Dreaming of a PhD in the UK but worried about the cost? You’re not alone. Many students across the globe want to pursue advanced research in world-class universities, but the price tag can feel overwhelming. The good news? Top universities in the UK offer fully funded PhD scholarships — and you don’t always need to be a UK citizen to apply.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about fully funded PhD scholarships in the UK for 2025 including eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and direct links to apply.
Why Choose the UK for Your PhD?
Let’s start with the obvious: the UK is home to some of the best universities in the world — Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London… the list goes on. But that’s not all.
Here’s why the UK is a fantastic place to do a PhD:
UK PhDs usually take 3–4 years, which is shorter than in many other countries.
You get to work with leading researchers and global experts.
Most programs are research-focused, giving you space to develop your own ideas.
There are dozens of scholarship options for international students.
If you’re passionate about research and ready to contribute to your field, the UK is one of the best places to do it.
Top UK Universities Offering PhD Scholarships (2025)
Here’s a look at the top universities in the UK that are offering fully funded PhD scholarships for the 2025 intake — plus what they offer and how you can apply.
1. University of Oxford – Clarendon Scholarship
Oxford’s Clarendon Fund is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in the UK. It covers all your fees and living expenses — and it’s open to students of any nationality.
What’s covered:
100% tuition fees
Annual living stipend (\~£18,622)
Additional academic support
Deadline: Varies by department, usually between December and January
[Apply here]
2. University of Cambridge – Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, supports outstanding students from outside the UK.
What you’ll get:
Full tuition and fees
Stipend (\~£20,000/year)
Flights, visa, and other costs
Deadline: October–December, depending on your country
[Apply here]
3. Imperial College London – President’s PhD Scholarships
If you’re into STEM fields (Science, Tech, Engineering, Medicine), Imperial’s President’s PhD Scholarships are for you.
What’s included:
Full tuition coverage
Stipend of \~£25,150/year
Research and conference support
Deadline: Rolling admission
[Apply here]
4. University College London (UCL) – Research Excellence Scholarships
UCL offers Research Excellence Scholarships (UCL-RES) to both UK and international students in all academic fields.
You’ll receive:
Full tuition fees
Maintenance stipend (\~£20,000)
Research training allowance
Deadline: Usually in January
[Apply here]
5. University of Edinburgh – Global Research Scholarships
These are aimed at international students who want to pursue PhDs in any field. While it doesn’t cover living costs, it waives international tuition fees.
Benefits:
Full tuition at international rates
Deadline: Typically in February
[Apply here]
6. University of Manchester – President’s Doctoral Scholar Awards
Manchester’s PDS Awards are open to high-achieving UK and international students across all research areas.
What you get:
Full tuition
Living stipend
Research and travel support
Deadline: Usually in January
[Apply here]
7. University of Warwick – Chancellor’s International Scholarships
These are among the most generous scholarships at Warwick, open to **non-UK nationals** applying for any PhD program.
Covers:
Full tuition
Maintenance stipend
Research allowance
Deadline: Typically December or January
[Apply here]
8. University of Bristol – Postgraduate Research Scholarships
Each faculty at Bristol offers its own PhD scholarships. While not always fully funded, some cover both fees and living costs.
Support may include:
Tuition fees
Stipend
Training and research funds
9. King’s College London – International PhD Scholarships
King’s offers several scholarship schemes for international PhD students across all disciplines.
What’s on offer:
Tuition and fees
Annual living allowance
Research funding
Deadline: Usually March
[Apply here]
10. University of Glasgow – College of Science & Engineering Scholarships
Ideal for students pursuing research in science, engineering, and tech-related fields.
Funding options include:
Full or partial tuition
Additional research support
What You’ll Need to Apply
Most PhD scholarship applications in the UK require the following:
A relevant master’s degree (or a strong bachelor’s degree in some cases)
A well-developed research proposal
Academic transcripts and references Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
A standout CV and personal statement
Some programs also require an interview or contact with a supervisor.
When Should You Apply?
PhD programs in the UK typically start in September or October, but deadlines for scholarships are much earlier — often between December and February.
It’s a good idea to:
Start preparing at least 6–12 months in advance
Finalize your research proposal early
Reach out to potential supervisors as soon as possible
Tips to Boost Your Chances
Getting a fully funded PhD scholarship is competitive — but not impossible. Here are some tips:
Make your research proposal sharp and relevant to the university’s research themes.
Connect with a supervisor early and ask for feedback on your proposal.
Highlight your academic achievements clearly in your application.
Tailor your personal statement to each scholarship and institution.
Other UK Scholarships You Should Know About
Here are a few more programs that support PhD and research study in the UK:
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships – for citizens of eligible developing countries
[More info]
Chevening Fellowships – mostly for mid-career professionals, but some research fellowships apply
[More info]
UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) – funds hundreds of PhD studentships via partner universities
[Explore UKRI]
Quick Summary Table
| University | Scholarship | Deadline | Apply |
| Oxford | Clarendon | Dec–Jan | [Apply]
| Cambridge | Gates | Oct–Dec | [Apply]
| Imperial | President’s | Rolling | [Apply]|
| UCL | UCL-RES | Jan | [Apply]
| Edinburgh | Global Research | Feb | [Apply]
| Manchester | PDS Awards | Jan | [Apply]
| Warwick | Chancellor’s | Dec–Jan | [Apply]
| Bristol | PGR | Varies | [Apply]
| King’s | PhD Scholarships | Mar | [Apply]
| Glasgow | Engineering | Varies | [Apply]
Final Thoughts
Doing a PhD is a big step, and securing funding can make all the difference. Fortunately, the UK is packed with opportunities — whether you want to study AI at Imperial, literature at Oxford, or climate science at Edinburgh.
Good luck — your research future starts now! ??
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