Embarking on a PhD in the UK is an exciting endeavor, but funding this venture can be complicated. There are numerous scholarships, studentships and financing routes available – each with its own criteria and timeline – and advice can often feel convoluted. This article breaks down the common funding options for UK PhD study and offers clear guidance on securing support. We cover fully-funded studentships (which pay your fees and a stipend for living costs) versus self-funding, how to search for opportunities, tips for strong funding applications, and some creative avenues like part-time work or employer sponsorship. Throughout, we consider both UK and international candidates, noting where eligibility or support might differ. By demystifying the process, prospective PhD students can approach funding with greater confidence and a practical plan.
Common routes for funding a PhD in the UK
Funding a PhD often involves piecing together resources from various sources. Fortunately, the UK offers several established routes to finance doctoral research:
Research Council studentships (UKRI and doctoral training centres)
The UK’s seven Research Councils – now unified under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – are among the most significant PhD funders. UKRI supports around 20% of all UK-based postgraduate researchers (UKRI, 2025). These Research Council studentships (sometimes called doctoral awards) typically provide a fully-funded package: tuition fees and a tax-free stipend for living costs. For the academic year 2025/26, the standard UKRI doctoral stipend is at least £20,780 per year, and tuition fee support is around £5,000 per year at the home student rate (UKRI, 2025). This funding usually lasts for 3–4 years. Notably, UKRI funding is now open to international students as well as UK students – all recipients receive the full stipend and home-rate fee coverage (UKRI, 2025). However, universities must often cover any difference between home and international tuition rates, since UKRI only guarantees the home-level fee.
Research Council studentships may be allocated to specific doctoral training programmes. Many are offered via Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) or Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) at universities. These centres recruit a cohort of PhD students in a thematic area (for example, artificial intelligence or environmental science) and provide additional training and networking opportunities. Collaborative studentships also exist, such as the former CASE awards, where an industry partner co-funds the PhD and the student spends part of their time with that organisation (Higginbotham, 2025). Overall, securing a UKRI studentship is highly competitive – these awards prioritise excellent research proposals and strong academic track records – but they remain one of the best routes to a fully-funded PhD in the UK.
University scholarships and bursaries
Many UK universities offer their own PhD scholarships, bursaries or studentships to attract talented researchers. These university-funded awards can be similar to Research Council studentships in terms of benefits. For example, a university might offer a full studentship covering tuition and an annual stipend (often pegged to the UKRI rate). Some scholarships are tied to strategic research areas or specific faculties, while others are general awards for outstanding applicants in any field. In addition, universities frequently provide partial funding such as tuition fee waivers, small grants for research expenses, or alumni discounts on fees for their graduates (James, 2025a). It is worth checking your prospective university’s funding pages: you may find merit-based scholarships (rewarding academic excellence) or need-based bursaries (supporting those with financial hardship).
International students should note that many UK universities have dedicated scholarships for international PhD candidates. These can range from full scholarships (covering the higher overseas fees and living costs) to partial awards that reduce the fee difference. It is common, for instance, for universities to offer a limited number of full scholarships for non-UK applicants or country-specific awards. Always review the university’s postgraduate funding database and inquire with the department – university websites often list scholarships by eligibility (e.g. by nationality, subject, or college). Because these awards are competitive, start your search early and be prepared to submit separate scholarship applications as required.
Charity and trust grants
Outside of universities and government, a variety of charities, foundations and trusts provide grants for PhD research. These bodies typically fund projects aligning with their mission areas – often in health, sciences, social issues, or arts and heritage. High-profile examples include the Wellcome Trust and Leverhulme Trust, which fund doctoral scholarships in fields like biomedical science or humanities, and major charities such as the British Heart Foundation (for cardiovascular research) and Cancer Research UK (Higginbotham, 2025). Numerous smaller charities and learned societies also support doctoral researchers; for instance, Action Medical Research or Diabetes UK offer PhD studentships in specific research areas (Higginbotham, 2025). These grants might cover full costs or, more commonly, contribute partially (e.g. a stipend top-up or research expenses).
Competition for charity funding can be intense and often requires a strong case for how your project advances the charity’s goals. Some opportunities are restricted – you might need to be already engaged in research the charity supports, or a supervisor must nominate the candidate (Higginbotham, 2025). It is advisable to discuss such options with your potential PhD supervisor. They may know field-specific funders or have contacts in relevant charities. Indeed, prospective supervisors often provide guidance to increase your chances of securing these funds (Higginbotham, 2025). Charitable grants can be a valuable part of a funding portfolio, especially if combined with other sources.
Government doctoral loans and student finance
For many students, especially those without a full scholarship, the UK government’s Doctoral Loan is an important financing option. In England (and similarly in Wales, via a separate scheme), doctoral students can borrow up to £30,000+ over the course of a PhD (Gov.uk, 2025). The loan amount is periodically adjusted; for example, for courses starting in 2025/26, the maximum is £30,301 for the whole PhD programme (Gov.uk, 2025). This loan is not means-tested and is paid directly to the student in instalments, to be used towards fees or living costs as needed. It functions like an extension of student finance – repayments are income-contingent and begin after the PhD (and only once your income rises above a threshold).
While the doctoral loan can substantially help with costs, it is usually not enough to cover everything. Spreading ~£30,000 across 3–4 years might only contribute around £7,000–£10,000 per year, so most borrowers will need additional funds or income. Furthermore, interest accrues on this loan, and it must be repaid in the future – unlike scholarships or grants which are essentially “free” money. It is also important to note that eligibility is limited to UK residents (typically those domiciled in England or Wales for at least three years before the course). International students arriving for a PhD generally cannot access the UK doctoral loan, so they will need to rely on other funding routes. Instead, overseas students might explore loans or scholarships from their home country’s government or banks.
International scholarships and external schemes
Prospective PhD students from outside the UK should investigate scholarship schemes designed for international study. The UK, in partnership with other governments or organisations, offers several prestigious programmes. For example, the Commonwealth Scholarships support students from Commonwealth countries to pursue advanced degrees in the UK, including PhDs, typically covering tuition and a living stipend. Another example is the Fulbright Scholarship for US-UK academic exchange, which can fund doctoral research for American students in the UK (Mutamiri, 2025). Additionally, some countries have bilateral agreements or specific funds (such as China Scholarship Council funding for Chinese students abroad).
Apart from government schemes, many UK universities earmark funds for international applicants. As mentioned, check university offerings – you may find an “International Research Scholarship” or country-specific awards (e.g. scholarships for Indian students, African students, etc.). International candidates should also look into external funding from their home country. Often, state-sponsored or corporate scholarships are available for students who commit to return after their PhD, especially in developing economies seeking to build academic expertise. While this article focuses on UK funding sources, remember that a PhD’s financing can be global: a combination of UK university support, international scholarships, and personal or home-country funds is common for many overseas PhD students in Britain.
Fully-funded studentships vs self-funding
When planning how to finance your doctorate, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between fully-funded studentships and self-funding. A fully-funded PhD means that your tuition fees and living expenses are covered for the duration of the programme, typically through a scholarship or studentship. In practical terms, this usually includes a fee waiver (often at the home rate) and a maintenance stipend. As noted, most full awards in the UK provide an annual stipend in the range of £18,000–£20,000 (tax-free) which is intended to cover basic living costs for a student. Such funding may come from a Research Council, university, or other scholarship provider. If you secure a fully-funded studentship, you can devote yourself to your research without needing to worry about paying fees or rent out-of-pocket – an ideal situation for any PhD researcher.
By contrast, self-funding means you are responsible for covering all the costs of your PhD, whether through personal savings, family support, earnings, or loans. A UK PhD is a significant financial commitment, so self-funders should plan carefully. Tuition fees for home (UK) doctoral students are relatively moderate (around £4,500–£5,000 per year at most universities), but international students face much higher fees that can range from ~£15,000 up to £30,000 per year depending on the field (James, 2025b). Living expenses also add a substantial cost: one estimate puts the average total cost of a PhD for a UK student at ~£15,000 per year including living expenses, whereas for an international student it can be £35,000–£40,000 per year once higher tuition and visa-related costs are included (James, 2025b). These figures underline that self-funding a PhD, especially as an international student, is a serious financial challenge.
If you lack full funding, you might pursue a partially-funded route – for instance, you have a grant that covers your fees but not living costs, or vice versa. Many students patch together multiple sources: perhaps a small departmental scholarship, some savings or income, and a doctoral loan. This portfolio approach can work but requires discipline and backup plans. It’s also common to start as a self-funded PhD and then apply for funding for subsequent years once you have begun; some charities and university funds accept applications from current students to support their remaining PhD period. However, be cautious about embarking on a PhD without funding in place. As one guide noted, doing a PhD with no funding “should be considered cautiously” (James, 2025a). Financial stress can quickly derail your research. Ideally, you should secure funding (fully or partially) before you start or early in the PhD, and treat self-funding as a last resort or a temporary situation to be improved upon.
Finding options and opportunities for funding a PhD
Locating the right funding opportunity is half the battle in financing a PhD. Because funding sources are diverse, a proactive and systematic search strategy is essential. Specialist websites are a great starting point. The site FindAPhD.com, for example, hosts listings of PhD projects and programmes and allows you to filter for “funded” positions – this can reveal many advertised studentships across UK universities (UKRI, 2025). Likewise, jobs.ac.uk and university job boards often list funded PhD vacancies (especially in the sciences where projects come with funding attached). These advertised studentships usually describe the project, funding details, and eligibility, making it easy to apply if you fit the criteria.
If you plan to propose your own PhD topic rather than apply to a predefined project, you will need to find and apply for scholarships separately. In this case, university websites are key. Nearly all universities have a postgraduate funding or scholarships portal. Search these pages for doctoral awards in your field. Some universities list specific PhD scholarships (e.g. a University Doctoral Scholarship or subject-specific bursaries), while others indicate that outstanding applicants will be automatically considered for funding – meaning you apply for the PhD admission and later are nominated for any available scholarships. Research Councils and doctoral training centre opportunities may also be advertised via the universities. For instance, if you are interested in a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, check if the university is part of an EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in AI – if so, they likely have funded places and an application route through the department or CDT website.
Networking and inquiry can also uncover funding leads. It is often wise to contact potential supervisors or department postgraduate admissions tutors to ask about funding. While you should be tactful (professors receive many funding queries), if you have a draft research proposal, you might politely inquire if there are any studentships or grants in that research area. Academics may know of upcoming funding (for example, a grant they are applying for that includes a PhD position) or can advise you on scholarship competitions. Approaching a supervisor with well-researched questions shows initiative and can sometimes lead to internal funding suggestions that are not widely advertised. Indeed, university staff often have the inside track on institutional funding pots or donor-funded scholarships that you might not find online.
Finally, cast a wide net and use multiple resources. Aside from FindAPhD, look at the UKRI’s own Funding Finder tool (Higginbotham, 2025) which lists opportunities funded by the Research Councils. Check professional bodies relevant to your discipline – for example, the Institute of Engineering and Technology or Royal Society of Chemistry – as they sometimes offer doctoral grants or prize studentships. For international scholarships, consult British Council or scholarship search engines. Identifying a potential funding opportunity early will give you enough time to prepare a quality application before the deadline.
Tips for securing PhD funding
Securing funding is competitive, so a strong strategy and application can make all the difference. Below are key tips to maximise your chances:
- Start early and note deadlines. Most PhD funding deadlines occur well in advance of the doctoral start date. In the UK, many major scholarship competitions open in the autumn and close around December to February for intake the following September or October (UKRI, 2025; Higginbotham, 2025). Some university scholarships have deadlines a year out. Therefore, begin your funding search at least 12–18 months before you intend to start your PhD. Create a calendar of deadlines so you don’t miss opportunities – and submit applications on time (or early, if possible). Starting early also gives you time to seek feedback on your proposals and polish your materials.
- Write a compelling research proposal or statement. A persuasive application is usually built on a well-defined, significant research idea and a clear plan for executing it. If you are applying for a specific project studentship, tailor your personal statement to explain why you are the right candidate and how you meet the project goals. For general scholarships where you propose your own project, invest effort in your research proposal – outline the research questions, methodology, and potential impact. Explain why this research matters (to your discipline, or to society, depending on the funder’s priorities). Scholarship committees often include academics from various fields, so write clearly for an educated general reader. Show genuine enthusiasm for your topic and demonstrate that you’ve thought through the project’s feasibility. A strong, specific proposal helps reviewers see the value in funding your work.
- Emphasise your track record and potential. Funders want to invest in students who will make good use of their support. Highlight your academic achievements and any research experience. Mention top grades, awards, publications or conference presentations, and relevant skills (laboratory techniques, languages, programming, etc.). If you can, get involvement in research projects or as a research assistant during your master’s – this experience strengthens your CV. Choose referees who know you and your work well; brief them on the funding you are applying for so they can emphasise relevant qualities in their recommendation letters. Overall, your application should convey that you are a capable, motivated researcher who will likely complete the PhD successfully and contribute new knowledge.
- Tailor each application to the funder’s goals. A generic, copy-paste application is a common mistake. Instead, research the aims and criteria of each funding body and align your application accordingly (Mutamiri, 2025). If a scholarship is looking for leadership potential, mention examples of leadership or engagement. If a charity cares about practical impact, describe how your work could benefit that cause or community. Use the funder’s keywords and address all points they ask for (e.g. some may ask for a plan for public engagement or how your work fits their thematic priorities). Showing that you understand the sponsor’s mission and how your PhD fits it will make your application stand out. This also demonstrates respect – you’ve done your homework, which reviewers will appreciate.
- Seek feedback and support. Don’t hesitate to ask others to review your funding applications. A fresh pair of eyes can catch unclear explanations or typos. Have a mentor, current supervisor, or colleague read your research proposal and personal statement. They might suggest improvements or spot weaknesses. Additionally, if possible, discuss your plans with a potential PhD supervisor: they might provide a supporting statement or tailor a proposal to better fit a particular scholarship call. Many universities also offer guidance via their graduate school or careers service for students applying for funding – take advantage of any workshops or one-on-one advice sessions on offer. Importantly, proofread everything carefully (Higginbotham, 2025). A polished, error-free application conveys professionalism.
- Apply widely and stay persistent. Treat funding applications as a numbers game to some extent: because each scholarship is so competitive, you increase your odds by applying to multiple opportunities (Mutamiri, 2025). As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, there is no harm in applying for several scholarships or studentships – just be sure to tailor each one. Some students are successful only after trying in a second or third round of applications. If you don’t win funding at first, seek feedback if available, improve your proposal or credentials (perhaps by publishing a paper or taking on a relevant research internship), and try again. Persistence and resilience are valuable qualities in academia; demonstrate them in your funding quest. Also, keep an eye out for any new funding calls even after you’ve started your PhD – sometimes additional funding becomes available for continuing students (for example, through small grants or teaching opportunities).
- Mind the timing of your approach to supervisors. It is worth reiterating a subtle point: while contacting potential supervisors is useful to learn about funding, avoid simply emailing a professor “Can you fund my PhD?” out of the blue. A better strategy is to develop a dialogue about research interests first. If you impress them with your passion and preparedness, they will be more inclined to support your scholarship applications or alert you to funding. Many academics are actively looking for excellent PhD candidates to join their projects – by reaching out with a thoughtful inquiry (for example, commenting on a recent paper of theirs and how your interests align), you might get invited to apply for a funded position. In summary, build relationships and demonstrate initiative, but approach busy faculty courteously and with a clear purpose.
Part-time work and employer sponsorship
In addition to the traditional PhD funding options, prospective PhD students should consider more unconventional or “portfolio” funding methods. One common approach is to work part-time during the PhD – either within the university or externally – to support yourself. Many PhD students take on roles as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) or lab demonstrators. A GTA position typically involves helping teach undergraduate courses (leading tutorials, marking assignments, assisting in labs) for a salary or stipend. Some universities offer formal GTA studentships that package teaching duties with a tuition waiver and stipend. In fact, a PhD studentship that includes teaching may provide an annual stipend roughly equivalent to the Research Council rate (around £20k) in exchange for a set number of teaching hours (FindAPhD, 2025). This can be a win-win: you gain teaching experience (valuable for an academic CV) and earn funding at the same time. Be aware, though, that teaching commitments will take time away from research – striking a balance is essential. UK universities often recommend full-time PhD students do no more than 6–8 hours per week of paid teaching or other work. If your scholarship requires you to teach (some do, as part of professional development), ensure you can manage this alongside your research workload (Higginbotham, 2025).
Beyond campus, some PhD students engage in freelance work or other part-time jobs to supplement their income. This could include anything from consulting in your field, tutoring, writing, or even unrelated jobs. If you pursue outside work, manage your time carefully so that your research progress is not jeopardised. International students must also heed visa restrictions – a Tier 4/Student visa typically allows a maximum of 20 hours of work per week during term time. Working a few hours to cover living costs is common, but relying on a substantial external workload to fund your PhD is risky and not generally recommended as a primary funding strategy (James, 2025a). Use part-time work as a supplement, not as the sole means to finance a doctorate.
Another underutilised avenue is employer or industry sponsorship. If you are already employed in a sector related to your PhD topic, consider whether your company would support your doctoral studies. Some employers sponsor staff to undertake part-time PhDs or professional doctorates that align with the company’s goals. For example, a biotechnology firm might fund an employee’s PhD research into a new drug discovery method that could benefit the company. Typically, this involves an agreement where you continue working (possibly with reduced hours) while researching a topic of mutual interest. You gain funding and perhaps use of industry facilities; the company gains advanced R&D and the prestige of having a PhD-trained employee. Even if you are not yet employed, certain large organisations have industry doctoral schemes in partnership with universities. These resemble apprenticeships at the PhD level – you would spend time both at the university and the company’s site. Look for programmes labeled “Industrial Cooperative Awards” or partnerships (the EPSRC’s iCASE studentships are an example combining academic and industry funding). Moreover, prospective students can reach out to companies directly with a research proposal if they see a potential mutual benefit. Success rates vary, but it has been known to work, especially in engineering, computer science, and applied sciences (James, 2025a). If you manage to secure an industry sponsorship, ensure clear terms are agreed (e.g. intellectual property rights, publication rights, time allocation between work and study). This path requires extra coordination but can be very rewarding financially and professionally.
Finally, a modern twist on funding is crowdfunding: some students have raised funds for their studies via platforms like GoFundMe or Kickstarter. While a few compelling stories have gone viral, crowdfunding a full £50,000+ for a PhD is rare. It might be a supplementary strategy if you have a network willing to donate, but do not count on it as a reliable source. A more traditional but often forgotten resource is philanthropic or local grants – sometimes community foundations, religious institutions, or city councils have small scholarships for residents pursuing higher education. Explore all possibilities, but remain realistic about how much these sources can contribute.
Budgeting for living costs as a PhD student
Whether you secure a generous studentship or are piecing together funds, budgeting is crucial throughout your PhD. The typical doctoral stipend (around £1,500–£1,800 per month after dividing the annual amount) is enough for a frugal student lifestyle in most UK cities, but it certainly does not allow for lavish spending. And if you are self-funded or partially-funded, careful financial planning becomes even more important. Start by researching the cost of living in your university’s location. Big cities like London are considerably more expensive than smaller towns. For instance, international student advisers estimate you need roughly £1,300–£1,400 per month in London, versus around £900–£1,200 per month in other parts of the UK, to cover accommodation, food, local travel, and modest leisure (British Council, 2023). If your stipend or budget is, say, £1,200 per month, you might manage in Leeds or Belfast with shared housing, but the same amount would be tight in London without additional support. Some funded PhDs in London include a “London weighting” – an extra allowance (often ~£2,000 per year more) recognising higher rents in the capital.
Make a detailed budget at the start of your PhD. List all your expected income (stipend payments, loan disbursements, any earnings, savings allocated per month) and then list expenses: tuition (if you must pay any), rent, utilities, food, commuting, books/equipment, and personal spending. Don’t forget irregular costs like thesis printing fees at the end, conference travel (if not covered by your department), and visa or healthcare surcharge costs if you’re an international student. Once you have these figures, see if your funding covers the essentials. If there’s a shortfall, you need to address it proactively – perhaps by reducing costs (finding a cheaper room, for example, or cooking at home more often) or increasing income (through a few hours of part-time work or applying for a small grant). Many students find creative ways to economise: using student discounts, cycling instead of public transport, sharing resources with peers, etc. The National Union of Students (NUS) regularly reports that a significant number of students struggle with finances, so you’re not alone if you find it challenging (British Council, 2023). The key is to avoid unnecessary debt and stress by living within your means.
If you are living on a stipend, remember it is not a salary in the conventional sense – it’s tax-free but also usually just enough for basic needs. Try to set aside a small emergency fund if possible, even £20 a month, because unexpected expenses can and will arise (a laptop breakdown or an unplanned trip home, for example). If you encounter financial difficulties during your PhD, reach out to your university’s student financial support services. Universities often have hardship funds or emergency grants for students in need, and PhD candidates can sometimes apply for these if circumstances change (like sudden funding loss or increased cost of living). Additionally, discuss with your supervisor or department; they might offer paid teaching or research assistance opportunities to help you bridge a gap.
Finally, consider the duration of your funding and plan for what happens if your PhD extends beyond that. Many scholarships fund three years, but a PhD can take 3–4 years (or more, if part-time). If you suspect you might need a fourth year to write up, plan how you will support yourself in that period. You might save a portion of earlier stipends, or arrange to do some teaching in later years. Knowing that you have a basic financial plan for the entire PhD timeline will give you peace of mind to focus on your research. In summary, a PhD is not just an intellectual journey but a financial marathon – pacing yourself with a realistic budget will help ensure you reach the finish line without a financial crisis.
Wrapping up:
Funding a PhD in the UK may initially appear daunting, but with diligent research and a bit of creativity, you can assemble the support needed for your doctoral ambitions. We have mapped out the primary PhD funding options – from UKRI studentships and university scholarships to charity grants and government loans – and highlighted strategies to tap into these resources.
Remember that many PhD students use a combination of funding sources to make ends meet. You might, for example, win a partial scholarship and supplement it with a doctoral loan and a few hours of teaching work. That is a perfectly normal route. Furthermore, the path to funding is not always linear – you might begin with less funding and later secure more. Stay proactive: continue looking out for new grants or departmental opportunities even after starting your PhD. And for international students, while the hurdle is higher given extra fees and limited loan options, there are dedicated scholarships and avenues to explore – from Commonwealth schemes to home-nation sponsors – so cast your net globally.
Above all, approach the process with resilience and resourcefulness. Much like the PhD itself, funding requires persistence, adaptability, and sometimes thinking outside the box. A well-funded PhD will allow you to focus on what truly matters: producing innovative research and growing as an expert in your field. By simplifying the maze of UK PhD funding options, we hope this guide has given you clarity and confidence to pursue your doctorate without financial uncertainty overshadowing your goal. Good luck with both your funding applications and your research ahead – with careful planning and determination, you can secure the support you need to turn your PhD dream into reality.
If you’re applying for funding a PhD, knowing how to write a research proposal is crucial. Our PhD Proposal Writing Service can help you write a proposal that clearly demonstrates your project’s value, boosting your chances of securing funding.
Further reading:
- British Council (2023) Cost of studying and living in the UK. Study UK – British Council. Available at: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/cost-studying (Accessed 10 July 2025).
- Gov.uk (2025) Doctoral Loan: What you’ll get. UK Government. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/doctoral-loan/what-you-get (Accessed 10 July 2025).
- Higginbotham, D. (2025) PhD studentships 2025 – Get PhD funding: discover how to apply. Prospects. Available at: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/phd-study/phd-studentships (Accessed 9 July 2025).
- James, M. (2025a) A Simple Introduction to PhD Funding. FindAPhD. Available at: https://www.findaphd.com/guides/phd-funding-guide (Accessed 9 July 2025).
- James, M. (2025b) How Much Does a PhD Cost in the UK (2025)?. FindAPhD. Available at: https://www.findaphd.com/guides/phd-cost (Accessed 9 July 2025).
- Mutamiri, M. (2025) PhD Scholarships: Funding Your PhD and Application Tips. FindAPhD. Available at: https://www.findaphd.com/guides/scholarships (Accessed 9 July 2025).
- UKRI (2025) Get a studentship to fund your doctorate. UK Research and Innovation. Available at: https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/studentships-and-doctoral-training/get-a-studentship-to-fund-your-doctorate/ (Accessed 10 July 2025).