Funding  information and Studentships

The UK has a number of research councils that provide funding to university departments to carry out specific research.  The academic department has to bid against other research bodies and universities to be awarded funding. The universities in turn then look for students who fit their research criteria and, depending upon terms and conditions of the research allocation and whether the student is a UK, EU or overseas student there may be a stipend awarded to the student in order to pay their fees, or fees and living expenses.

You may also find that specific institutions also have a range of Studentships or Scholarships on offer.  These may well be open competition awards welcoming applications from around the world so, extremely competitive.  Additionally, there may well be internal competition within departments to secure funding for their current PhD students or applicants who hold an unconditional offer.  Unconditional offer holders will need to possess a Distinction at Masters level or at the very least, a High First Class in their undergraduate degree. They may well also be looking for evidence to support your application such as publications or academic awards.

If you are an international student looking to fund your PhD it may be prudent to start looking at your countries opportunities for funding.  Many governments have a funding allocation so that their best students can come to the UK for their PhD studies.  Alternatively you may find further information via the British Council www.britishcouncil.org or, if you are a resident of the  Commonwealth, you may be eligible to apply to the Commonwealth Scholarship Plan.

Whether you are planning to apply for funding from your home country, to one of the funding bodies or to the institution itself, you need to get your application in as early as possible in the preceding year to commencing your studies.  Many funding applications open in the October/November for the following year so students who may already have an offer of a place to study will be at a distinct advantage particularly if they have established a relationship with their potential supervisor who can support their case.