Fully Funded PhD in UK for International Students​: Top Scholarships & Admissions 2025

You might know someone—a senior from IIT Bombay, a professor at JNU, or a family friend—who secured a fully funded PhD and is now doing research at Oxford or Cambridge. The question is, how did they manage it?

Many universities offer fully funded PhD in UK for international students that cover tuition, living expenses, and research costs. Scholarships like the Commonwealth Scholarship, Chevening Scholarship, and Rhodes Scholarship make it possible for international students, including those from India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria, to pursue research without financial stress.

If you’re considering a PhD in the UK, we’ll explain the top scholarships, how to apply, and what it takes to secure full funding for 2025.

What Does a Fully Funded PhD in UK for International Students Cover?

A fully funded PhD in UK for international students means you won’t have to worry about paying tuition or covering basic living costs. But what exactly does it include? The details vary depending on the scholarship or funding body.

Most fully funded PhD in UK for international students cover three main expenses:

1. Tuition Fees – The biggest cost of a PhD, often ranging from £15,000 to £30,000 per year (₹15-30 lakh).
2. Living Stipend – Monthly financial support to cover rent, food, and daily expenses.
3. Research & Travel Grants – Additional funds for fieldwork, conferences, and publications.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s typically included in a fully funded PhD:

Expense	What’s Covered?	Example
Tuition Fees	Fully waived	Oxford DPhil in Engineering (£30,000 saved per year)
Living Stipend	£18,622 - £22,000 per year (₹19-23 lakh)	UKRI-funded PhD in Medicine
Conference Funding	Partial or full support	Attending AI Conference in London
Research Costs	Depends on project	Lab materials for a Chemistry PhD
Health Insurance (NHS)	Covered for international students	Access to NHS healthcare

Do All Fully Funded PhDs Cover Everything?

Not always. Some funding packages may only cover tuition, while others provide stipends but no extra research funds. 

For example, a UKRI-funded PhD in Computer Science might include full tuition and a stipend, but a PhD in History may require applying for additional travel grants.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Even with full funding, students often face extra costs:

• Visa & Immigration Fees – The UK student visa (Tier 4) costs around £490.
• Housing Deposits – Some universities require a deposit before you move in.
• Extra Travel Expenses – If your research involves fieldwork outside the UK, check if additional grants are available.

Who Offers the Best Funding?

Scholarships like the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship and Gates Cambridge Scholarship offer some of the most generous funding, and they cover all expenses plus additional research allowances. 

If you’re applying, make sure to check exactly what’s included so there are no surprises later.

Top Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in the UK (2025-26)

These funding opportunities are competitive but open doors to world-class research.

Here’s a look at some of the best fully funded PhD in UK for international students for 2025-26:

1. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Scholarships

UKRI funds thousands of PhD students each year through various research councils. This is the UK government’s main funding body for doctoral research, supporting students across science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities. Universities distribute UKRI funding, so students apply through their chosen institution.

Eligibility	Open to UK & international students; must meet university PhD admission criteria
Who It's For	Students pursuing research in science, engineering, social sciences, arts & humanities
Requirements	Strong academic record, research proposal aligned with UKRI’s priority areas
Coverage	Full tuition + stipend (~£18,622 per year / ₹19.5 lakh)
Courses Covered	Engineering, Medicine, Social Sciences, AI, Climate Science, Humanities

Example: A PhD student at University of Leeds researching sustainable energy solutions under UKRI funding can also receive industry sponsorship and grants for international conferences.

2. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships

This UK government-funded scholarship supports students from Commonwealth countries like India, Pakistan, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. It’s designed for researchers who want to develop solutions for their home countries and contribute to global progress.

Eligibility	Citizens of Commonwealth countries; must hold a master’s degree
Who It's For	Students looking to use research for social, economic, or technological progress in their home country
Requirements	Academic excellence, research proposal with a clear real-world impact
Coverage	Full tuition, monthly stipend (~£1,347 per month/₹1.3 lakh), airfare, research grant
Courses Covered	STEM, Public Health, Sustainable Development, Education, Policy Studies

Example: A student from IIT Delhi pursuing a PhD in Environmental Science at the University of Sheffield can research water conservation strategies for Indian rural areas under this scholarship.

3. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (For PhD at the University of Cambridge)

One of the most prestigious scholarships worldwide, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Every year, around 80 students from outside the UK are awarded full funding to study at Cambridge University, covering all PhD fields.

Eligibility	Open to non-UK applicants applying to Cambridge
Who It's For	Academically strong students with leadership potential and research ideas that aim to create positive change
Requirements	Strong research proposal, leadership experience, career goals that align with the Gates Foundation’s vision
Coverage	Full tuition, living stipend (£18,744 per year/₹1.9 lakh), airfare, research grants
Courses Covered	Engineering, AI, Medicine, Law, Economics, Public Policy

Example: A Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) graduate pursuing a PhD in Political Science at Cambridge through this scholarship can focus on governance reforms in South Asia.

4. Clarendon Fund Scholarships (University of Oxford)

The Clarendon Fund is one of Oxford’s largest PhD funding sources, supporting over 200 students each year. It covers tuition and living costs.

Eligibility	Open to all international students applying for a PhD at Oxford
Who It's For	Academically outstanding students with strong research ideas
Requirements	High grades, clear research proposal, recommendation letters
Coverage	Full tuition + stipend (£18,622 per year/₹1.8 lakh)
Courses Covered	Science, Humanities, Social Sciences, AI, Business, Medicine

Example: A student from Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in India receiving the Clarendon Fund for a PhD in Sociology at Oxford can research migration trends across South Asia.

5. President’s PhD Scholarships (Imperial College London)

Imperial College London offers 50 fully funded PhD scholarships annually for high-achieving students in STEM fields. This scholarship is ideal for those aiming to work on cutting-edge research in AI, robotics, medicine, and engineering.

Eligibility	Open to high-achieving students worldwide
Who It's For	STEM researchers with a strong academic record and research background
Requirements	First-class degree or equivalent, strong research proposal, strong references
Coverage	Full tuition, £25,150 annual stipend (₹26.5 lakh), additional research funding
Courses Covered	Engineering, AI, Robotics, Physics, Medicine, Biotechnology

Example: A student from IIT Bombay working on AI-driven healthcare diagnostics under this scholarship at Imperial College London could collaborate with NHS hospitals to improve early disease detection.

6. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships (University of Edinburgh)

The University of Edinburgh offers this scholarship to outstanding international students pursuing a PhD. It covers full tuition, but students may need to secure additional funding for living expenses.

Eligibility	Open to international students applying for a PhD at Edinburgh
Who It's For	Academically strong students with innovative research proposals
Requirements	High academic achievement, clear research proposal, recommendation letters
Coverage	Full tuition waiver; additional funding may be required for living costs
Courses Covered	Science, Humanities, Engineering, Law, Business, AI

Example: A student from IISc Bangalore researching AI-driven healthcare solutions at Edinburgh can apply for this scholarship and look for additional stipends through research assistantships.

7. University of Manchester President’s Doctoral Scholar Awards

This prestigious scholarship at Manchester is awarded to high-achieving PhD candidates across all disciplines. It provides full tuition and a competitive stipend, which makes it a great option for international students.

Eligibility	Open to all international PhD applicants at Manchester
Who It's For	Academically outstanding students with strong research potential
Requirements	First-class degree, research proposal aligned with faculty priorities
Coverage	Full tuition + stipend (~£21,000 per year / ₹22 lakh)
Courses Covered	Engineering, Life Sciences, Business, Social Sciences, Medicine

Example: A student from Delhi University applying for a PhD in Sustainable Urban Development at Manchester can use this scholarship to work on green city initiatives in collaboration with UK government agencies.

8. Durham University Doctoral Studentships

Durham University offers fully funded PhD studentships across a range of subjects, with an emphasis on research excellence. These studentships are funded by the university and external organizations.

Eligibility	Open to international students applying for a PhD at Durham
Who It's For	Strong academic and research-oriented students
Requirements	Strong academic performance, well-defined research proposal
Coverage	Full tuition + stipend (~£18,622 per year/₹1.8 lakh)
Courses Covered	Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, Science, Engineering

Example: A student from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) working on climate change policies can use this scholarship to study environmental law at Durham and collaborate with UK policymakers.

9. Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships (University of Warwick)

This highly competitive scholarship at Warwick University funds up to 40 top PhD students each year. It is open to students in all disciplines and provides full funding.

Eligibility	Open to all international students applying for a PhD at Warwick
Who It's For	High-achieving students with research potential in their field
Requirements	Excellent academic record, strong research proposal, faculty recommendation
Coverage	Full tuition + stipend (£18,622 per year/₹1.8 lakh)
Courses Covered	Business, Social Sciences, Data Science, Engineering, Humanities

Example: A student from IIM Bangalore researching data-driven financial models can use this scholarship for a PhD in Economics at Warwick, collaborating with UK financial firms.

10. Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) PhD Scholarships

Queen Mary University of London offers multiple PhD scholarships, including fully funded options for international students. These scholarships support research across a wide range of disciplines.

Eligibility	Open to international students applying for a PhD at QMUL
Who It's For	Strong research candidates with a clear academic focus
Requirements	Academic excellence, research proposal, relevant prior research experience
Coverage	Full tuition + stipend (~£18,000 per year/₹1.8 lakh)
Courses Covered	AI, Law, Medicine, Economics, Business, Engineering

Example: A student from BITS Pilani pursuing a PhD in AI at QMUL can work on machine learning models for medical imaging, collaborating with NHS hospitals in London.

11. University of Bristol Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to high-achieving PhD students looking to conduct research at the University of Bristol. It is highly competitive and covers tuition and a living stipend.

Eligibility	Open to international students applying for a PhD at Bristol
Who It's For	Students with outstanding academic records and innovative research ideas
Requirements	First-class degree, strong research proposal, faculty recommendation
Coverage	Full tuition + stipend (~£18,000 per year/₹1.8 lakh)
Courses Covered	Engineering, Medicine, Social Sciences, Business, AI

Example: A University of Delhi graduate interested in climate change adaptation can pursue a PhD at Bristol and collaborate with local environmental research groups.

12. Nottingham Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for Research Excellence

The University of Nottingham offers this scholarship to support top-tier PhD candidates from around the world. It funds students working on projects that align with Nottingham’s research strengths.

Eligibility	Open to non-UK PhD applicants at Nottingham
Who It's For	Academically excellent students with a clear research focus
Requirements	High academic achievement, strong research proposal
Coverage	Full tuition + stipend (~£17,000 per year/₹1.7 lakh)
Courses Covered	Engineering, Life Sciences, Environmental Studies, Business

Example: A student from IIT Madras working on renewable energy solutions can use this scholarship to research sustainable urban infrastructure at Nottingham.

13. King’s College London Centre for Doctoral Studies Scholarships

This scholarship is offered through King’s Centre for Doctoral Studies, providing fully funded PhD opportunities in a wide range of disciplines.

Eligibility	Open to international students applying for a PhD at King’s College London
Who It's For	High-achieving students with impactful research proposals
Requirements	Academic excellence, well-structured research proposal, references
Coverage	Full tuition + stipend (~£18,622 per year/₹1.8 lakh)
Courses Covered	Public Health, AI, International Relations, Law, Business

Example: A student from JNU interested in public health policy can use this scholarship to research healthcare reforms in South Asia at King’s College London.

14. University of Sheffield Fully Funded PhD Studentships

Sheffield University provides multiple fully funded PhD studentships in collaboration with UKRI, industry partners, and charitable organizations.

Eligibility	Open to UK & international students applying for a PhD at Sheffield
Who It's For	Strong research-oriented students with relevant academic backgrounds
Requirements	First-class degree, strong research proposal, prior research experience
Coverage	Full tuition + stipend (~£18,622 per year/₹1.8 lakh)
Courses Covered	Engineering, Environmental Science, Medicine, Social Sciences

Example: A student from IISc Bangalore applying for a PhD in Robotics at Sheffield can work on human-robot collaboration research with top industry partners.

15. LSE PhD Studentships (London School of Economics & Political Science)

LSE offers this highly competitive scholarship to PhD students focusing on economics, finance, social sciences, and policy research.

Eligibility	Open to international students applying for a PhD at LSE
Who It's For	Students with strong academic backgrounds and a focus on social impact
Requirements	First-class academic record, research proposal aligned with LSE’s priorities
Coverage	Full tuition + stipend (~£20,000 per year/₹20 lakh)
Courses Covered	Economics, Finance, Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations

Example: A student from Ashoka University in India studying economic policies can use this scholarship to analyze the impact of global financial policies on emerging markets at LSE.

How to Apply for a Fully Funded PhD in UK for International Students?

It’s important to approach the fully funded PhD in UK for international students the right way. 

Universities look for strong research potential, a well-defined proposal, and the right supervisor-student match. Many students miss funding opportunities simply because they don’t apply correctly.

Here’s how to apply for PhD abroad:

Step 1: Find the Right University and Supervisor

Every UK university doesn’t fund PhDs in all subjects. Some specialize in certain areas:

Field of Study	Best Universities for Fully Funded PhD
AI & Computer Science	Imperial College London, University of Edinburgh
Renewable Energy	University of Sheffield, University of Nottingham
Economics & Public Policy	LSE, University of Oxford
Medicine & Life Sciences	University of Cambridge, King’s College London

Most UK universities expect applicants to contact a potential supervisor first. A simple email stating your research interest and how it aligns with their work increases your chances.

Example: If you’re applying for a PhD in Climate Science at Durham University, mention how your research connects with their ongoing projects on extreme weather patterns in South Asia.

Step 2: Prepare a Strong Research Proposal

Your research proposal is your biggest selling point. It should answer:

• What problem are you solving? (Why does this research matter?)
• How will you conduct your research? (Methods, tools, expected outcomes)
• Why this university? (How does it align with your research goals?)

According to a report by UKRI, over 40% of PhD applicants fail due to unclear research objectives. Keep your proposal focused and realistic.

Step 3: Meet the Academic and Language Requirements

• Most UK PhDs require a master’s degree, but some universities (like Oxford & Cambridge) accept exceptional students directly from a bachelor’s degree.
• English proficiency tests (IELTS/TOEFL) are mandatory unless your previous degree was taught in English.

Requirement	General Criteria
GPA	3.5/4.0 (or 70% in Indian grading system)
IELTS	6.5 – 7.5 (depends on university)
TOEFL (if accepted)	90 – 100

Step 4: Apply for Funding & Scholarships

Many universities automatically consider you for funding if you apply before the main PhD deadline. Others require a separate application.

Scholarship Name	Who Provides It?	Covers?
UKRI PhD Funding	UK Research & Innovation	Tuition + Stipend
Commonwealth PhD Scholarship	UK Government	Full Funding + Travel
Gates Cambridge Scholarship	University of Cambridge	Full Funding + Research Allowance
Clarendon Fund	University of Oxford	Tuition + Stipend
Warwick Chancellor’s Scholarship	University of Warwick	Full Funding

Example: If you’re applying for a PhD in Data Science at Queen Mary University of London, check their QMUL PhD Scholarships, which offer £18,000 (₹19 lakh) per year as a stipend.

Important Deadlines for Fully Funded PhD Applications in 2025

Deadlines vary by university and funding body. Some scholarships close as early as October, while others accept applications until March 2025.

Scholarship Name	University	Deadline
UKRI Scholarships	Various UK universities	Dec 2024 - Feb 2025
Commonwealth PhD Scholarships	Any UK university	Oct 2024
Gates Cambridge Scholarships	University of Cambridge	Jan 2025
Clarendon Fund Scholarships	University of Oxford	Dec 2024
President’s PhD Scholarships	Imperial College London	Jan 2025
Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships	University of Edinburgh	Feb 2025
Manchester President’s Doctoral Scholar Awards	University of Manchester	Jan 2025
Durham University Doctoral Studentships	Durham University	Jan 2025
Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships	University of Warwick	Dec 2024
QMUL PhD Scholarships	Queen Mary University of London	Jan 2025
Bristol Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship	University of Bristol	Feb 2025
Nottingham Research Excellence Scholarship	University of Nottingham	Jan 2025
King’s College London Centre for Doctoral Studies Scholarships	King’s College London	March 2025
University of Sheffield PhD Studentships	University of Sheffield	Feb 2025
LSE PhD Studentships	London School of Economics	Jan 2025

Tip: Some universities allow late applications if funding is still available, so always check with the admissions office.

If you’re serious about getting a fully funded PhD in UK for international students, start contacting potential supervisors by July-August 2024, prepare your documents early, and apply to multiple scholarships for better chances.

Required Documents for Fully Funded PhD in UK for International Students

What makes a PhD application stand out? Universities in the UK receive thousands of applications each year, but only a fraction get full funding. According to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI, 2023), applicants with well-structured research proposals and strong academic backgrounds have a 40% higher chance of securing PhD funding.

The right documents ensure your application is processed smoothly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Document	Purpose	Tips for a Strong Application
Research Proposal	Explains your research plan	Keep it clear, structured, and relevant to faculty expertise
Academic Transcripts	Shows your past performance	Ensure official copies are provided
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	Highlights your motivation	Focus on why this PhD is a good fit for you
Letters of Recommendation	Confirms your research potential	Get recommendations from professors familiar with your work
CV/Resume	Lists academic & research achievements	Include research projects, internships, and publications
English Proficiency Test (IELTS/TOEFL)	Required for non-native speakers	Aim for IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+

Example: If you’re applying for a PhD in Public Health at the University of Sheffield, highlight past research on healthcare policies, internships, or published work in your field to strengthen your SOP and CV.

Some scholarships, like the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship, may require additional documents such as proof of nationality or a personal statement explaining how the research will benefit your home country.

Selection Process for Fully Funded PhD in the UK

How competitive are fully funded PhD in UK for international students? According to UKRI, only 25-30% of PhD applicants receive full funding, and STEM fields generally have more funding opportunities than humanities and social sciences. Understanding the selection process can help you prepare a stronger application.

Step 1: Initial Application Screening

Universities review applications based on academic qualifications, research proposals, and supervisor availability. Strong candidates move to the next stage.

Step 2: Supervisor & Department Review

If your research proposal aligns with a faculty member’s expertise, you may be shortlisted. Some departments request additional documents or an academic writing sample at this stage.

Step 3: PhD Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, either online or in person.

Common PhD Interview Questions	What They Assess
Why do you want to pursue this PhD?	Motivation & long-term goals
How does your research fit with this department?	Research alignment
What methodologies will you use?	Research knowledge & approach
Have you considered potential challenges?	Problem-solving skills

Example: A student applying for a PhD in Climate Change at Imperial College London might be asked about their knowledge of current policies like the UK’s Net Zero Strategy and how their research could contribute to sustainable solutions.

Step 4: Final Funding Decision

Once interviews are completed, the selection panel reviews applications and makes funding offers based on:

• Academic background
• Strength of research proposal
• Supervisor availability
• Competition for funding

Some scholarships, like the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, also assess leadership potential and future impact.

How to Improve Your Chances of Securing a Fully Funded PhD in UK for International Students?

Why do some students land a fully funded PhD while others struggle to find funding? According to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI, 2023), candidates who proactively reach out to potential supervisors and apply to multiple funding sources have a higher chance of securing full funding.

Here’s how you can improve your chances:

1. Start Early & Choose the Right Universities

Many scholarships close by October-December, so shortlist universities based on funding availability in your field.

Field	Best Universities for Funding
AI & Data Science	Imperial College, Edinburgh
Renewable Energy	Sheffield, Nottingham
Public Health	King’s College, Bristol
Economics & Business	LSE, Warwick

Example: If you're interested in climate change research, Durham University has strong UKRI-funded PhDs in environmental studies.

2. Contact Potential Supervisors Early

A well-written email to a professor can improve acceptance chances significantly.

What to include:

• Your background and research interest
• Why their work aligns with yours
• A short, clear research idea
• Request for a discussion

Example: If a professor at Manchester is researching AI in healthcare, highlight how your work on machine learning in diagnostics fits into their research.

3. Write a Strong Research Proposal

According to UKRI, vague research proposals are a top reason for rejection.

Good Proposal: “How AI-driven diagnostics can reduce misdiagnosis in rural UK hospitals.”
Weak Proposal: “The future of AI in healthcare.” (Too broad)

4. Apply for Multiple Scholarships

More applications = higher chances of funding.

Scholarship Name	Covers	Deadline
Gates Cambridge	Full funding + research	Jan 2025
Clarendon Fund (Oxford)	Tuition + stipend	Dec 2024
Commonwealth PhD	Full funding	Oct 2024
Warwick Chancellor’s	Full funding	Dec 2024
UKRI PhD	Tuition + stipend	Dec 2024 - Feb 2025

Example: Many PhD students at King’s College London combine UKRI funding with university grants to cover extra costs like conferences.

5. Gain Research & Work Experience

Funding bodies prefer candidates with prior research or industry experience.

What helps?

• Published thesis or research papers
• Internships at think tanks, labs, or universities
• Work experience related to your PhD field

Example: A PhD applicant in Biomedical Sciences with experience at AIIMS Delhi or National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) UK stands out.

6. Prepare for the Interview

Many scholarships include an interview round.

Question	What They Assess
Why this PhD?	Motivation & goals
Why this university?	Research alignment
What challenges do you foresee?	Problem-solving skills

Tip: Practice explaining your research in simple terms—clarity matters.

We Can Help Secure a Fully Funded PhD in UK for International Students

upGrad Abroad is here to guide you every step of the way. With 1:1 expert support, we help you:

Find top universities offering full funding
Create a strong research proposal
Apply for multiple scholarships
Prepare for PhD interviews

Many students have secured funding at Oxford, Cambridge, and other top universities with our guidance. 

Let’s make it happen with upGrad Abroad!