is phd free in uk for international students

King's College London

International phd scholarships.

King's College London is one of the world's leading research institutions with a diverse research community producing internationally recognised work. King's and the Centre for Doctoral Studies are dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing top international postgraduate research talent to study alongside our renowned academic supervisors.

If you are interested in a postgraduate research degree (MPhil/PhD) at King's. there are a range of funding opportunities for international postgraduate researchers at King's, including:

• Joint PhD Programme Funding
• King's China Council Scholarships

You can learn more about these opportunities below. You can also access our postgraduate funding database to search all currently open funding competitions at King's.

Postgraduate Funding Database

A link to PG Funding database

Joint PhD Scholarships

Three scholarships are available for the 2023/24 academic year for students applying to joint PhD programmes run in collaboration with the University of Hong Kong, National University of Singapore or the University of Sao Paulo, with King's as their home institution.

The King's Joint PhD Scholarship provides full tuition fees, stipend and an annual research grant.

Download the guidance for the 2023/24 Joint PGR Scholarships .

Find out more about the Joint PhD Programmes available at the National University of Singapore, University of Hong Kong, and University of Sao Paolo by visiting the International Education webpage.

• Applications close 26 March 2023

King’s-China Scholarship Council PhD Scholarship programme (K-CSC) 2023-24

King's College London and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) hold an agreement to jointly fund PhD students to pursue research degrees at King's College London.

As part of the agreement, successful students will receive a scholarship that covers the tuition fee, an annual living allowance that includes overseas student health cover, a return airfare to London and visa application fees.

Please be aware that students funded through this scheme must abide by any additional terms and conditions set by the CSC. Scholars will be required to enter into a legally binding agreement with the CSC before they are able to take up the scholarship. If there are any significant developments that could affect/hamper a scholar's expected completion of the PhD, scholars are advised to get in touch with the Education Section in the Chinese Embassy.

A considerable number of K-CSC scholarship awards are available for the 2023-24 competition.

• Applications close 02 January 2023

Find full details on the KCL Funding Database.

Useful links

Postgraduate English Language Requirements

Find out more about our English Language Requirements.

Study Destination

Study PhD in UK...

Study PhD in UK: Complete Guide for International Students

“How to pursue a Ph.D. in the UK?” is a common question asked by International students.

Are you one of them, exploring the prospects of pursuing a Ph.D. in the UK in 2024? Then look no further! The UK boasts renowned research-intensive universities with exceptional infrastructure, offering fully funded Ph.D. opportunities to international students. Whether you're aiming for a comprehensive guide on Ph.D. courses, universities, costs, or the prerequisites to embark on this academic journey, we've got you covered! Delve into the details and insights to discover more about pursuing a Ph.D. in the UK.

If you are looking for Ph.D. opportunities in the UK, Yocket is here to guide you through everything. And by everything, we mean - cost breakdowns to admission requirements, university shortlisting to visa interviews. Explore the comprehensive guide you need for your academic aspirations in 2024. For personalized assistance, connect with Yocket counselors right now!

An Overview of the PhD Program in UK

Embarking on a Ph.D. journey in the UK means diving into an immersive research experience that combines top-tier academic standards with industrial partnerships. Generally spanning three years, the UK's Ph.D. programs culminate with a thesis submission, often completed 12 months before the official program conclusion. While individual universities may tailor their programs, the key advantages of pursuing a Ph.D. in the UK are significant and multifaceted:

Making decisions about shortlisting universities for your Ph.D. can be quite a challenge, but worry not, we're here to simplify the process for you! Whether you're swaying between a "Yes," "No," or "Maybe," our experts can guide you through this critical phase of your academic journey, offering personalized advice to help you find the perfect match among the top Ph.D. programs in the UK

Why Study PhD in the UK?

The decision to pursue a Ph.D. in a UK university carries substantial benefits and opportunities, making it a highly favored destination for international students, especially for those from India. Let's dive into the reasons that make the UK an ideal choice for a doctoral degree:

• Academic Excellence: With over 10 universities in the top 100 worldwide, the UK is a prestigious hub for academic excellence, offering superior research facilities and quality education.
• Supportive Government Initiatives: The UK government's introduction of a 3-year post-study work visa and extended studentships for international researchers seeking Ph.D. is a promising development that supports and encourages global scholars.
• Cultural Diversity: Engaging in a Ph.D. program in the UK grants students the chance to immerse themselves in a rich and diverse cultural milieu, creating an enriching and vibrant academic experience.
• Vast Career Opportunities: Upon completing a Ph.D. from globally recognized universities in the UK, students gain access to a wide array of career prospects, spanning commercial research, academic pursuits, and business-oriented roles.

The UK stands as a beacon of academic brilliance, offering a wealth of possibilities for international scholars, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to excel in their doctoral pursuits.

Suggested: What are the Job Opportunities after Studying in UK?

Further, let’s check the top PhD courses in UK through this infographic.

Moving on, here is a quick look at the types of PhDs a student can pursue in UK.

Types of PhD Programs in UK

Exploring the types of Ph.D. programs in the UK opens up a range of options for international students seeking advanced research and academic pursuits:

• Standard Ph.D.: This foundational type involves the student proposing, conducting, and documenting research in the form of a thesis. It's widely available across many UK universities.
• Integrated Ph.D.: Combining a one-year Master of Research (MRes) with a subsequent three-year standard Ph.D., the Integrated Ph.D. offers students numerous educational prospects and is offered in over 30 UK universities.
• Professional Ph.D.: Geared towards providing extensive employment opportunities, the professional Ph.D., primarily in engineering, science, and medical fields, is highly sought after by international students.
• Distance Learning Ph.D.: Tailored for part-time or busy international students, this program accommodates flexible schedules and can typically be completed within 5-6 years.
• Ph.D. by Publication: This unique Ph.D. type is often available to a university's alumni, enabling students to submit their own published works or articles, with word counts ranging between 5,000-20,000 each.

To embark on a Ph.D. journey in the UK, international students must meet specific admission criteria, which vary among institutions. Understanding these requirements is crucial for a successful application.

Suggested: Best Masters Universities in UK!

Eligibility and Admission Requirements to Study PhD in the UK

What is the Ph.D. eligibility in the UK? The admission requirements for a Ph.D. in the UK for Indian students differ between the universities and the course you wish to pursue. Let us check out the basic requirements to apply at Ph.D. universities in the UK:

• A master's degree
• Research proposal
• English proficiency test scores
• Additional documents like SOPs , LORs , and CV /Resume.

Let us now talk about these Ph.D. requirements UK briefly!

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Masters Degree and Academic Transcripts

The most basic requirement to apply for a Ph.D. in the UK is to have a master's degree in a related field, with academic transcripts for each level of study. Some universities may ask for only a bachelor's degree, which entirely depends on a case-by-case basis.

Research Proposal

A research proposal is a document that is asked by a majority of universities admitting students for their Ph.D. programs. A research proposal should have the topic you wish to research, the intention of the research, and a plan on how the research would be conducted.

English Proficiency Test Scores

It is essential for you, as an international student, to have English proficiency proof in terms of IELTS , TOEFL , PTE , or other tests. The minimum IELTS requirement for a Ph.D. in the UK for Indian students is a score of 7.0 or above.

Additional Documents

Additional documents like the statement of purpose, work experience, and recommendation letters will add more value to your overall application.

Suggested: Find out the Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL

Now that you are aware of the requirements, let us take a quick look at the application process for Ph.D. in the UK.

Application Process for PhD in UK

How to apply for a Ph.D. in the UK? The application process for Ph.D. admission in the UK is quite simple to pursue. Here is a quick look at the steps you need to follow:

• Choose your discipline and a university to start your research in the UK.
• Submit the application form along with the application fee.
• Submit all the required documents and requirements asked by the particular university.
• Create a research proposal to be submitted along with all the documents.
• Find a supervisor to start your doctoral degree.
• Apply for a scholarship or financial aid, if available at the university.
• Wait for the admission decision.

Suggested: How to Create an SOP for PhD?

Another important factor that impacts your decision to study abroad is Ph.D. fees in UK. So, let us briefly take a look at the cost of studying for and Ph.D. Scholarships UK.

Cost of Purusing PhD in the UK

The cost of pursuing a Ph.D. in the UK varies for domestic, EU, and international students. The annual cost for Domestic or EU students generally comes around £6,000 (INR 5,30,964) , while for international students it is typically between £16,000 (14,15,904)to £24,000 (INR 21,23,856) per year .

In addition to tuition fees, students need to account for living expenses . On average, monthly living costs for students in the UK fall within the range of £1,100 (INR 97,343) to £1,300 (1,15,042). The actual expenses fluctuate based on individual lifestyle choices and the city of residence.

Suggested: Breakdown of the Cost of Living in UK for International Students

For international students, scholarships, bursaries, and studentships are common forms of financial assistance provided by various UK universities. These financial aids significantly ease the financial load for students pursuing Ph.D. programs in the UK.

Scholarships to Study PhD in UK for International Students

To assist Indian students aiming for a Ph.D. in the UK, numerous scholarships are available. These scholarships play a pivotal role in supporting their academic endeavors and minimizing the financial burden. Our compiled list encompasses these prestigious scholarship opportunities, empowering students with crucial financial aid options

Suggested: All-about Scholarships for International Students in UK!

Now that we have all the details regarding studying Ph.D. in the UK, let us take a look at the top universities in the UK for the program.

Top 5 Universities in UK for Ph.D.

The UK, being a nation known for its high standards in the field of research, is very much preferred by international students. Most of the Ph.D. universities in the UK are renowned for their research outputs. We have curated a list of the top Ph.D. universities for you below:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• University College London
• University of Edinburgh

Let us check out the details about these universities:

1. University of Oxford

The University of Oxford has received innumerable accolades for various parameters in groundbreaking research, innovation, and academic excellence. The university provides international students willing to pursue a Ph.D. in the UK with an environment that is extremely beneficial and highly valuable across nations.

2. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is known for its research practices around the globe. The majority of international applicants receive Ph.D. scholarships in the UK through the University of Cambridge. Besides, this university also offers funded research projects to international students.

3. Imperial College London

The Imperial College London is known to focus exclusively on subjects like sciences, business, medicine, and engineering. Having research impact as the top priority since 1907, Imperial College London should be one of your top choices for a fully funded Ph.D. in the UK for international students.

Suggested: Ph.D. Universities in the UK

4. University College London

Greatest industrial contacts, excellent collaborations, partnerships with nations across the world, and top-class research infrastructure is what sums up my Ph.D. at University College London . Home to more than 20,000 graduate students from around 150 countries, UCL is also known internationally for its employment opportunities after research.

5. University of Edinburgh

University of Edinburgh is ranked 4th in UK for research and is one of the best universities offering several fully funded Ph.D. UK programs. With various partnerships across the globe, it offers numerous career opportunities for students completing their Ph.D... Students can opt for a pre-defined Ph.D. project or develop their own research idea.

Suggested: Chevening Scholarships in UK 2024!

Studying at these top universities in UK will ensure that you have a promising future. Let us take a look at the career opportunities after a Ph.D. in the UK.

Career Opportunities after Pursuing PhD in the UK

Though the Ph.D. cost UK is quite high, so are the returns. Ph.D. graduates from the UK are seen performing commercial research post-graduation in various fields like education, science, technology, medicine, and others. Students are also seen working in the private sector performing research for business organisations, apart from working for academia or pursuing even higher research.

For a better understanding of what careers post Ph.D. in UK look like, we have tabulated the salaries for various Ph.D. job profiles below:

The United Kingdom, with an average salary of £49,825 (INR 44,09,213) , remains a premier destination for pursuing a Ph.D. Its allure isn't solely based on the promising financial returns but also on the accessibility of numerous scholarships for international students. The UK consistently stands at the pinnacle of choices for those seeking a rewarding academic future. For additional guidance and personalized support on your study abroad journey, our counselors are available through Yocket premium subscription – ensuring you're equipped with the best resources for your educational endeavors.

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From the Desk of Yocket

For international students aspiring to pursue a Ph.D. in the UK, navigating the educational landscape and requirements can be complex. At Yocket, we've meticulously crafted a comprehensive guide to assist students in understanding the intricacies of pursuing a Ph.D. in the UK. Our aim is to provide valuable insights into the UK's educational system, requirements, and potential opportunities for international students. This guide is tailored to support and assist students in making well-informed decisions throughout their Ph.D. journey in the UK.

Embarking on your Ph.D. journey in the UK? It's not too late for 2024. Dive into our comprehensive guide, tailored for international students aiming for a successful Ph.D. in the UK. Apply with Yocket now to secure your spot for 2024 and seize invaluable insights on academic requirements, opportunities, and more. Trust Yocket to be your guiding light through this crucial academic pursuit and set the stage for your Ph.D. aspirations in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions about PhD in UK

Which are the top universities for PhD in UK?

The top universities for PhD in UK are: 1) University of Oxford 2) Imperial College London 3) University College London

How much does a PhD in UK cost?

PhD in the UK costs in the range of £15,000 to £20,000 per annum on an average for international students.

Is it easy to get a job after pursuing a PhD in UK?

Yes! PhD graduates can very easily grab an average salary of £49,825 per annum post graduation.

What are the popular courses to pursue PhD in UK?

The most popular courses are clinical psychology, physics, mathematics, immunology, and medicine.

What is the minimum average grade requirement for masters to pursue PhD in UK?

The minimum score a student must achieve to pursue PhD in UK is 60% in both taught course units and dissertation.

Rohan Deshmukh

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10 PhD scholarships in the UK for international students 2022

With a strong research culture on top of encouraging interdisciplinary research, the UK is a great choice if one wants to pursue a PhD scholarship in an exciting and stimulating environment with many research links. The UK is one of the most popular destinations for many international students with many top-ranked and world-class universities and a welcoming culture as well.

Being a research powerhouse means more access to cutting-edge research facilities, which can go a long way in conducting research during your PhD studies. The UK, however, as a developed Western country, has higher living costs, with some major cities and programmes bearing notoriously expensive price tags.

This can be a heavy burden for international students seeking a UK PhD degree. Fortunately, the UK has a great list of university PhD scholarships that may help you realise your dream.

The UK is a research powerhouse. Source: Christine Bird/Shutterstock.

Leeds University Business School: International Business Department Scholarship

The International Business Department of the Leeds University Business School is offering up to two PhD scholarships for international applicants; the deadline is Apr. 1, 2022. One of the world’s leading units for international business and among a handful of triple-accredited business schools in the world, this department is well-known for their exceptional research and teaching.

The award is for three years; the last two years are renewable subject to academic performance. The successful recipient will get a maintenance grant worth 15,609 pounds (standard UKRI rate for Session 2021/22).

University of Cambridge: Harding Distinguished Postgraduate Scholars Programme

Awarded to a select group of 25 brilliant University of Cambridge PhD students of all disciplines and nationalities, this programme aims to produce graduates who can make a tangible difference to the academic community with their excellent research. The majority will be affiliated with St Catharine’s College; the rest will be distributed among the other colleges. 

Depending on your chosen department, the last deadline is Jan. 6, 2022. The PhD scholarship winners will receive a generous package including the University Composition Fee and a 6,000 pounds personal allowance throughout their studies, an annual stipend of 18,000 pounds and student visa costs.

SOAS University of London CHASE

SOAS University of London is among the world’s top 50 for Arts and Humanities (QS rankings 2021) and is a top 20 UK institution for these same subjects (THE rankings). As part of the Consortium of the Humanities and the Arts South-East England (CHASE) funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, this Doctoral Training Partnership offers up to 56 Arts and Humanities studentships; a limited number is available for international applicants. 

You should first apply to SOAS by Jan. 10, 2022 so that you can work with your proposed supervisor(s) on the CHASE application to submit by Jan. 28, 2022. You can expect to receive a training grant and a stipend as well.

Aston University College of Business and Social Sciences

As a multidisciplinary college in Aston University, Birmingham, the College of Business and Social Sciences is home to researchers from Aston Business School, Aston Law School and the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. Up to six fully-funded PhD studentships are available for application to any of these schools’ programmes – the deadline is Feb. 28, 2022.

You will get full tuition coverage at the international rate plus an annual maintenance grant of 15,840 pounds (2022-23 rate) throughout your three years. You should have obtained a merit for your master’s dissertation besides a first class or second upper class honours degree.

University of St Andrews: Doctoral Scholarship in Biology and Statistics

St Leonard’s Postgraduate College at the University of St Andrews is offering a doctoral scholarship to a suitably qualified student to take up research on developing novel methods for estimating the abundance of breeding grey seals. You will have three co-supervisors, and can choose to matriculate in either Biology or Statistics.

The PhD scholarship covers full tuition fees for up to three and a half years on top of an annual maintenance stipend (the 2021-22 annual rate is 15,609 pounds). You will have access to the free GRADskills training programme as well. 

University of Liverpool: Accounting and Finance Subject Group

This PhD scholarship takes on a slightly different form as a  Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GTF) – the deadline is Jan. 7, 2022. If you have a first or upper second class honours degree plus a distinction for your master’s degree besides being committed to research, this GTF allows you to collect teaching experience together with your PhD studies.

Under the Accounting and Finance Subject Group, you will have the opportunity to complete a teacher training programme offered by the University of Liverpool . A living stipend of 15,609 pounds plus a fee waiver will be awarded to exceptional applicants.

Swansea University: the UKRI CDT in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Advanced Computing

At Swansea University , you can apply for the four-year fully funded opportunity to research upon these broad areas of particle physics and astronomy, biological and health, and mathematical and computer sciences. You will be trained in artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and high-performance data analytics.

After training in the first year, you will have several short-term work placements in the second and third years. Besides full tuition fees, you will enjoy a stipend of  15,921 poundsand other allowances; the closing date is Feb. 11, 2022.

University of Exeter – PhD Scholarship

The University of Exeter’s generous funding scheme consists of two funding parts funding – one Research Masters in Economics and then a PhD programme in either Finance or Economics – both at the Business School; you have to apply by Jan. 21, 2022. As part of the scholarship, students have to work as teaching or research assistants for about 180 hours (23 days) a year, which can help enhance your research and education skills.

The funding includes a combined stipend and teaching allowance for 180 hours of 19,000 poundsper year. Students can also apply for additional funding for research, development and conference travel expenses. 

Imperial College London: Chemical Engineering PhD Scholarship

One of the best universities in the UK, Imperial College London has up to 10 fully-funded Chemical Engineering PhD scholarships via the Chemical Engineering Department . You should have a First Class Honours Degree at master’s level in chemical engineering or a related engineering/science field. This scholarship is tenable for 42 months, covering both tuition fees and 21,400 pounds for maintenance.

You should apply by Jan. 31, 2022. If you are successful, you would be asked to select two projects; depending on your supervisor’s agreement, you can be given either your first choice or second one.  

Oxford University – Clarendon Scholarship

The Clarendon Scholarship is one of the most famous PhD scholarships. You do not need to submit a separate application form for this scholarship; when you apply for a Oxford University PhD programme, you automatically qualify to apply for the Clarendon Scholarship.

Your preferred programme at Oxford may have different deadlines but generally, January is the last application deadline to be eligible for this scholarship. This particular PhD scholarship covers full tuition fees and a living stipend of 15,609 pounds (2021-22 rate).

All in all, if you have been planning to pursue your PhD studies in the UK but are short on funds, these scholarships are great choices, and will definitely help you achieve your dream!

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• Postgraduate study
• PhD scholarships

International student eligibility for PhD scholarships

Find out if you are eligible as an Overseas student for the University of Sheffield Scholarships, Research Council Scholarships and other potential projects and schemes.

University Scholarships

All international Students are entitled to apply for University of Sheffield Research Scholarships.   

Chinese applicants can apply for the  Joint China Scholarship Council - University of Sheffield Award .

Research Council (UKRI) scholarships

Overseas candidates are eligible to apply to Research Council schemes . UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) regulations allow these schemes to issue up to 30% of their awards to Overseas candidates.

PhD Projects Directory

Search for a University of Sheffield PhD via department, supervisor, discipline, research group, funding status or key words.

Other funding bodies

Many charities, foundations and trusts provide funding for postgraduate study, from small grants to full scholarships.  Some are for specific subject areas while others have more general eligibility criteria - see our list of  additional funding . 

Alumni Awards

The University is delighted to offer the Alumni Reward which provides a tuition fee discount to returning international students who have previously completed a full undergraduate degree, Masters or PhD programme at the University.

Further information and an application form can be found on the  Alumni rewards  web pages.

Further information

If you have any questions about scholarships please see our  FAQs  or email  [email protected] .

Apply for a PhD at Sheffield

Visit our Applying Essentials page for guidance on the application process and a link to our online application form.

Search for PhD opportunities at Sheffield and be part of our world-leading research.

Studentships and doctoral training

Get a studentship to fund your doctorate.

UKRI studentships offer funding for doctoral research. They also offer you access to training, networking and development opportunities to help you build a research and innovation career.

Our expectations for research organisations, supervisors and students are set out in the statement of expectations for doctoral training .

You could get:

• a minimum stipend of £19,237 per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular instalments
• support for your tuition fees (minimum £4,786 per year)

The stipend is usually non-taxable and does not need to be paid back. Some research organisations may offer more if you study in London, or they or one of their collaborators might decide to top up the payment. This will be outlined in the studentship advert from the research organisation.

We normally pay the support for tuition fees directly to your research organisation.

The levels given here are for the academic year 2024 to 2025. UKRI’s approach to doctoral stipend and fee levels will be reviewed through the  new deal for postgraduate research .

Additional support for your doctoral studies

As a UKRI-funded doctoral student, you may be able to access additional funding to cover the cost of other related training and development opportunities.

This could include:

• conference attendance
• language training
• overseas research visits
• internships or placements with a non-academic partner

The availability of support will depend on the research organisation and the training grants they have on offer. You should contact the research organisation you are interested in applying to, to find out what you could get.

Extra support if you have a disability

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.

You should speak to your research organisation’s disability advisor to assess your needs. They can help put the right support in place, including a DSA application if necessary. You cannot claim DSA directly from UKRI.

DSA helps to cover the cost of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result of a disability, mental health problem or specific learning difficulty.

The allowance covers:

• non-medical personal assistance
• specialist equipment
• extra travel costs
• general expenses

Find out more about DSA in our framework .

If you are a research organisation you can download claim forms and guidance for DSA .

Who can apply

Any prospective doctoral student wishing to study at a UK research organisation, including prospective international students, can apply for a UKRI studentship.

All UKRI-funded doctoral students will be eligible for the full award, both the stipend to support living costs, and home-level fees at the UK research organisation rate.

How to find opportunities

Many UK research organisations offer some form of studentship funding from UKRI. These opportunities will depend on the subject you want to study and will normally be advertised by the research organisations.

Research organisations may have additional opportunities that do not involve UKRI. UKRI supports around 20% of all UK-based postgraduate researchers. You should speak to the research organisation you are interested in to find out what studentships are available.

You could also consider using a specialist website like   FindaPhD  to look for opportunities.

When to apply

Research organisations set their own deadlines for applications.

Many open for applications early in the academic year and close in January or February. This is not a hard and fast rule. It is important that you check the deadlines for the research organisation where you want to study.

How to apply

You cannot apply to UKRI for a studentship. You must contact the research organisation you are interested in studying with and use their application process.

For doctoral students who are already studying with a studentship, there are opportunities to get additional funding to support placements that are separate from your doctorate.  Find training and development opportunities .

Last updated: 14 February 2024

This is the website for UKRI: our seven research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Let us know if you have feedback or would like to help improve our online products and services .

Scholarships and funding

Would you like to turn your dream of studying in the uk into a reality.

Deciding to study in the UK is an investment in your future. A prestigious degree from the UK is a valuable and transformative experience and will take your education - and your employability - to the next level.

There are many funding options available for international students who want to study in the UK. They range from part-funding, for example paying part of your fees, to full-funding which covers programme fees, living expenses, and return flights to the UK.

You can search for the right scholarship for you on the course and scholarships finder below.

Postgraduate funding

The UK government runs a variety of scholarship programmes to financially support international students who are looking for help funding their studies in the UK.

The three main UK government scholarships on offer are:

GREAT Scholarships

GREAT Scholarships are scholarships to UK universities across a variety of subjects, for students from 15 countries. Applications for 2024-25 are open.

Chevening Scholarships

Chevening Scholarships offers fully funded master's degrees in the UK. Learn more about one of the UK's most prestigious scholarships.

Commonwealth Scholarships

Commonwealth Scholarships are UK university scholarships given to talented individuals with the potential to make a positive impact on the global stage.

Wider UK government funding

The UK government offers hundreds of scholarships, bursaries and additional financial support to students from a large number of countries.

You can visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website to find out more about the funding available if you are studying in the UK as a postgraduate student, including whether or not you are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Just scroll down to the relevant section of the webpage.

UKCISA is the UK’s national advisory body serving the interests of international students and those who work with them.

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GREAT scholarships

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What are GREAT scholarships and who is eligible? Watch as Nadine, a GREAT scholar, and Maria from the University of Kent explain everything you need to know.

Commonwealth scholarships

Commonwealth scholars.

Are you a high-achieving student living in the Commonwealth? Watch as scholars Suahib and Hamna explain all you need to know about Commonwealth scholarships.

Chevening scholarships

Chevening scholars.

If you have a vision to make the world a better place, the Chevening scholarships might be for you. Watch to learn more about the programme.

Being a GREAT scholar

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Being a Commonwealth scholar

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Postgraduate studentships

Many universities offer fully-funded postgraduate studentships for PhD programmes. Find out more .

Institution-specific scholarships

Many UK higher-education institutions offer their own scholarship programmes.

These are offered based on a number of factors, which can be broadly split out into the following categories:

• Academic, merit and excellence scholarships - These are usually awarded to students with a strong academic background, including achieving strong grades in their school exams. 
• Performance-based scholarships - These are usually awarded to those who have exceptional ability in an extracurricular activity such as sports, music or performing arts like drama or dance.
• Subject-specific scholarships - These are often offered by individual departments for students studying a particular course or subject.
• Equal access or sanctuary scholarships - These scholarships can take the form of a tuition fee reduction or waiver or maintenance award and are offered to refugees and asylum seekers who have fled persecution from their home countries.
• Disability scholarships - These scholarships support international students with a disability, long-term mental health condition, learning difficulty or other special needs. 

Always check out different institutions’ websites to discover what is available, and take a look at specialist websites like Postgraduate Studentships and Prospects for curated information that covers different institutions.

Application advice Six top tips on applying for a scholarship

Read our essential advice on how to apply for a scholarship, from eligibility criteria to tailoring your application.

Global scholarships

A.S. Hornby Trust Scholarship

Scholarships for English language teachers to develop their English language skills

Selected countries - see website >

Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

Master's and doctoral courses (for study in the UK and distance learning), plus academic, professional and medical fellowships

Commonwealth countries >

Scholarships for one-year master's courses across a range of subjects at a variety of UK universities.

British Council scholarships for women in STEM

Scholarships for women undertaking master's degrees in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics course at one of 19 UK universities.

Americas, South Asia and South East Asia >

Global Wales Scholarships for International Students

Global Wales offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students.

USA; India; Vietnam and EU countries >

Country-specific scholarships

Young Cell Scheme

Postgraduate master's studies in the EU

Kosovo - see website >

Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust Scholarships

Doctoral studies, research, visiting fellows and Scottish summer school

Pakistan - see website >

Marshall Scholarship

Master's and doctoral courses at any university in the UK

USA - see website >

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Global - see website >

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Undergraduate funding

While undergraduate scholarships and bursaries for EU and international students studying in the UK are less common than they are for postgraduate studies, they do exist. You just need to know where to look for them.

Funding for EU and international undergraduate students in the UK can generally be split into two categories: those offered by UK universities themselves and those offered by third parties - usually governments or organisations in your home country.

You can visit the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website to find out more about the funding available if you are studying in the UK as an undergraduate student, including whether or not you are eligible to apply for a scholarship. Just scroll down to the relevant section of the webpage.

You can also visit the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service in the UK (UCAS)’s page about scholarships, grants, and bursaries: EU and international students for more detailed information on what to look out for and where.

Cost of studying in the UK

Studying in the UK is good value for money. Find out how much you can expect to pay to study and live in the UK, and how to make the most of your budget.

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Fully Funded Phd in UK for International Students with Scholarships (2024 Admissions)

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Updated on 27 January, 2024

Sr. Content editor

While many of us are interested in pursuing a PhD program in the UK, the fees for the program could add tremendous stress. But fret not; there are many fully-funded PhD programs in the UK for international students that make higher education affordable.

We will discuss all the details regarding applications, deadlines, tenure, and much more for fully-funded programs in the UK for international students.

High-calibre students who wish to apply for fully-funded PhD studentships can consider these programs. These fully-funded programs are offered by a wide range of universities in the UK and some Non-profit and corporate organizations. The positions in these fully-funding PhD can close at any time if someone accepts the offer.

Country/course eligible for

Usually, these fully-funded programs in the UK are available for overseas, European Union, and domestic students. The courses eligible for fully-funded PhD programs will vary according to different scholarships and programs.

Level of scholarship

The fully-funded PhD scholarship in the UK is for candidates who plan to pursue a PhD program or are currently pursuing one. You should essentially have a bachelor’s and master’s coursework for the same.

Tenure/duration

The fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students covers the expenses for the entire duration of the course, which is typically three years.

Subject/fields

There are no fixed subjects or fields where the scholarships will be offered. Students can find opportunities in every discipline across different fully funded PhD programs.

Number of scholarships available 

Several scholarships are available for fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students. Some of the renowned names are

Ten universities offering fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students

Here are ten universities in the UK offering international students a fully-funded doctoral program in the country for your reference:

1. University College London

2. University of Leeds

3. University of Nottingham

4. Imperial College London

5. Lancaster University

6. Aberystwyth University

7. Kings College London

8. University of St Andrews

9. University of Liverpool

10. London Business School

Application duration

Each of these fully-funded PhD programs has a different application start date. We strongly suggest you be aware of the same by regularly checking the official websites.

As far as deadlines are concerned, below mentioned are some of the renowned fully funded Ph.D. program scholarships along with their deadlines.

Mode of Application

The mode of application for fully-funded PhD programs in the UK is online.

Eligibility Criteria and Additional Requirements

1. Eligible countries: the UK, EU citizens, and foreign candidates are acceptable

2. Acceptable course/subjects: PhD support is generally awarded in the given research areas such as Architecture, construction projects and organization, building energy, construction products and processes, digital construction, urban planning, water engineering, and infrastructure, transport.

3. Admissible criteria: To be eligible, the applicants must meet all the following criteria:

It would be best if you had, or expect to achieve, a minimum of 2:1 honours degree (equivalent international qualification) in a similar discipline.

Previous applicants should have their degrees in Civil Engineering, transport, geography, building services engineering and physics, mathematics, or chemistry.

A relevant master’s degree clubbed with employment experience will also give you an edge.

Value of Scholarship

The scholarship value for a fully-funded PhD in the UK varies from GBP 20,000 to GBP 23,200 (INR 20 Lakh to INR 21.56 Lakh).

Selection Process

The selection process involves a panel of experts who access your academic, research, and extracurricular contributions. At times, need-based scholarships are also provided to students.

Requirements for continuing the Scholarships

Most of these scholarships are allotted annually, but we recommend maintaining a stellar academic record if you wish to continue the scholarships.

1. Masters in Finance in the UK

2. MS Courses in the UK

3. Oxford University’s Rhodes Scholarship

4. Cambridge University Scholarships

5. Duke University in the UK

In summary, the availability of fully funded PhD programs in the UK for international students in 2024 represents a significant opportunity for scholars worldwide. These scholarships not only alleviate the financial challenges associated with advanced studies but also open doors to extensive research resources, expert guidance, and international academic networks. For aspiring doctoral candidates, these programs in the UK offer more than just financial support; they provide a platform for groundbreaking research, intellectual growth, and the chance to contribute to global knowledge. The 2024 admissions cycle thus stands as a gateway for talented international students to embark on a journey of discovery and academic excellence, fully supported by the generous scholarship opportunities available in the UK.

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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• Education and learning
• Student finance

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

You can apply for a postgraduate scholarship from the UK government to cover things like course fees and the cost of living when you study in the UK.

International students from the EU aren’t eligible for these scholarships. If you’re from Malta or Cyprus you can still apply for Commonwealth Scholarships.

There are also undergraduate scholarships available if you’re from the Falkland Islands, St Helena or the Seychelles.

Apply for a scholarship to do a one-year taught masters

Check if your country is eligible for a Chevening Scholarship.

You can apply for a Chevening Scholarship if all of the following apply:

you have an undergraduate degree

you have at least 2 years’ eligible work experience

you meet the Chevening English language requirements

Check when you can apply for this scholarship.

If you’re from a Commonwealth country

If you’re from a developing Commonwealth country you can apply for funding for:

• a split-site PhD

If you’re from a developed Commonwealth country you can only apply for funding for a PhD or a split-site PhD.

Check the eligibility for the different Commonwealth Scholarship schemes.

If you’re from the USA

You can apply for a Marshall Scholarship to do a masters or a PhD if all the following apply:

• you graduated from a 4-year undergraduate course in the USA in the last 3 years
• you got a GPA of 3.7 or more in your degree
• you haven’t studied for a UK degree before

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PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

• View full page
• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Programme options

Programme overview.

• 2nd in the UK for Education (Complete University Guide 2024).  
• The University of Manchester was ranked in the top 10 in the UK for Education research (overall GPA, REF2021).
• Learn with research-active experts in the field of education and work with highly diverse cohorts of students and staff.
• Contribute to improvements in the overall wellbeing of students, their families and communities throughout the world through research.

Please enable JavaScript to watch this video.

The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and programmes. On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see Open days.

We will be conducting our PGR virtual open week in October 2024. Find out about future events and postgraduate research sessions by signing up for our email alerts.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 19 January 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry

Contact details

Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

PhD Fees in the UK for International Students

• Maisie Dadswell
• September 6, 2023

PhD fees in the UK for international students vary based on several factors, including your field of study, the university you are doing your doctorate research with and which city the university is in. The cost of a PhD in the UK is generally anywhere from £15,000 to £35,000 for annual PhD tuition fees. To help you budget, this article will cover all the variable factors before covering several potential finance options which can help you to fund your studying in the UK. 

Even if the fees seem steep at first, don’t get disheartened; there are plenty of funding sources for international students – there is a reason why UK universities, including UWS London, are such popular academic destinations for PhD students beyond our high academic standards.

It is also worth bearing in mind that PhD tuition fees tend to increase each year in line with inflation. Always ensure you are budgeting with the most up-to-date PhD tuition fees, and take into account that for self-funded students, tuition fees may be marginally higher in the second and third years. The good news is that whatever your field of study and preferred university, PhDs will be vastly cheaper than undertaking a taught undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK as an international student. Along with covering the typical cost of PhD fees, we have also outlined additional expenses and living costs you may have to budget for. Luckily, as a full-time, student you’ll never have to worry about paying council tax.

PhD fees in the UK for international students

For domestic students in the UK, the average cost of PhD tuition fees is around £4,500. However, this can rise to £20,0000 – depending on the subject. The main reason there are vast differences in the price of PhD tuition fees is the resources that research students will require; typically, STEM students pay the highest tuition fees due to resources such as tech support, servicing, and equipment. The PhD students who can expect to pay minimum fees are students looking for a doctorate title in the arts, social sciences or humanities.

Part-Time PhD Fees

If you want to study part-time, you can expect to pay 50% of the full-time fees. However, this can vary, and not all PhDs are available on a part-time basis. If you are looking to be a part-time PhD student around your work or any other responsibilities, always check with the institution where you want to study if this is viable. You will also need to check if your visa restricts part-time PhD study.

Research Support Fees

Research support fees don’t apply to every international PhD student in the UK. However, you may need to pay research support fees, which will go towards covering the cost of any specialist materials you use during your research. For students carrying out their research in a laboratory setting, these support fees are also referred to as bench fees and cover the cost of any consumables used in addition to the facilities where any research and experiments are carried out. 

Some universities will include bench and research fees in the tuition fee, while other institutions will quote them separately. Even if the PhD tuition fees aren’t all-inclusive, universities will always be 100% transparent and upfront about the costs. As the additional tuition fees can vary significantly due to the nature of the research that you are undertaking, bench fees and support fees will usually be discussed during the application process. Other universities prefer to make them available on request. Typically, where applicable, bench fees range between £1,000 – £10,000. You will only pay the higher bench fees if you are using expensive equipment and consumables; most UK universities keep the rates the same for domestic and international students.

How to Enquire about PhD Fees in the UK for International Students

To ensure that you are working with the correct figures when you’re budgeting or applying for funding for your PhD fees and living expenses, always be proactive in your search for accurate information by contacting the UK universities you are keen to study with. 

When you are getting in touch with the university, state if you are an international or EU student, and pose these questions:

• How much are the fees for the programme, and what is included/excluded in the fees?
• Are there any extra-departmental research fees, printing costs or administration fees?
• Does fieldwork incur additional costs?
• Are the bench/research support fees the same for international students?
• Are there any bursaries or scholarships available that I may be eligible for?

PhD Funding for International Students Studying in the UK

International students are eligible for many PhD scholarships in the UK; these scholarships and other funded projects are open to international students of all nationalities. Scholarships and grants can be provided by universities, government bodies and charities.

Funded PhDs for International Students

There are ample options to explore based on your field of research; to make your search for funding easier, many PhDs in the UK are advertised to domestic and international students with funding options attached. This is incredibly common for Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM) subjects, but it isn’t unheard of for the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities to offer the same funding options. Applying for a PhD with attached funding options isn’t worlds apart from applying for a job. If you are accepted as a candidate, you will receive a ‘salary’ in the form of tuition fees, research expenses and a grant which will go towards your living costs. If funding isn’t attached to a PhD project, you can use platforms such as FindAPhD to browse all the current projects offering funding to international students. To broaden your search, you can also use the search bar to sift through your different options. At the time of writing, FindAPhD has over 4,000 PhD projects and scholarships in the UK.

Research Council Studentships

Research Council Studentships are also frequently made available to international students in the UK looking for PhD funding. The more than generous financial support comes from UK Research and Innovation. If you receive funding from UK Research and Innovation, you will receive a monthly stipend to cover your living costs and a fee waiver. The waiver will allow you to pay the drastically reduced domestic rate instead of the PhD fees in the UK for international students. Whichever university funding you apply for, bear in mind that most funding is either provided in a bid to support widening participation or based on academic merit.

Government PhD Loans

If you aren’t eligible for a scholarship, grant, or funding from UK Research and Innovation, Government PhD loans are also available to some international students. Usually, to qualify, you will either need to be able to prove you have a settled status in the UK, be an Irish national or be part of the EU settlement scheme. These loans will cover your tuition fees and living expenses; you only need to repay the loan when you earn over the threshold amount.

Living Costs in the UK for PhD Students 

The living costs for international students in the UK will vary greatly depending on your circumstances, lifestyle and where you live. The most expensive city for living costs, excluding rent, is £894 for London, while the cheapest is £577 for Bradford – based on 2022 figures. With rent included in London, it can cost £1,309 per month if you are living off campus, or £1,237 if you are living on campus. 

How Much Does it Cost for a PhD in London?

London is renowned for its vibrant culture, history, and world-class education, making it a top choice for students pursuing higher degrees. However, it’s essential to note that London is also the most expensive city in the UK. The cost of living in the capital can be higher than in other parts of the country. While pursuing a Ph.D. in London offers incredible opportunities and access to prestigious institutions, potential students should be prepared for higher living expenses.

Additional Costs for International Students 

Your PhD fees, rent and living costs will be your greatest expenses as an international PhD student. However, there are additional expenses which you may need to account for:

• Visa Processing Fees – to apply for a visa outside of the UK, it will cost £363. If you are extending your visa or switching to a student visa, the processing fee is £490. 
• University Application Fees – these fees aren’t especially common in the UK; however, they aren’t unheard of.
• Language Tests – if you are studying your PhD in a second language, you will need proof that you possess sufficient language skills. In some instances, you will be required to sit a language test and achieve a certain score.

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Funded PhD research programmes 2024 UK

The University of Brighton regularly invites applicants for fully-funded PhD studentships across all its disciplines. 

These allow motivated, high-calibre applicants for research degrees to join our thriving academic community and contribute to our rich and innovative research environment. 

Our deadline has passed for the October 2024 start for funded PhDs, but there will be further announcements shortly. Meanwhile, please visit our PhD funding advice pages . 

Visit our PhD disciplinary programme lists

What UK PhD studentships are available ?

Our academics at the University of Brighton regularly develop research projects in which they can offer outstanding support and which they are committed to developing and growing.

The studentships available will be given to candidates who best fulfil the promise outlined by these academic departments.

These funded PhD opportunities are generally open to home and international students. 

Please enable targeting cookies in order to view this video content on our website, or you can watch the video on YouTube .

Can you be a researcher? Professor Bhavik Patel reassures applicants of all backgrounds that they can study for a PhD and aim for a research career. 

How do I apply for a PhD studentship?

The application for our schemes will usually involve:  

• submitting a full application through the university's PhD application portal, accessible from the  PhD funded projects webpages . You will upload your research proposal as part of this process.
• The submission must include two letters of reference, academic qualifications, a proposed project approach, a personal statement and your CV (resumé).
• Please note, deadline for 2024 start on the most recent funding scheme was 29 February 2024 16:00 (UCT/GMT).
• Shortlisted applicants are likely to be invited for interview.

Details of application for fully funded PhD studentships

To apply for your studentship at the University of Brighton, you should first review the specific projects or project areas that our academics are offering to support. 

All eligible applications for the funded PhD will be reviewed, with shortlisted candidates entered for final decisions on the allocations of funding, which will rest with the university's central Doctoral College. 

What does PhD funding include?

The funding for the PhD usually cover the full fee and a stipend at the UKRI rate plus an allowance of £1,500 per year for researcher training for three years (or part-time equivalent). 

Successful candidates benefit from expert supervisory teams, a programme of postgraduate researcher development workshops and membership of specialist, interdisciplinary research centres and groups. There will be introductions to a network of relevant researchers, careers advice and opportunities for interaction within and beyond the university. Through this, our PhD students have the best start possible towards ambitious careers that make use of their research degrees.

The University of Brighton fosters research careers and will provide doctoral training, attentive and expert supervision and access to world-class laboratories and equipment. 

We are renowned as a leading applied university, with pioneer academics in disciplines from sport science to design history and applied science research that translates efficiently to the global challenge of worldwide health and wellbeing. Our strategy of 'practical wisdom' leads to real-world partnerships and beneficiaries across all disciplines while the development of community-university partnership practices have placed us among the best universities for many aspects of co-produced research and innovation.

We pride ourselves on the ways we work in partnership with those outside higher education, across the European Union and internationally. Through our research collaborations we work with a wide range of universities, both internationally and with universities in the UK. We are also founding members of two UKRI Doctoral Training Partnerships which, this year, are dealt with outside our University of Brighton studentship offer. We learn constantly from our involvement in these, and our rich resources are offered across all doctoral research programmes.

Recently the University of Brighton celebrated its performance in the Research Excellence Framework (REF2021) and the Knowledge and Exchange Framework (KEF2023). Over 87 per cent of our submitted impact case studies in REF2021 were rated as having 'outstanding' or 'very considerable' impact beyond academia. We are dedicated to developing this quality work with new students. Read more about the review of our research and knowledge exchange performance in REF2021 . Also, read more about our KEF2023 results, which placed Brighton in the top tier for economic and social benefits .

How will you build a relationship with your supervisor? Professor Annebella Pollen and Dr Tom Ainsworth are among those offering advice. This film was made by the University of Brighton for UKRI and also features academics from other institutions.

How do I increase my chances of getting a PhD studentship?

You must be able to show your suitability for a UK research degree if you wish to apply for fully-funded studentships.

This includes evidence either of a relevant and successful academic background or equivalent relevant professional/expert background in the applied subject area. Applicants from overseas will also have to fulfil any English language and visa requirements.

This will be true for studentships in the UK across most of the UK universities. It is usual for applicants either to have completed (or be about to complete) a masters degree, have an exceptional undergraduate record and references, or demonstrate the equivalent scholarly potential.  

Supervisory staff and research students at the University of Brighton consider how important diverse thinking and inclusive practice are to their doctoral studies.

Can I get PhD funding at the University of Brighton?

We have a long-standing annual programme of funded PhD opportunities across all our disciplines, including several rooted in research council (UKRI) partnerships.

The initiatives allow postgraduate study for UK-based students as well as study in the UK for international students (depending on the PhD programme). 

We are also keen to encourage students who might be able to self-fund their doctoral studies. Studying part-time, for example, is likely to prove more affordable and more easily balanced with professional life than you'd imagine. 

We are dedicated to providing a welcoming and supportive atmosphere and structure for your studies. Show us your own qualities and your suitability for these programmes. We look forward to receiving your application. Good luck!

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Fully-Funded PhD in UK for International Students

• Updated on  
• Apr 18, 2023

Many international students want to complete their PhD education in the United Kingdom. However, most of them fail to pursue their higher education due to expense-related problems as tuition fees at reputed universities in the UK are undoubtedly super expensive. This is where the fully funded scholarships come into the picture. There are numerous fully funded scholarships for PhD available in the UK for international students so that they don’t face tremendous financial issues. In this blog, we will discuss some important pieces of information regarding fully funded PhD in the UK for international students. 

This Blog Includes:

What do you need to know about scholarships, which course will be eligible for the scholarship, level of scholarship, available scholarships , which uk universities provide fully funded phd scholarships to the international students, application duration , eligibility criteria .

Meritorious students who want to complete their higher education such as PhD at a reputed university in the UK should consider these scholarship programs as they will undoubtedly prove extremely beneficial for them. 

Numerous UK universities offer different types of scholarships as well as some corporate and non-profit organizations. The overall value of the scholarships will depend on the specific scholarship you’re choosing. Most of the time, international students who are pursuing PhD programs are eligible for scholarships worth GBP 20,000. (INR 20 Lakh). 

This is one of the most important things you need to know while applying for fully funded in the UK for international students. Students from different parts of Europe as well as Asia who want to complete their PhD in the UK will be eligible at obtaining the benefits of the scholarships. But keep in mind that the courses required for the fully funded PhD scholarships will depend on the program as well as the scholarship you choose. 

Also Read: Cheapest Universities in London

The fully-funded PhD in the UK for international students is best for international students who have plans to pursue their PhD programs from reputed UK universities or have plans to pursue them. Make sure you have a master’s or bachelor’s coursework if you want to apply for the same. 

This is another important piece of information you need to know about fully funded PhD in UK for international students. Some of the most popular, as well as beneficial scholarships that you can obtain, are:

Also Read: UK Visa Application  

This is one of the most important things you need to know. If you want to leverage the benefits of PhD scholarships in the UK, you need to know about the universities that are capable of providing such scholarships to international students. Here’s a list that you need to know:

• University of Leeds
• University College London
• Imperial College London
• Aberystwyth University
• University of Nottingham
• Lancaster University
• University of St Andrews
• Kings College London
• University of Liverpool
• London Business School

Remember that the starting date, as well as the deadline of each scholarship for PhD programs in the UK, will be different. If you don’t want to miss the deadline, you need to pay close attention to the official websites of the universities. If you’re looking for a student loan to complete your PhD education in the UK, Fly Finance is there to help you. 

Also Read: MBA in UK

Here are some of the important things you need to keep in mind:

Apart from the application deadline, the eligibility criteria are something that also needs your utmost attention. Make sure you consider the eligibility criteria properly so that you can choose the perfect type of scholarship for a fully funded PhD in the UK for international students as per your needs. 

• Students from different parts of the world will be eligible for the scholarship. However, some specific scholarships are only available for UK students. 
• If you’re planning to pursue PhD programs, you will be able to obtain the scholarship. 
• The applicants should have an honours degree in similar fields. 

Make sure you apply for the scholarship through the research organization. You can also go through the official website of the university from where you want to complete your education. 

Yes. many reputed universities in the UK offer fully funded PhD scholarships for international students so that they can complete their studies without worrying too much about financing. 

PhD programs in the UK are undoubtedly extremely expensive. This is why many students consider finding scholarships. 

This is everything you needed to know about fully funded PhD scholarships in the UK for international students. If you have plans to pursue your study abroad dream, make sure you contact Leverage Edu. Call us on 1800 57 2000 for 30-minute free counselling. 

Biprojit Chakraborty

Biprojit Chakraborty is a devoted and discreet person who has 2+ years of professional experience in Content Marketing. In his previous organization, he handled numerous technical, non-technical, and educational writing. Building relationships with foreign clients helped him know more about their educational system. As a B.Tech Computer Science graduate, he's always ready to research content on studying abroad. You might find him discussing FIFA, movies, and anime when not working.

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I do like to have a PhD in Animal Science, inline with my Masters degree. I need help of a scholarship.

I would like to complete my PHD in UK

I would like to have a Ph.D. in Business Management, I need help for scholarship,

Hey Bhavesh. You can apply for the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Study Grants 2023, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships 2023, Fraunhofer-Bessel Research Award 2023, DAAD Bilateral Exchange Of Academics 2023, Richard A. Freund International Scholarship, among others. For further information regarding scholarships, and studying abroad consult the experts at Leverage Edu.

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• PhD Salary in UK – Explained
• Funding a PhD

What Are PhD Salaries?

The average cost of undertaking a PhD in the UK is approximately £20,000 per academic year for UK students and £40,000 for international students. To help offset the cost of this, many students question whether undertaking a doctorate comes with a PhD salary.

The salary of a PhD student is governed by three factors: whether they’re assisting in undergraduate teaching, assisting in research, or have secured a PhD with a stipend. Depending on which of the three categories a student falls within, they will receive an income during their studies, however, the amount will differ by a substantial amount.

To help show you how you can fund your postgraduate degree and how much you can expect to earn whilst doing so, carry on reading below.

Types of PhD Salaries

There are three types of PhD degree salaries:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) . In exchange for a salary, you’ll be required to assist in the delivery of one or more courses over a number of years. This includes, but is not limited to, marking student tutorials, supervising lab experiments and providing support to undergraduates during office hours. Besides this, you may have to teach a small section of the course itself. You can discover more about GTAs on King’s College London’s website.
• Research Assistantships (RAs) . In exchange for a salary, you assist a departmental professor with their research. In the ideal scenario, the professor you work with should also be your PhD supervisor and the research you’re asked to support with relates to your own doctoral project.
• Stipend via Studentship: A stipend is a non-repayable grant provided to doctoral students to help support their studies. A studentship covers a student’s tuition fees whilst a stipend covers a PhD student’s living costs. This includes outgoings such as rent, food, bills and basic travel. Unlike Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships, stipends rarely have duties attached to them. The only expectation of receiving a stipend will be that you maintain continuous progress within your degree.

It’s worth noting these earning opportunities can be also be combined. For example, it’s possible to be a research assistant whilst also committing time to teach undergraduate students.

Average PhD Salary in UK

The average PhD student salary for teaching assistantships will vary depending on the level of responsibility you’re taking. However, to provide figures, past doctoral students have reported receiving approx. £10/hr for marking tutorials, £15/hr for leading laboratory sessions and up to £20/hr for leading undergraduate classes and tutorials.

The actual amount you can earn from teaching assistance will depend on the rate your department offers and the hours you can realistically take on. If you’re on a Graduate Teaching Assistantship programme, they will require you to dedicate a set number of hours per week. If you’re not on a GTA but would still like to earn an income through this scheme, you will likely need to commit several hours per week consistently. Although this can be a great way to earn whilst you study, you need to make sure you manage your time effectively as to not become overwhelmed by taking on an additional commitment.

The average salary for research assistantships will vary depending on the field of the doctoral degree you are enrolled in. Usually, these positions pay between £25,000 to £30,000 per year, however, it’s possible to come across positions which sit slightly outside of this. As a general rule of thumb, STEM assistors are paid more than non-STEM assistors.

In the UK, PhD students can receive a stipend which varies between £15,000 and £18,000 per annum. As part of the studentship your stipend is provided under, your tuition fees will also be paid for. UK tuition fees will vary between universities but are approximately £4,500 per year for doctoral courses starting in 2021/22 as per the UKRI recommendations .

Although £15,000 to £18,000 per year is the typical range for a stipend, some can be far greater than this. For example, Wellcome Trust , a research-charity based in London, offers an annual stipend of up to £23,300 and £26,000 for doctoral students located outside and within London, respectively.

Are PhD Salaries Taxed?

PhD stipends are tax free. Therefore, you don’t need to pay any income tax nor do you need to make any national insurance contributions. This means you’ll keep all the money you receive from an annual stipend. However, this is not the case for Research Assistants.

In the UK, Research Assistants are employed as university staff members and are paid a direct salary as opposed to a stipend. As a result, it will require you to pay tax on your earnings and make national insurance contributions.

To put this into perspective, for the 2019/20 UK tax year, you’re required to pay a 20% tax on any income above £12,500 but less than £50,000. You’re also required to make national insurance contributions of 12% of your weekly earnings over £166 but less than £962. This means that an annual Research Assistantship salary of £30,000 will equate to a take-home salary of £23,938 per year.

How to Get a PhD Stipend

To find research positions which offer stipends, we recommend you search our PhD database and filter by ‘funded’ positions.

Besides this, you can also secure a studentship from UK Research Councils or directly from your university as a scholarship. Independent organisations, such as charities and research trusts, and innovative firms within your industry also offer funding. You can read our PhD studentship guide to see how these work or our Where to find a PhD guide for further ideas.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How to Get a Research Assistantship PhD

Unfortunately, research assistantships opportunities aren’t as common to come across compared to PhD stipends. Besides this, when they are available, they’re predominantly in STEM subjects such as computer science and engineering. The reason for this is these subjects usually have access to greater research grants and have a greater volume of practical work available.

To find a research assistantship, we recommend that you contact the university departments who host the courses you’re interested in directly. This is because research assistantships help professors with their research, and while they may require help, they may not be openly advertising for it. They may, therefore, be able to create a role for you within their department or put you into contact with one of their colleagues who already has an open position.

International Students

It’s worth noting that international students will have a harder time securing a funded PhD position than UK ‘home’ students will. This is largely because there are usually fewer funding opportunities available to international students, which as a result also attract significant competition.

Besides this, if you’re an international student studying in the UK you will most likely than not be on a Tier 4 visa. Although a Tier 4 visa will allow you to work to earn an additional income alongside any studentship you may have, there will be certain restrictions on what you can and can’t do. For example, during term-time, you won’t be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. For a full list of restrictions, please refer to the government website.

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Free Universities in UK for International Students

Mar 4, 2024 | 7 min read

Being an international student, studying in the UK can be an expensive affair. However, students will be glad to know that there are a number of free universities in the UK that charge very low tuition fees.

International students who wish to study in the UK must know about the free universities in UK. Most of these universities have low tuition rates and may not entirely be free. Moreover, several colleges in the UK provide scholarships to academically excellent and high-achieving students, including those with financial difficulties.

According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (2018/2019), there are currently 485,645 international students in the UK. Many international students desire to study in the country, but money is the primary barrier that prevents them from achieving their dream. Students can learn more about the free universities in UK through this article.

Table of Contents

Tuition-Free Universities in UK for International Students

Study in uk for free, best scholarships for international students to study in the uk, cost of living in the uk.

Among the cheapest universities in the UK in which international students can study with less financial pressure are these universities, which provide free tuition/ low tuition fee programs to international students:

University Of Plymouth

• University Of Cambridge

Bucking Hamshire New University

The university of west of scotland, university of suffolk, ravensbourne university, coventry university, university of cumbria, staffordshire university, teesside university, leeds beckett university, london metropolitan university, york st john university.

It is the first university to establish a private medical and dental school. The University of Plymouth promotes more than just academic excellence; they believe that they are catalysts for social change, drivers of economic innovation, and champions for cultural advancement. The annual tuition fees charged by the university is £11,000. In addition to tuition waivers, the university provides a number of full scholarships to students.

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge has enrolled international students from more than 150 different countries and is one of the free universities in UK. The acceptance rate of the university is 16%, demonstrating its selective admission policy. The university charges a low tuition fees of £10,500/ year. In addition, Cambridge offers numerous merit-based scholarships for international students.

Read More: University Of Cambridge

The university was founded in 1891 and is a top-ranking institution in the UK. A three-year course at Buckinghamshire University can be completed in two years, saving both money and time. Besides the usual courses, you can also take some exceptional courses like air transport and commercial pilot training. This training qualifies students for a professional pilot's license. You can also enroll in innovative courses like music management and film and television production. Students are expected to pay around £11,000 per year as tuition fees.

The University of West of Scotland (UWS) was formed by combining Paisley and Bell Colleges in 2007. Times Higher Education ranked UWS among the top 600 universities and the top 150 universities in its 2019 ranking of Young Universities. Students should note that the application deadlines for UG and PG courses for this university is 15th January, 2022.

Founded in 2007, Suffolk University is one of the free universities in UK . Being the youngest public university in England, it has been ranked fairly well in both the Times University Guide and in the Guardian University Guide. One of the noteworthy facts about the university is that its MBA and GCA programs can be completed entirely online. The annual tuition fees of the University of Suffolk comes up to be £10,000 per year.

Read More: Suffolk University

Ravensbourne University is located in the heart of London, an institution that fosters creativity and has a high graduate employment rate. Ravensbourne is the top specialist university in the UK, and in the top 10 of all English universities, in terms of creative graduate salaries. The international student body of Ravensbourne University consists of 25% international students. Ravensbourne University charges a tuition rate of £10,800 per year.

As its name implies, Coventry University is a public research university based in Coventry, England. As of 2020, the Guardian University Guide ranked Coventry 13th, and Times/Sunday Times University Guide ranked it 44th. The top programs of Coventry University are offered in various subject areas including data science, international business, ethical hacking, business analytics, and cyber security. The tuition cost of Coventry University is £11,900 per year.

Read More: Coventry University

With less than 13,000 students spread across six campuses, the University of Cumbria prides itself on its 'small and friendly' image. The inclusion of an international school as a free tuition UK university indicates that international students pay low tuition fees compared to what is charged on average. The university has been ranked 117th in the UK according to the rankings of the Complete University Guide 2021. To study at the University of Cumbria, students need to pay an annual tuition fee of £10,500.

Several science programs and departments of Staffordshire University are ranked among the top 10 in the United Kingdom. Throughout its plans, the university aspires to be ethical and value-driven, as well as a socially and environmentally responsible one. It has consistently been ranked among the top 100 universities in the UK. Moreover, the tuition fee charged by Staffordshire University is £14,000 annually.

Teesside University consistently ranks in the UK's top ten for overall international student satisfaction. This is the only modern university to have been deemed a Times Higher Education University of the Year. Their teaching excellence dates back over 80 years. To study at Teeside Univerity, students are expected to pay around £13,000 per year as tuition fee. Scholarships to international students are worth $1,500 annually.

Read More: Teesside University

Leeds Beckett University is considered among the free universities in UK as it offers a quality education at a reasonable cost. It charges a tuition fee of £12,000 annually. To make sure that students find good jobs after completing their studies, the university has partnered with a variety of companies and organizations.

Students at the London Metropolitan University get an opportunity to learn practical work skills and have the chance for professional development. The university offers a variety of courses at an affordable cost, including one of the largest teaching labs in the country; specialist art and design studios, among other facilities. Recent renovations worth £1 million have taken place at the university's Business School in Moorgate. When it comes to study cost, the university charges a tuition fee of 13,200 per year.

Students at York St. John University are provided with modern infrastructural facilities. It is found that 93% of graduates of this institution are employed within six months of graduation. A new £2.5 million arts center has been built at the university that includes sound performance and exhibition facilities, along with a new media workshop. Students need to pay an annual tuition fee of £11,500 to study at York St John University.

The universities are not completely tuition-free in the UK, however, the above-mentioned universities charge a minimal tuition fee from international students. Therefore, to study in UK for free, students must apply to affordable universities. Another way to get free education in the UK is through scholarships. UK universities provide a range of scholarships for overseas students. These scholarships include Commonwealth scholarship, GREAT scholarship, Chevening Scholarships, and many more. The next section of the article discusses about these scholarships in detail.

Now that you are aware of the cheapest universities in the UK, you can also benefit from a number of scholarships offered by the country. Take a look at the best scholarships available in the UK for international students:

British Chevening Scholarships

Gates cambridge scholarships, clarendon fund scholarships, warwick chancellor’s international scholarships , westminster international scholarships.

These scholarships are granted by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Every year, over 1500 students from 140 countries are awarded Chevening Scholarships. Students applying for full time taught PG courses are eligible to apply for this scholarship. It covers course tuition, monthly living costs, airfare of return tickets to the UK (economy class), as well as other grants and allowances. 

In order to apply for this award, candidates must belong to one of the 162 Chevening countries. In addition to this, the student must return to his or her home country for a minimum of two years after the scholarship ends. Furthermore, students need to have proof of English language proficiency and work experience of two years.

It is another highly prestigious scholarship by the University of Cambridge in the UK. This scholarhsip is awarded to international students who are promising and possess excellent academic records. Students who are planning to pursue 1-year PG courses in the UK can apply for this scholarship. The tuition fee, travelling expenses, maintenance costs, and family allowance costs, etc. are covered by the Gates Cambridge Scholarships.

Although it is not as well-known as Chevening Scholarships, Clarendon fund scholarships are known for offering a number of awards. A total of 140 scholarships are awarded to deserving students every year from all over the world who have strong academic backgrounds and have demonstrated their potential. 

Students can apply for this scholarship if they want to pursue full-time PG programs. However, it is not valid for diploma and certificate courses. A total of £14,777 is allocated annually to cover the living expenses of students during their studies, and all tuition and university fees are covered.

Warwick Chancellor's International Scholarships are awarded by postgraduate research competitions through University of Warwick. It is open to all international students accepted for PhD in any discipline at the University of Warwick. Students are fully compensated for their tuition costs up to £22,860 and their maintenance stipends up to £15,044 for a period of 3.5 years. Only international students are eligible to apply for this scholarship, and there are no country-specific requirements.

Westminster International Scholarships are available to students from developing countries who have been accepted into a full-time Master's program at Westminster. Students who wish to pursue a full-time master’s program, excluding MBA, can apply for this scholarship. It covers tuition fees, accommodation costs, and flight fares, etc. Students must have an acceptance letter from the University of Westminster in order to apply for it.

Apart from the tuition fees, international students also need to bear living expenses to study in the UK. Some of these expenses include house rent, transportation charges, food costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. Students can expect to spend around 11,880 GBP annually for living expenses in the UK. However, the cost of living varies from one student to another based on their lifestyle, spending habits, etc. The table below shows a breakdown of different living expenses in the UK:

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• 20 Cheapest University in London for International Students 2024-2025

UK Universities 198 views 10 May

Are you searching for cheap universities in London? If yes, you've come to the right place. In this article on cheapest universities in London 2024 - 2025, we'll share the 20 affordable unis for International Students who wish to study in London.

It's common knowledge that London is among the top 10 study destinations in the world. However, the cost of studying for International Students might almost drain your bank account. 

The tuition fees and accommodation costs at most London Universities are not for students who are not financially buoyant.

But what if we told you that London is also home to some universities that offer cheap education to international students. These universities offer courses specifically designed to suit the pockets of international students from any country in the world.

If you would like to know the cheapest universities to study in London, read this article to the end.

Why Should International Students Study in London?

Before we show you the Cheapest University in London for International Students, let's understand the benefits of studying in London. 

Here are 5 reasons why you should study in London as an international student.

Best Universities in the World

It is home to some of the best universities in the world, attracting international students from all over the world. London Universities offer top notch academic experiences for students. They provide quality education, a thorough curriculum and state of the art research facilities.

The best thing about London Universities is that International students can always find a course that suits their budget. 

London has a large international Student Population 

Thanks to its welcoming environment, amazing culture and numerous job opportunities, London has one of the largest international student populations in the UK.

Year after year, the city receives large numbers of international students from different countries all over the world.

Interesting Place to study

London is a fascinating place to study in the United Kingdom. The city is one to many of the famous landmarks, restaurants, and places. 

Studying in London is the best choice for international students who love to explore exciting areas with world class restaurants, historical buildings and beautiful scenery. 

Lots of Accommodation Options

London offers one of the best living conditions for International Students. 

There is a lot of affordable student housing across the city. No matter the budget, you will find a suitable accommodation for you.

Access to Public Transport

In London, there are various public transport links that connect major areas in the city. This helps international students to enjoy smooth rides to their University campus at low costs.

Table Showing the Cheapest University in London for International Students   

Cheapest university in london for international students 2024 - 2025, university of cumbria.

University of Cumbria is one of the most affordable universities located in London. 

The University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses for International Students. The tuition costs range from £11500 to £17000 pounds depending on the course applied to.

Location: East India Dock Road, London

Average Tuition Fee: £12,000

Admission Requirements for International Students

Proof of English Language Proficiency 

Applicants are required to have a minimum of a second class lower in a degree relevant to their postgraduate study

Undergraduate Applicants are required to present their secondary or high School Leaving Certificate. Search for l Country Specific Admission Requirements by Country 

Check out University of Cumbria

University of West London 

University of West London is a great place for International Students to study their dream course and gain the experience and knowledge they need to succeed in their respective careers after graduating.

Their courses are carefully designed and taught by some renowned professionals in the UK. 

Another thing to enjoy while studying in West London, is exploring different neighborhoods in the city.

Location: St Mary's Rd, London W5 5RF, UK

Average Tuition Fee: £8,600

For Undergraduate 

WAEC English grade A1- C6 - A1-C4 for higher IELTS courses - NECO grade C5 required.

National Diploma (ND) with merit (CGPA 2.50)

Higher National Diploma (HND) with merit (CGPA 2.50)

Post-Higher National DiplomaSecond and final year entry on a bachelor’s degree may be available for those with a Higher National Diploma (HND) from the UK, with a pass profile

For Postgraduate 

Bachelor's degree with Honours: 50% and above, or GPA 2.40 and above

PhD: a proposal is required in addition to a Master’s qualification in a related subject area

WAEC English grade A1- C6 - A1-C4 for higher IELTS courses - NECO grade C5 required

Check out University of West London

 London Metropolitan University 

Studying at London Metropolitan University as an international student means that you will get access to great education and top notch facilities at a very low cost. The London Met University is a research institution 

The University is located right in the big city centre and is also at close proximity to some of the historical monuments and delicious cuisines.

Location: 166-220 Holloway Rd, London N7 8DB, UK

Average Tuition Fee: £7,100 to 14,600.

A university academic transcript of grades.

Applicants should have a good academic standing, with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.7 or higher or a minimum C grade average or higher (for non-GPA grading systems)

A copy of your bachelor's degree certificate (if applying for postgraduate study)

A copy of your passport details page.

Proof of English language ability (if not from a majority English-speaking country). 

Examples of English Tests you can take include IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component, or Cambridge Advanced or Cambridge Proficiency Certificate with grade C or above, or an institutional test such as an Institutional TOEFL or those offered by DAAD. 

Check out London Metropolitan University  

University of Westminster 

The University of Westminster is popularly known for its diverse student population. The university is among the top 20 universities that offers excellent education to international students from all over the world. The university started as a polytechnic and today, it has four campuses across the United Kingdom.

University of Westminster has a total student population of over 200 thousand students, 48% of which are international students.

Location: Central London

Average Tuition Fee: £16,204 ( Undergraduate)

Undergraduate 

You must have successfully completed 1 year of a degree programme at a recognised university or college

You must be 18 years of age or older when you begin the programme

You must be in good academic standing

Postgraduate 

Students on the postgraduate programme must pick modules that are relevant to their Master’s degree in their home country.

You must be a graduate and hold an undergraduate degree.

If you are from a country that requires a Student visa and you wish to take the internship programme you must be currently enrolled in a Master’s programme in your home country and intend to return to resume your studies after your participation in the study abroad programme.

General Requirements 

If English is not your first language, you will need to provide official proof of your English language ability.

If you are a student from a country using the US GPA system you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale in your current Master’s degree programme. 

Check out University of Westminster

University of East London

The University of East London is ranked among the best universities for International Students to study in London. The university is located in London Borough of Newham and is considered to be one of the most affordable universities for International Students in the area.

Location: London Borough of Newham, London

Average Tuition Fee: £14,150

Applicants should have an equivalent to a minimum of a Lower Second Class classification (2:2) from an undergraduate degree or equivalent from your country.

For most countries this is equivalent to 12 / 13 years of education at a High School / Secondary School. Some courses require you to have subject specific subjects or submit a portfolio / attend an interview / test 

English Language Requirements 

English Language test is required for International Students and may vary slightly from course to course.

Check out University of East London  

University of Plymouth

When you're looking for a university that offers high quality education at a fairly low price, the University of Plymouth will definitely be on the list. 

This university boasts an international population of 2000 students from over a 100 nationalities. It has built a strong reputation for excelling in academics, research, and also helping international students gain the knowledge and skills to have a successful career in London.

Location: Drake Circus, Plymouth

Average Tuition Fee: £16,950

Entry requirements vary depending which course you would like to study, but usually we're looking for a mix of exam grades, subjects and qualifications. You will find your exact entry requirements on the  course pages .

Check out University of Plymouth  

University of Greenwich

University of Greenwich offers over 200 undergraduate courses and 150 post graduate courses to international students who wish to study in London.

The tuition fee for its study programs are affordable and the University offers a range of scholarships to help international students reduce their financial burdens.

Location: Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, South East London

Average Tuition Fee: £16,150

Students should have completed at least 1 year of undergraduate studies before starting their studies

A minimum of 2.8 on a 4.00 GPA scale is required for students interested in postgraduate studies

English proficiency test

Check out University of Greenwich  

Middlesex University London

Middlesex University has one of the most diverse international student populations in London.

This University offers a welcoming environment for international students to meet and engage with people from different cultures and backgrounds. International Students Tuition fee may range between £13,000 - £16,000.

Location: The Burroughs, Hendon, London

Average Tuition Fee: £16,600

Each course has a set of specific academic entry requirements that you will need to meet 

English Language Test

Check out Middlesex University London  

BPP University 

BPP University is among the cheapest universities for international Students in London. This top ranking private university has over 16000 students from more than 100 countries across the world.

The universities long standing reputation and affordable tuition makes it an excellent choice for international students in London.

Location: 142 Uxbridge Rd, London 

Average Tuition Fee: £10,000

Complete high school diploma from a recognized institute

Provide cumulative high school GPA for at least 3 years of study

Submit additional test scores for SAT/ACT

English language test

• Postgraduate

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline

Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities

A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a scale of 4.0

Check out BPP University 

Coventry University 

Coventry University is a leading multidisciplinary university in London.

The university is ranked 571 in QS World University Rankings 2024 and it has an international student community of over 13000 students from over 150 countries.

Location: Priory St, Coventry, London

Average Tuition Fee: £16,800

See full list of international students requirements by country

Check out Coventry University  

Ravensbourne University 

If you're looking for cheap universities in London, then consider choosing a program in Ravensbourne university.

The University has a total international student population of and is highly regarded as one of the best universities for international students to study in London.

Location: Penrose Way, London 

Average Tuition Fee: £13,500

International learners will need to demonstrate a certain level of proficiency in the English language.

• Students will normally be expected to possess five GCSEs (grade C/level 4 or above) or equivalent (including English). 
• Students should have a 2:2 or higher in a bachelor (honours) degree (or equivalent non-UK qualifications) in a relevant subject, or an equivalent professional qualification in a related subject area.

Check out Ravensbourne University  

University of Chester

University of Chester is rated as one of the most affordable universities for international students in the United Kingdom.

The University has students from over 100 countries enrolled in different undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Location: Chester, North West England 

Average Tuition Fee: £13,950

English Language Requirement

English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall.

• Undergraduate

For entry into the first year of our undergraduate/Bachelor degree programmes, we normally require a school leaving qualification which is equivalent to British A-level/International Baccalaureate. 

Entry onto our postgraduate Masters' courses requires an undergraduate/bachelor degree of equivalent standard to the British undergraduate/bachelor degree.

Check out University of Chester

Teesside University 

Teesside University has consistently ranked among the best universities for many years now. The university is not only a great place for International Students to study, it is also super affordable. Offering courses with tuition fees as low as £9000. 

Teesside University, despite being affordable, also offers a range of scholarships opportunities to international students.

Location: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Here East, London 

Average Tuition Fee: £15,000

Course specific entry requirements can be found on the course pages .

English Language Proficiency Test

Check out Teesside University 

University of Bolton

With an enrollment of international students that make up 7% of the entire student population, University of Bolton is a top choice for students from diverse backgrounds.

The University offers excellent academic programs, facilities and student support to help international students find their footing and also prepare them for life in London after graduation.

Location: Deane Road, Bolton

Average Tuition Fee: £15,950

Undergraduate entry to year 1

• A recognised international foundation courseWAEC plus one or more years of Undergraduate studies at a reputable Nigerian University with a 2:2 average
• Ordinary National Diploma (OND/ND) with credit or distinction profile 

Undergraduate entry to year 2/3

• HND / Aptech Advanced diploma / DNIIT
• We will accept any applications for entry to year 2 & 3; these are assessed on a case by case basis.
• Bachelor degree with a minimum 2:2 average

English Language

• We can accept WAEC minimum grade C6 as proof of English proficiency. 

Check out University of Bolton  

University of Suffolk

University of Suffolk(UoS) is a small public university based in Ipswich. It was created from a collaboration between the University of East Anglia and the University of Essex. 

UoS has a student population of around 5000 students from a wide range of nationalities. The University welcomes international students to study any course of their choice for discounted fees.

University of Suffolk is situated in Suffolk and Nofolk in England.

Location: Suffolk and Norfolk

Average Tuition Fee: £14,610

International Foundation ProgrammeInternational Baccalaureate Diploma with 28 pointsA-Levels (see course page for requirements

A bachelor's degree from a recognised university at 50% or a 2:2

• If English is not your first language, you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability as part of your application. 

The most commonly known assessments for this that we accept are; 

IELTS (Academic/UKVI) 

Cambridge English 

Pearson (Academic) 

TOFEL (iBT) 

Check out University of Suffolk  

University of Stirling

Ranked as one of the top universities in the UK, the University of Stirling sees a yearly enrollment of international students from all over the world.

The University offers one of the best academic experiences and internationally recognized degrees to students.

Location: Mile End Road, Central London

Average Tuition Fee:  £12,500

Applicants must meet entry requirements set by department or course.

Check out University of Stirling

Ulster University

Ulster University is a public university in London that takes its students' inclusivity very seriously. The university is known to offer postgraduate study opportunities to students with the lowest educational qualifications.

It is a cheap University to study in London and it has campuses in London, Birmingham and Northern Ireland.

Location: Clerkenwell Road, London

Average Tuition Fee: £16,300

Grades BCC at A Level, or international equivalent

Grade C* in GCSE Maths, or equivalent

Pre Masters 

A third or a pass in a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline OR

A pass in a non-honours degree with any classification in any

A 2:2 (second class) honours degree, or equivalent

Check out Ulster University 

Buckinghamshire New University 

Buckinghamshire New University offers affordable courses for International Students.

The University has a student population of over 8000 students with campuses in High Wycombe, Aylesbury, Uxbridge and Great Missenden. 

Location:  Oxford Rd, Uxbridge 

Average Tuition Fee: £14,000

Applicants interested in taught postgraduate programmes will be required to present a first degree. However, in some cases, relevant experience can be substituted for degree

Check out Buckinghamshire New University   

York St John University 

York St John University is a public university in York. It became an accredited university in 2006 and has a student population of over 5000 students.

Location: Clove Crescent, London

Average Tuition Fee: £11,300

English Language Proficiency Test or a C6 or above in high school certificate 

Foundation (year 0) plus degree (4-year programme) program applicants need to present their WAEC with at least 3 grades at C or higher, including English language.

Check out York St John University 

University of Wolverhampton

University of Wolverhampton is a public university that offers low tuition programs and affordable accommodation to international students. 

The University's campuses are situated across the West Midlands, Shropshire and Staffordshire.

Location: Wolverhampton 

Average Tuition Fee: £15,450

Applicants who do not speak English as their first language may need to provide evidence of your English language ability.  see full list of Admission Requirements 

Check out University of Wolverhampton

Conclusion 

These Universities listed above are your best choice for cheap universities in London. You can visit the university links we provided to learn more about their study programs, application processes and student support initiatives.

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Chinese students face ‘sinister pattern’ of surveillance overseas

Chinese nationals studying abroad report being subject to transnational surveillance by authorities, leaving them scared to speak freely.

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Universities must do more to protect Chinese students who speak out against their government while they are overseas, as some find themselves subject to a “sinister pattern” of surveillance and harassment from the Beijing authorities, according to new research from Amnesty International. 

Students described being photographed and followed at protests in their host towns and cities, while their families in China have been targeted and threatened by police in connection with their activism overseas. 

In a new report,  On my Campus, I am Afraid,  Amnesty International documents the experiences of 32 Chinese students in Europe and the US. China is one of the most significant countries of origin for international students, with official figures showing that more than 700,000 students went abroad in 2019. 

Researchers reveal a pattern of transnational repression that has created a “climate of fear” on university campuses, with students afraid to participate in parts of academic life and work, including censoring themselves during academic discussions , avoiding “sensitive” topics and declining careers in academia. 

In particular, students who had taken part in public activism against the Chinese government overseas spoke about the repercussions of doing so, with many believing they were being closely watched by authorities. 

One student featured in the report discusses attending a Tiananmen Square commemoration event, only to receive a phone call from her father hours later, saying he had been visited by Chinese authorities. 

Security officials told him to warn his daughter not to “attend any events that may harm China’s reputation in the world”, she said. The student had not used her name at the protest or posted online about attending. 

Amnesty found evidence that Chinese authorities actively monitor the online activity of overseas students and diaspora community members. Meanwhile, China’s “great firewall”, which limits communication platforms that can be used in the country, puts overseas students at greater risk as state-approved platforms are the only way of staying in touch with their families at home. 

Another student told researchers that the government is purposefully creating an atmosphere of fear, with students afraid that their peers may report them to Chinese authorities if they show any signs of dissent. “They can’t monitor everything and everyone, so their process is to create this stressful environment to prevent people from joining movements, from participating in events,” he said.

For international students from China, Amnesty says, “the decision to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly while studying overseas is fraught with the fear of drawing repercussions from authorities in China”. 

Many of the students interviewed said they felt both universities and governments in their host countries were either unaware of or unwilling to respond to their concerns about transnational repression. 

Amnesty outlines a series of recommendations for institutions to better respond to the issues raised in the report, including introducing mechanisms to protect students and staff against intimidation and harassment, and implementing systems to monitor threats from third parties. 

“It’s obvious the Chinese authorities are trying to replicate the climate of fear which gags people in China and Hong Kong, making students terrified of how they are being perceived and suspicious of their fellow students,” said Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s chief executive.

“The government and UK universities need to understand the dangerous realities Chinese students face from China’s transnational repression, making it clear that they’ll prioritise Chinese and Hong Kong students’ safety and freedoms.”

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