PhD Scholarships for International Students in the UK

PhD programmes in the United Kingdom are highly sought after by international students who want to work in the fields of research and innovation. PhD programmes are available at prestigious UK institutions such as the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, the University of Cambridge, the University College London, and the London School of Economics.

Given the thriving economy, excellent educational standards, and high employment rates, the cost of studying in the UK may be prohibitively expensive if not carefully planned. While students can seek financial assistance in a variety of ways, the PhD scholarships for Indian students in the UK are the best option. PhD scholarships in the United Kingdom provide financial assistance and support to deserving applicants. This blog discusses the various types of PhD scholarships available in the UK, as well as the application process, eligibility requirements, and more.

How Much Does a PhD Cost in the United Kingdom?

PhD programmes in the United Kingdom last three to four years and cost between £20,000 and £50,000 per year. Aside from that, there are other costs for students living in the UK, such as housing, food, transportation, and study materials.

All of these expenses can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are fully funded PhD programmes in the UK for students. Most government agencies, private organizations, and universities provide scholarships to deserving students. The scholarships are merit-based as well as need-based.

1. Merit-Based Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships are given to students who have excelled academically. These scholarships will be considered for students who have maintained excellent grades throughout their high school, bachelor's degree, and master's degree.
2. Scholarships for Financial Need: Need-based scholarships, on the other hand, are given to students who have financial difficulties and need the money to pay for their studies. Individuals can thus find appropriate financial assistance in the UK to continue their studies.

What Are the Different Types of PhD Scholarships Available to International Students in the United Kingdom?

The UK has a plethora of funding opportunities and scholarships to help international PhD students offset the high programme fees. There are primarily three types:

1. Government Scholarships
2. Scholarships from non-governmental organizations
3. UK University scholarships

Every type of scholarship in the United Kingdom has its own set of eligibility requirements and benefits. Let us take a look at some of the most important PhD grants in the UK.

PhD Government Scholarships in the United Kingdom

The UK government provides various scholarships for Indian students to students pursuing a PhD in the country. There are also some government-funded scholarships available to international students. These scholarships have various requirements, application processes, and so on. We will go over the scholarships in detail here.

1. Commonwealth Scholarships for Students from Developing Countries

Commonwealth Scholarships for PhD and Master's studies in the United Kingdom are available to students from poorer Commonwealth countries. The UK Department for International Development provides it. These scholarships are given to students in order to contribute to the overall development and promotion of higher education in the United Kingdom.

Commonwealth Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

1. Students must be permanent residents of one of the Commonwealth countries.

2. By the beginning of September 2022, a student should be able to begin his or her academic programme in the United Kingdom.

3. For the postgraduate qualification, students must have a first or upper second-class degree (Honors).

4. Students who cannot afford to study in the UK without a scholarship.

2. Scholarships from the Goa Education Trust

This merit-based scholarship is one of the best options for Indian students seeking a fully funded PhD in the United Kingdom. The Goa Education Trust Scholarships are given to deserving students who have excelled academically. Students are awarded full or partial tuition fee coverage based on their performance.

Goa Education Trust Scholarship Eligibility Criteria:

1. International students must be under 30 years old.

2. The student must be academically competent and involved in extracurricular activities.

3. For their PhD program, students must be enrolled in a UK university or institute.

4. The student must be an Indian citizen with an Indian passport.

3. Saltire Scholarships in Scotland

It is one of the best PhD scholarships for Indian students offered by the Scottish Government to students studying research, technology, healthcare, and medical science. PhD scholarships are given to students who want to be important leaders in their fields. The programme provides 50 different tuition fee scholarships, each worth 8000 GBP.

Criteria for Eligibility for Scotland's Saltire Scholarships:

1. The student must be an Indian, Japanese, Canadian, American, Chinese, or Pakistani citizen.
2. Any Scottish university offering an eligible course must provide the student with an offer letter.
3. You must not have previously received a Scotland Saltire Scholarship.
4. No undergraduate courses should have been completed in Scotland.

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