Exploring
Apart from the major scholarships above, many UK-based charities, medical trusts, and foundations offer funding to PhD students in specific fields—especially research-intensive subjects like health, science, and technology. Below are the key details of top organizations that offer targeted PhD funding:
| Organization | Focus Area | Who It’s For |
| Alzheimer’s Society | Dementia & aging-related research | PhD students working on neuroscience, care, and medical tech |
| Action Medical Research | Child health, rare diseases | Medical researchers with a focus on pediatrics |
| Leverhulme Trust | Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences | Innovative cross-disciplinary PhD proposals |
| Wellcome Trust | Biomedical and health-related research | Exceptional PhD and postdoc candidates |
Other Notable PhD Scholarships in the UK
While major funding bodies and universities offer many well-known scholarships, there are also some specialised and highly prestigious awards that students—especially from India and the U.S.—often overlook. These scholarships can be life-changing, covering everything from tuition and living costs to travel, books, and research support.
In 2023, over 3,000 Indian students received UK-based scholarships, and the UK continues to expand its support for talent from countries like India, the U.S., and across the Commonwealth. If you’re a high-achiever with a unique academic or leadership profile, these lesser-known but powerful scholarships could be your golden ticket! Following are the other notable PhD scholarships in the UK:
- Marshall Scholarships: Founded in 1953 as a thank-you gesture for the Marshall Plan, the Marshall Scholarship funds U.S. citizens for graduate-level study in any field at any UK university. It’s one of the most prestigious awards for Americans, with only around 40–50 awarded per year.
- Oxford-Cecil Lubbock Memorial Graduate Scholarships: These are merit-based awards at the University of Oxford, open to students applying for graduate programs in Humanities or Social Sciences. The scholarship honors Cecil Lubbock, a former Oxford alumnus.
- University of Sussex Scholarships for Indian Students: The University of Sussex offers several India-focused scholarships aimed at promoting cultural diversity and academic excellence. These are great options for students looking to study in a research-rich and inclusive university in the south of England.
- Oxford and Cambridge Society of India (OCSI) Scholarships: The Oxford and Cambridge Society of India offers financial support to Indian students admitted to either Oxford or Cambridge for graduate study. These are often merit-based with preference for students who can contribute to India’s development.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a complete roundup of the best PhD scholarships in the UK for international students in 2025! From prestigious government-funded programs like UKRI and Chevening to university-led awards and private foundations supporting niche fields, the UK is full of funding opportunities for ambitious scholars like you. Whether you’re from India, the U.S., or any Commonwealth nation, there’s a chance to fund your academic journey and join a global network of researchers and leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are top scholarships available for international PhD students in the UK?
International students can access various scholarships options, including:
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Studentships: These provide tuition fees and a tax-free stipend for living expenses. Approximately 30% of these studentships are available to international candidates.
- Government Scholarships: Programs like the Commonwealth and Chevening Scholarships offer comprehensive funding, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
- University-Specific Scholarships: Many UK universities offer their own scholarships based on academic merit or research areas. Examples include the Clarendon Scholarship at the University of Oxford and the President's PhD Scholarships at Imperial College London.
- External Funding: Charities and organizations, such as the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, provide scholarships for students from specific countries or studying particular subjects.
How can I find and apply for top scholarships available in the UK?
Following are various ways through which you can find and apply for top scholarships available in UK:
- Research Thoroughly: Utilize resources like the British Council's scholarship database to identify available funding options.
- Check University Websites: Explore the funding sections of prospective universities to learn about institution-specific scholarships and application procedures.
- Prepare Application Materials: Gather necessary documents such as academic transcripts, research proposals, recommendation letters, and proof of English language proficiency.
- Adhere to Deadlines: Application timelines vary; for instance, Commonwealth Scholarship applications typically open in August/September.
What are the eligibility criteria for top scholarships in UK?
Eligibility varies by scholarship but commonly includes:
- Academic Excellence: A strong academic record, often a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree.
- Research Proposal: A well-defined research proposal aligning with the scholarship's focus areas.
- Nationality: Some scholarships are restricted to applicants from specific countries or regions.
- Work Experience: Certain programs, like the Chevening Scholarships, require a minimum of two years of work experience.
What support services are available for international PhD students in the UK?
UK universities typically offer a range of support services, including academic guidance, career counseling, mental health services, and assistance with accommodation. Additionally, many institutions have dedicated offices to support international students with visa issues and cultural integration.
