PhD Scholarships for International Students in UK 2025 List

Pursuing a PhD abroad can be costly, but with the right PhD scholarships for international students in UK, you can focus on groundbreaking research without financial worry. This guide compiles the top fully and partially funded opportunities for the 2025–2026 academic year, detailing eligibility, deadlines, application steps, and funding amounts to help you secure your place.

Why Pursue a PhD in the UK as an International Student?

The UK boasts world-renowned universities, cutting-edge research facilities, and a vibrant academic community. A UK PhD:

• Enhances career prospects globally with a degree recognized for its rigor.
• Provides access to leading faculty, interdisciplinary research centers, and industry collaborations.

Overview of PhD Scholarship Types in the UK

Scholarship schemes fall into four main categories:

• Fully funded scholarships covering tuition, living allowance, travel, and sometimes health surcharges.
• Partial scholarships or bursaries that reduce tuition fees or provide a living stipend.
• Research-specific awards targeting themes like sustainability, social impact, or interdisciplinary fields.
• Government and university collaborations, such as GREAT Scholarships and Chevening.

Most deadlines for 2025 applications range from June to September 2025, so start preparing early.

Top PhD Scholarships for International Students in UK 2025

Chevening Scholarships

The UK government’s flagship Chevening Scholarships cover full tuition, return flights, monthly stipend, and accommodation for up to one year of study. Eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience. Applications open in August and close in November 2024 for 2025 intake.

Funding amount: Fully funded including travel and living costs. (Chevening)

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Offered by the University of Cambridge, Gates Cambridge Scholarships provide full tuition, a maintenance allowance of £20,000 per year, and additional family allowances for up to four years of doctoral study.

Deadline: December 2024. Eligibility: First-class or high 2:1 honors degree, leadership potential.

Funding amount: Full tuition plus £20,000 annual stipend. (Gates Cambridge)

University of Westminster GREAT Scholarship

A partnership between the UK government and the University of Westminster, the GREAT Scholarship offers a £10,000 tuition fee waiver for international PhD candidates in specific disciplines.

Deadline: June 2025. Eligibility: Undergraduate and master’s degree with first or 2:1 honors.

Funding amount: £10,000 off tuition fees. (University of Westminster)

Greta Dexter Exhibition Bursary

Hosted by the University of Exeter, this bursary provides £1,000 to PhD candidates working on projects combining disability studies and environmental humanities.

Deadline: September 2025. Eligibility: Research proposal aligned with eco-ableism themes.

Funding amount: £1,000. (UKScholarships.uk)

Robert Gordon University (RGU) SPORT Scholarship

Designed for high-performance student athletes, the RGU SPORT Scholarship offers financial support and professional development opportunities for doctoral research in sports science and related fields.

Deadline: July 2025. Eligibility: Evidence of competitive achievements and research proposal in sports-related disciplines.

Funding amount: Variable financial support plus mentorship. (UKScholarships.uk)

How to Apply for PhD Scholarships in the UK as an International Student

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Research scholarship options and confirm alignment with your research interests.
2. Check deadlines—most close between June and September. Refer to our UK PhD application timeline.
3. Prepare academic transcripts, research proposal, CV, and reference letters.
4. Submit online applications via university portals or central schemes like Chevening.
5. Attend interviews or assessment centers if shortlisted.

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Academic excellence: 2:1 honors or equivalent minimum.
• Research alignment: Proposal matching scholarship themes.
• Language proficiency: IELTS or TOEFL scores meeting university requirements.
• Professional experience: Relevant work or research background.

Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application

• Start early: Draft your research proposal at least three months before deadlines.
• Show leadership and impact: Highlight past projects, publications, and community engagement.
• Seek feedback: Have supervisors or mentors review your documents.
• Tailor each application: Address specific scholarship criteria and university strengths.
• Prepare for interviews: Practice common questions on research objectives and career plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical application deadline for UK PhD scholarships?

Most deadlines fall between June and September for the following academic year. However, schemes like Gates Cambridge close in December.

Can I apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously?

Yes. Ensure you meet each scholarship’s eligibility and tailor your applications accordingly.

Do scholarships cover health surcharges and visa fees?

Fully funded awards like Chevening usually include health surcharges and visa costs. Always check individual scholarship terms.

How competitive are these scholarships?

With search volume for “phd scholarships for international students in uk” at moderate to high levels and keyword difficulty rated medium to high, competition is robust. Strong academic records and standout proposals are essential.

Conclusion

Securing a PhD scholarship in the UK requires early planning, a compelling research proposal, and clear alignment with funding priorities. By leveraging fully funded schemes like Chevening and Gates Cambridge, and exploring university-specific bursaries, you can minimize financial barriers and focus on your academic journey.