part time phd in uk for international students

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Studying part-time

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Students accepted for a part-time postgraduate degree at Cambridge will need to check what visa support can be provided for their particular programme as this can vary depending on the attendance requirements and structure.

The information on this page is relevant to part-time postgraduate degrees. If you will be undertaking part-time study at a different level, or on a non-credit course or non-degree award-bearing programme, you are advised to contact the relevant Department, Faculty or Institution at the University to check whether visa support is possible for the course you intend to do.

If you already have a UK immigration status that permits you to undertake your course of study, you will be asked to provide evidence of this during the admissions process. If it is confirmed you can undertake the programme with this status, the information on this page will not be relevant unless your existing immigration permission does not cover the length of your course. In this scenario, you will need to consider what you intend to do when it expires and the information on this page may be relevant. You will need to provide evidence to the University of continued valid immigration permission that allows study, in accordance with the University's Home Office compliance requirements. Pending applications and permissions granted in expired passport may need to be verified with the Home Office.

Part-time degree courses where attendance is required for short teaching sessions

Students on part-time courses longer than 6 months where the majority of the time is spent outside the UK and attendance in Cambridge is only required for short teaching sessions can be supported under the visitor immigration route. This includes part-time degrees at the Institute of Continuing Education, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and some courses at Cambridge Judge Business School. Examples of programmes include Cambridge Executive MBA, Master of Accounting (MAcc) and Master of Studies (MSt). These courses are not eligible for student visa sponsorship due to the structure and attendance arrangements, and it is not possible to take individual circumstances into consideration.

Prospective students should ensure they are familiar with the restrictions of studying with a visitor immigration status as outlined on our short period of study page. These courses cannot be sponsored for a student visa.

Part-time PhD programmes

Part-time PhD students visit Cambridge for short periods of attendance under the visitor immigration route. Students will be based overseas, studying for the majority of their time outside of the UK and only intend to come to Cambridge for short periods for certain activities across the year. From a visa perspective, attendance arrangements are considered to be study via distance learning and it is not expected for students to be in the UK for an extended period of time, or undertake frequent and successive visits. Prospective students should ensure they are familiar with the restrictions of this immigration status as outlined on our short period of study page.

The University will only sponsor a student visa for a part-time PhD if the reason for studying part-time, rather than the equivalent full-time option, is owing to a disability. In these circumstances, the student is expected to be based in Cambridge for the majority of the course and engaging with their studies. If this is applicable, students should ensure they read the responsibilities guide on a part-time student visa to understand the requirements and restrictions. This visa does not permit any work or allow dependant family members to live in the UK.

Current PhD students considering changing from full-time to part-time study should read the information under ‘Changing your mode of study' on our Changes in Circumstances page.

Part-time MPhil or MRes programmes

International students who are admitted onto an MPhil or MRes degree and require visa sponsorship are expected to study full-time. The University will only sponsor a student visa for a part-time MPhil or MRes if the reason for studying part-time is owing to a disability, or if the programme does not have a full-time equivalence. In these circumstances, the student is expected to be based in Cambridge for the majority of the course and engaging with their studies. If this is applicable, students should ensure they read the responsibilities guide on a part-time student visa to understand the requirements and restrictions. This visa does not permit any work or allow dependant family members to live in the UK.

The frequency of required attendance, structure and length of these degrees mean students would not normally be able to study under visitor immigration permission. It may, however, be possible to consider this on a case by case basis for study on a part-time research Masters if the student will mainly be based overseas for their studies and it is agreed only short periods of attendance in Cambridge are required.

Master of Education (MEd)

Students who will be studying part-time on most MEd routes in the Faculty of Education can be sponsored by the University for a part-time student visa. This will enable students to be based in the UK during their studies but the requirements and restrictions of the visa should be considered prior to accepting an offer of admission. Students who do not hold a UK or Irish passport will be required to provide evidence of a student visa or an alternative UK visa which permits study on a course of more than 6 months, in order to commence the course. MEd Transforming Practice has different attendance requirements and cannot be sponsored for a student visa; attendance at teaching sessions is supported under the visitor route .

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PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2025

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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 20 January 2025.

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 2025 entry: 30 June 2025

Programme options

	Full-time	Part-time	Full-time distance learning	Part-time distance learning
PhD	Y	Y	N	N

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.

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To find out what studying on a postgraduate research programme at Manchester is like, visit our Open days and study fairs page and explore our  virtual open week  or future on-campus and international events.

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.

Fees for entry in 2025 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2024 were 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 20 January 2025.

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.

You will need to be nominated by your proposed supervisor for a number of our scholarships. Therefore, we highly recommend you discuss these funding opportunities with your supervisor first, so they can advise on your suitability and ensure you meet nomination deadlines.

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.

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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 .

Part Time PhDs – Everything You Need To Know
Types of Doctorates

Introduction

Whilst the core activities of a part time PhD are identical of that to a full time PhD, its arrangement is different. This difference is not only in programme duration but also in fees and funding opportunities. In addition to this, part time study also has different benefits and challenges. Therefore, whilst your personal situation may not be ideal for a full time PhD, it could be perfect for a part time one. We’ve outlined these differences as well as the pros and cons of part time study to help you decide whether it’s right for you.

Why Do a Part Time PhD?

Undertaking a part time PhD can be a great option for you if you fall into one of the four categories:

Financial – a part time PhD provides the opportunity to earn whilst you study. Although you could secure a full time studentship, the stipend it offers may not be enough in all cases, for example, if you’re financially responsible for multiple family members.
Career – working individuals, especially those who have already advanced several stages in their career, may opt for a Professional Doctorate. A Professional Doctorate is equivalent to a part time PhD, but focuses on a specific professional practice relevant to the individual. It’s usually undertaken when you wish to apply research skills in a professional environment or become more specialised in your industry.
Caring obligations – part time study offers a greater deal of flexibility compared to its full time equivalent. This can be desirable in situations where the individual has considerable caring obligations, such as a young family.
Intensity – many students feel that a pursuing a research degree over a longer period of time drastically lowers the intensity of postgraduate study. Part time PhD hours per week are typically around half that of its full time equivalent. This can come with a wide range of physical and mental health benefits.

Part Time PhD Fees

The average tuition fee for part time PhD study in the UK is approximately £2,356 per academic year for home students, and between £8,000 to £12,500 for international students.

This is typically 50% of the fee charged for an equivalent full time doctorate. However, a handful of universities use a prorated fee of up to 60% so it’s important to check the individual fees for each university you are applying to. These additional costs usually cover the admin/overhead fees associated with your time at the university.

Besides the tuition fee, there are several other costs which you need to account for. You can learn about these costs in our full cost breakdown of UK PhDs .

Part Time PhD Funding and Scholarships

As a part time student, most universities will expect you to fund your own studies. This is because nearly all part-time students will work a paying job alongside their studies which can be used to support their education.

However, you may still apply to department or university funding opportunities such as subject-specific bursaries. Besides this, external bodies such as Research Councils , research charities and industrial institutions also offer grants and PhD studentships for research projects related to their field. It’s worth remembering these opportunities are usually very limited and are awarded based on a candidates strength and not their personal situation.

One benefit of selecting a research project related to your employer is that it opens an additional opportunity for funding. It’s not uncommon for an employer to contribute to an employee’s tuition fee if there is a mutual benefit to be had.

How Long Is a Part Time PhD?

The average duration of part time PhDs in the UK is between 6 to 7 years. This is double a full time doctorate.

Universities also set registration periods which limit the minimum and maximum amount of time you can be enrolled in a course. For doctorates, the minimum duration is usually 4 years and the maximum 8 years.

How Many Working Hours per Week?

You will be expected to work half the number of hours of a full time student. Although full time students are expected to work 35 hours a week, in reality, most will work closer to 40 – 45 hours. Therefore, you’ll be expected to dedicate approximately 20 hours each week towards your degree.

However, you won’t always be able to achieve this many hours due to your other commitments. Therefore, working to a frequent and consistent schedule will be more important. Working on your research in irregular intervals or whenever time permits will be an inefficient approach – it’s far better, plus psychologically easier, to commit to a consistent schedule. Though your PhD supervisor may be able to offer guidance in this regard, ultimately the PhD is yours to shape.

Most part time programmes will also have some doctoral training courses with fixed dates, especially those which are organised by industry experts or visiting lecturers. There may also be time restrictions to be aware of if you are a postgraduate researcher involved in laboratory work, particularly where special equipment is needed as this may be rented by the university research centre and only available during certain times in the year.

Part Time PhDs for International Students

If you are an international student wishing to undertake a part time PhD programme in a foreign country, you will need to meet additional requirements.

For example, to study in the UK, you will need to secure both a work visa and a stable job. This is to prove that you can support yourself throughout the full length of your course. Unfortunately, even if you’re able to secure departmental or external funding, you won’t be able to use this to prove an income. Additionally, an international PhD student in the UK will need to demonstrate English proficiency as part of the application process. These entry requirements apply whether the overseas student is pursuing a PhD part-time or for full-time studies.

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

Challenges of a Part Time PhD

It’s generally accepted that undertaking a PhD part time is more challenging than undertaking it full time.

Age – although this shouldn’t be a factor, we know it can cause concern for some. If you have already been working for several years, you may find that some of your research colleagues or academic staff members are the same age or younger than yourself. This could cause apprehension or cultural issues if you fail to keep an open mind.

Detachment – as a research student, you’ll often doubt whether you’re working on the right thing or making sufficient progress. You can expect this feeling to be compounded if you’re studying on a part time basis. This is because you’ll have less interaction with your department, peers and supervisor given you won’t always be on campus.

Time management – juggling a career or significant family obligations with the demanding requirements of a doctoral degree can take its toll. Over the 6 to 7 years, you’ll no doubt encounter periods when your external commitments require more of your time, whether its intensive projects or the need for frequent travel associated with part time courses. During these times there is potential for your research to slip, or worse, become an unwanted burden.

Motivation – having to balance your time and focus with your other commitments can make it difficult to immerse yourself in your research. This often results in a lack of ‘momentum’, which coupled with a journey that’s twice as long, increases the risk of your passion fading out. Unfortunately, because of this, many supervisors observe the drop-out rate of part time students to be greater than that of their full time peers. This isn’t due to a lack of dedication or commitment, but due to the individual no longer being able to balance several demanding obligations without jeopardising their mental or physical well-being.

Funding opportunity availability – as mentioned earlier, since part-time applicants are able to work alongside their studies, there are fewer funding opportunities available to them.

Relevancy – as your doctoral study will take 6 to 7 years to complete, there is a risk that your research will no longer be relevant. This could be for several reasons. For example:

An individual may be working on a research project very similar to yours. Assuming they are working full time and complete their project before you, it could render your project ‘unoriginal’ depending on the amount of overlap between your findings. It is important to discuss this with potential supervisors who may be aware of similar PhD projects being undertaken.
New technology or knowledge may be developed which renders your original research question obsolete if the premise it was built on becomes ’outdated’.
New observations could be made which have the potential to jeopardise your work. For example, a new study may be published which identifies significant limitations behind a method outlined in your research proposal. This would cast serious doubt into the validity of your research findings, and in some cases, may require you to start over with an alternative method.

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Imperial College London Imperial College London

Looking for funding?

Use our scholarships search tool to look for available scholarships. Also explore our latest funded PhD vacancies .

A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the most common type of doctoral degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve.

It normally takes between three and four years of full-time work to complete. It is also possible to undertake a PhD part time, over five to six years.

The main activity of a PhD is to carry out an original research project under the direction of one or more supervisors, to be written up as a thesis.

Different routes to achieving a PhD

There are a number of ways to achieving a PhD at Imperial:

by undertaking a course of study based on your own research proposal
by joining a research project that comes with funding attached (known as a studentship)
by combining it with Master's study in an integrated route that typically lasts four years

Pursuing your own research idea

To search for PhD opportunities based on your own research proposal you first need to identify a research group within Imperial whose area of expertise best matches your idea.

Use the links below to search the different PhD opportunities within our academic departments, centres and institutes. This includes information about current studentships and often guidance on finding a supervisor.

Our interdisciplinary approach means our expertise often spans departmental boundaries – and so do our courses – so you may find opportunities in an unexpected area of the university.

Faculty of Engineering

Aeronautics
Bioengineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering
School of Design Engineering
Earth Science and Engineering
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Faculty of Medicine

Department of Brain Sciences
Department of Immunology and Inflammation
Department of Infectious Disease
Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction
Department of Surgery and Cancer
National Heart and Lung Institute
School of Public Health

Faculty of Natural Sciences

Life Sciences
Mathematics
Centre for Environmental Policy

Imperial College Business School

Doctoral programme

Centre for Languages, Culture and Communication

PhD in Arabic, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish Studies
PhD in science communication studies

Global Challenge institutes

We have six Global Challenge institutes, which were created to address some of society's biggest challenges.

If you have an idea for a PhD that falls within the remit of one of our Global Challenge institutes please contact them directly to discuss before making a formal application.

Data Science Institute
Grantham Institute – Climate Change and the Environment
Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering
Institute for Security Science and Technology
Institute of Global Health Innovation

Energy Futures Lab does not offer PhD programmes, but does deliver the MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures .

Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies | Imperial College London-Technical University of Munich

We have recently formed a strategic partnership in education, research and innovation with the Technical University of Munich, one of Germany’s most international and entrepreneurial universities, producing highly ranked research, like Imperial, in science, engineering and medicine.

As part of the partnership, Imperial and TUM have launched a 'Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies' with the aim of co-developing cross-disciplinary clusters of PhD students who will have access to world-leading academic supervisors and state-of-the art facilities at both institutions.

The first round of the programme will focus on the theme of 'Artificial Intelligence, Healthcare and Robotics'.

Find out more about the Joint Academy of Doctoral Studies and apply

Study Destination

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:

Ph.D. Course Duration in the UK	3-4 years
Average Tuition Fee	£15,000 to £20,000 per year INR 1327,410 to INR 17,69,880 per year
Mode of study	Full-time or part-time
Popular Ph.D. Course in UK	Computer Science, Engineering and Technology, Paramedic Sciences, Law, Social Science, Architecture, etc.
Top Universities for PhD in Uk	University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, London School of Economics and Political Science

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.

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.

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!

Phd In London

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.

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.

Finding a supervisor can be a cumbersome job, and so universities assist you in the same. Also, know that you may not get the supervisor that you had asked for, universities take these decisions on a case-by-case basis.

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.

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


Oxford Indira Gandhi Graduate Scholarships	Indian nationals on a Merit basis for pursuing a DPhil in areas of interdisciplinary research	Course fees and living costs are covered
Ertegun Scholarship program in Humanities through Oxford University	Students pursuing a DPhil in humanities	£15,609 (INR 13,81,302) + full course fees
Gates Cambridge	Non-EU students enrolled in a postgraduate program	£17,500 (INR 15,48,645)+ full course fees + two air tickets + visa
President’s Ph.D. Scholarship Scheme through Imperial College London	High-Performing master students with excellent academic performance and research potential	Full tuition fees + £21,800 (INR 19,29,169) per annum for 3.5 years
Edinburgh Doctoral Scholarships	Students showcasing outstanding merit and research potential	University tuition fee + stipend of £15,609 (INR 13,81,302) per annum

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.

QS World University Rankings 2024

Popular Programs

DPhil Socio-Legal Research, DPhil Theoretical Physics, DPhil Clinical Medicine, DPhil Archaeology

Average tuition fee

£28,650/ year

INR 25,35,353/year

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.

QS World University Rankings 2024

Popular Programs

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Ph.D. Mathematics, Ph.D. Clinical Neurosciences, Ph.D. Zoology, Ph.D. Physics

Average tuition fee

£33,972/ year

INR 30,06,318/year

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.

QS World University Rankings 2024

Popular Programs

Ph.D. Design Engineering, Ph.D. Immunology and Inflammation, Ph.D. Mathematics

Average tuition fee

£26,500/ year

INR 23,45,091/year

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.

QS World University Rankings 2024

Popular Programs

Ph.D. Behavioural Science and Health, Ph.D. Chemistry, Ph.D. Architectural Design, Ph.D. Financial Economics

Average tuition fee

£25,730/ year

INR 22,76,950/year

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.

QS World University Rankings 2024

Popular Programs

Ph.D. Accounting, Ph.D. Finance, Ph.D. Engineering, Ph.D. Informatics, Doctor of Clinical Psychology

Average tuition fee

£23,350 year

INR 20,66,334/year

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:


Senior Economist	£64,000 (INR 56,63,616)
Data Scientist	£52,000 (INR 46,01,688)
Senior Software Engineer	£70,900 (INR 62,74,224)
Associate Professor	£62,000 (INR 54,86,628)
Research Scientist	£46,000 (INR 40,70,724)

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.

: How to Obtain a Post-study Work Permit in UK?

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

Part-time doctoral research

Our part-time doctoral students make up an important part of our research community. At Reading, we recognise the distinct nature of studying part time, and we have a wealth of experience and resources to help you succeed.

If you are thinking of studying for a doctorate part time, you will be in good company. A quarter of our doctoral students either complete their entire programme on a part-time basis or switch after starting full time. You may find that studying part time suits you because:

you have work commitments
you have caring responsibilities
it's preferable for financial reasons.

“As a part-time, mature student, there are times when I work full time on my thesis, while at other times it gets far less input due to my other commitments. Neither myself, my supervisor nor my postgraduate director have ever considered this a problem and this relaxed, flexible attitude has helped immensely and kept me unstressed and on track.”

Hilary Matthews

PhD in History

Time frames for part-time study

Working hours and patterns.

Your working hours and patterns are not usually specified; however, as a guide, you should expect to spend at least 15 hours a week working on your research or undertaking training and development events. At certain points in your doctoral journey, you may have to dedicate more time for intensive study.

You will find your own preferred way of working with us – a few of our part-time cohort attend daily, some others attend weekly, but most who live further afield attend less frequently.

Submission timescales

As a part-time doctoral student, you should aim to submit your thesis within five years of starting your programme. The maximum time allowed is six years, while the earliest submission date is four years (unless you have special permission).

The part-time journey

There are several milestones on your journey towards completing a doctorate. For an overview of the key activities and timescales involved, see our guide to what a doctoral programme entails.

Find out what's involved in a doctoral research programme

Core training

To equip you with the skills you need to carry out your research professionally and effectively, we have created the Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP).

As a part-time doctoral student, you should attend at least nine RRDP sessions over the course of your doctoral programme.

Learn about the Reading Researcher Development Programme (RRDP)

Our part-time doctoral students

To get a fuller flavour of what part-time doctoral research is like at Reading, read about what Dr Natalya Sergeeva and Mark Player have to say about their experiences, and how studying part time works for them.

Dr Natalya Sergeeva: Exploring narratives of innovation in the UK construction sector

Mark Player: Japanese punk film production

Funding for part-time study

Our regional PhD bursary scheme may be of particular interest to you if you are a local resident (i.e. living within a 25-mile radius of the University) and wish to undertake a doctoral programme while living at home. This competitive scheme has run for a number of years now and has proved particularly popular with those wanting to study part time, many of whom work in the region.

Discover more about our regional PhD bursary scheme

The University of Reading is also currently working with selected employers to support the career development of their talented employees, by means of the Wilkie Calvert Co-Supported PhD Studentships. If you are keen to develop your career further by undertaking a part-time PhD on a topic that is relevant to your organisation, this studentship may be of relevance to you.

Read about the Wilkie Calvert Co-supported PhD Studentships

Fees for part-time study

You will need to pay the relevant part-time fee for each year of study. If you are self-funded, your fees (including research expenses and supervisory visit fees) are normally payable in two equal instalments – one at the start of the academic year and one at the start of the second semester.

Find out about fees for part-time study

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Study for a PhD with us

Ready to make an important contribution to the world through original research? Discover how to do a PhD at Portsmouth

Explore our PhD subject areas

Find a phd supervisor.

How to apply for a postgraduate degree

A PhD is a globally-recognised postgraduate degree. To gain a PhD, you'll need to conduct extensive original research into a specific chosen field.

When you study for a PhD with us, you'll work with leading experts with extensive experience in your area of interest. You'll become a part of our internationally-recognised research , and a member of our research community. You'll contribute to our collaborative research culture, and use our exceptional facilities too.

And you’ll be following in the footsteps of our previous PhD candidates, many of whom have made important, globally-significant contributions to research – like Harry Austin, whose work on a mutant plastic-eating enzyme is making headlines around the world.

Preparing for a PhD

As a general rule, to apply for a PhD you'll need a good first degree from an internationally-recognised university or a Master’s degree in an appropriate subject. We'll also consider applicants with exceptional equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.

Your PhD will take 3 years (full-time) or 6 years (part-time) to complete, and you'll produce a thesis of 40,000-80,000 words, depending on your subject area. All PhD candidates need a supervisor to supervise them – and finding the right one is an important part of the process.

For more details on what you need to do before you apply for a PhD – from what qualifications you'll need, to what your application should contain – visit our how to apply for a postgraduate degree pages.

Ready to explore your PhD options?

There are 3 main routes into a PhD at Portsmouth.

If you have an original idea for a research, you can find a PhD supervisor among our academics, whose expertise matches your own. You can also apply for one of our pre-approved PhD projects – including some fully-funded projects – or explore our PhD subject areas and make an initial enquiry to our postgraduate research team.

See our pre-approved PhD projects

Fees and funding

The cost of your PhD will vary depending on where you're from, what you're studying, and whether you plan to study full-time or part-time. If you're applying for a funded PhD, you'll have no fees to pay.

As a guide, PhDs cost £4,596 a year (full-time) or £2,298 a year (part-time) for UK/EU students, and £16,200-18,300 a year (full-time) or £8,100-9,150 a year (part-time) for international students. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2022/23 please visit this page .

If you need help funding your PhD, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan – a government loan that you can use for tuition fees, living costs and other course costs. The loan is paid directly to you and you can apply online here .

The amount you’ll receive isn’t based on your or your family’s income. So you can choose how much you borrow (up to £27,265 over your whole course). The loan will be divided equally across each year of study, and you'll only start repaying your loan after your course when your annual income is more than £21,000.

For more information about the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan – and to see other sources of funding that may be open to you when you apply – visit our page on funding your research degree .

PhD stories

Studying for your PhD at Portsmouth is a great decision, but don't just take our word for it. Find out why two of our recent PhD candidates chose us and how their research unfolded.

Danielle's PhD story

Smiling female student in front of green plant

Robert's PhD story

Robert in lab coat explaining something and gesturing to whiteboard

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PhD part-time

Part-Time PhDs in the Faculty of English

The majority of the requirements and regulations governing the part-time PhD course are the same as for the full-time PhD . As a part-time student you can expect the same standard of research facilities as full-time students, and that you will be integrated into the academic and social life of the Faculty and the College you join. Specific features of the part-time PhD are as follows:

Registration and Progression: Both full-time and part-time students must be formally Registered for the PhD. The Registration process involves a viva examination in which you will discuss a sample of written work and a detailed chapter outline of the dissertation as a whole. For part-time students registration takes place around the end of the fifth term of study and certainly by the end of the seventh term.

The Ultimate Guide to Studying in United Kingdom in 2025

Browse all phd programmes in united kingdom.

Sep-May Academic Year
133 Listed Institutes
130 Ranked Universities
551,000 Int. Students
2,734,000 Students
67,330,000 Population

Why study in United Kingdom

If you're looking to study at a university in the United Kingdom , you will find a multitude of higher education opportunities, providing diverse academic programmes and vibrant city experiences. Universities in the UK are well known in the world for their top-quality education. Critical thinking, creative methods of teaching, and quality-control merge successfully in British higher education.

Here are the top reasons why the uk is the best place to study:

The highest number of ranked universities. The UK has the highest number of ranked universities in relation to the size of the country: 111 ranked universities . University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London constantly feature in the world's Top10.
Quality of teaching regulated by the government. The UK is home to some of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities. This doesn’t happen by chance. Bodies such as the Office for Students (OfS) and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) make sure that universities meet national standards for academic quality.
Big focus on independent learning and creative thinking . As a student in the UK you will be expected to take responsibility for your learning and develop critical thinking skills. This is different from other countries where lecture-based learning is considered more important. This approach encourages you to take an active role in your learning, rather than simply listening to lectures and memorizing information, which can help you develop a deeper understanding of your subject matter.
Nightlife for many tastes and interests. Big cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow have a well-established nightlife scene with many clubs, bars, and music venues that cater to different tastes and interests. However, smaller cities and towns may have a more limited nightlife scene, but will still offer a range of student-friendly places like museums, cinemas, and live music venues.

The country offers some of the best and most comprehensive support systems for international students, both as part of the university and through government or independent bodies and organisations. It’s no wonder why so many international students choose to study in the UK.

At the same time, while they do have high tuition fees and living costs which won’t be easy to meet, the UK also provides students with a lot of scholarships and funding opportunities.

What’s more, British universities excel in all fields of study (Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, and Natural Sciences) but what matters most is that here you can find study areas that are unique in Europe, like Creative Writing or innovative interdisciplinary courses that may sound like this: “Are We Alone? The Search for Extraterrestrial Life.” or “From Sherlock Holmes to CSI : a History of Forensic Science and Medicine.”

Culture in United Kingdom

People in the UK are generally friendly and polite, with a strong sense of humour and an appreciation for social etiquette. They usually think that it's important for people to have their own freedom, be able to do things on their own, and keep some things private. They also have a deep respect for tradition and history. Some of the most iconic aspects of British culture and traditions include the monarchy, teatime, pub culture, the London Underground, and the Beatles.

With a population of almost 68 million, the UK is not one of the world’s biggest countries. In fact, having a size just 60% of California, it only ranks 80th in the world. UK culture and traditions are "a melting pot of cultures", with a long history of immigration and diversity. The Kingdom itself is actually made up of four different countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and each of these four has its own cultural identity and unique traditions.

Cultural diversity in the UK

The UK is a diverse and multicultural society, with people from many different cultural backgrounds living and working in the country. Approximately 14% of the population of 68 million people belongs to an ethnic minority. Some of the largest cultural groups are from India, Poland, and Pakistan. This diversity is reflected in everything from food and music to arts and literature. Of all the cities in the UK , the highest diversity is in London, where 40% of the population comes from an ethnic minority background. Apart from the capital, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leicester are also great examples of high cultural diversity.

Languages spoken in the UK

English is the official language and by far the most commonly spoken, but there are also several other languages spoken throughout the country, like Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic. At the same time, according to the London Museum, in the capital city, there are over 300 languages spoken today.

UK food culture

British food culture has influences from all over the world, and expat communities can often enjoy the taste of their home food in restaurants and shops across the UK. At the same time, some of the most iconic British dishes include fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie and roast beef and Yorkshire puddings. Fun fact: there are around 10,500 fish and chip shops in the UK today. But the British are also known for their love of tea, ale, and other alcoholic beverages.

Weather in the UK

You probably know the UK has a reputation for being rainy because of its geography. Throughout the year, temperatures in the UK tend to vary between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius. You'll enjoy the warmest and driet summers in the south-east of the country.

How to choose a university in United Kingdom?

Deciding where you want to study is a deeply personal choice, but there are a few general ideas you should consider . To make things simpler for you, we put together the following Choosing a university checklist:

A big-city life and cultural diversity in large university hubs like London , Birmingham , or Manchester
A more relaxed lifestyle where you could experience the more traditional aspects of British culture specific to smaller cities like Bath , York , or Southampton
A high-ranking university, like the ones belonging to the Russell Group , will look more impressive on your CV because these are universities that have a reputation across the world for being very good and teaching the smartest and most talented people. Attenting one of them will give you more opportunities, but it will be harder to get in, more expensive, competitive, and more focused on academic results.
A university that doesn’t rank as high will probably offer you a more inclusive and relaxed environment. These universities are often top quality as well, but less famous. You will face easier admission and enjoy a more flexible schedule
Read student reviews to learn how other students feel at that university. If you access a programme of study on our portal , you can read tens of student reviews for each study programme. And if you're still in doubt, try chatting with students who are currently studying at universities you are interested in.
Research how well a university performs in your particular field of study by checking Meta-rankings in the UK , which combines the latest data from the most prestigious university ranking systems in the world.

What are the best universities in the UK

Its centuries-old tradition, high standards of teaching and commitment to providing students with a world-class education, lead to the UK having over 100 world-ranking universities. Here are the top 5 universities in the UK:

The University of Oxford is the oldest university in the UK, benefiting from a distinctive collegiate structure. Both students and academics belong to a college or hall, a self-governing organisation within the university.
The University of Cambridge is, alongside Oxford, one of the ancient English universities consistently ranking among the top 5 in the world, with a rich tradition of over 800 years and world-leading research.
Imperial College London started from a vision of Prince Albert (the consort of Queen Victoria) who wanted to create a cultural area to include museums and colleges. The college focuses only on business, science, technology, and medicine.
University College London (UCL) the very first university in London, is a rule-breaking institution: the first university in England to accept students of any religion and one of the first to admit women as students.
The University of Edinburgh is the best Scottish university and the fifth ranking in the UK. With an entrepreneurial and cross-disciplinary culture, it attracts students and staff from across the globe.

> C Check Meta-rankings for the full list of university rankings in the UK .

What are the top student hubs in the UK

The biggest student hub in the UK is of course London . The city was declared Best Student city by QS, and it has no less than 18 ranked universities. It’s huge – the third biggest city in Europe with a population of over 9,3 million people, multicultural, and very diverse.

But big-city life is only for some, and the UK offers many other excellent student hubs . In the North of England, you have Manchester with five big universities, BBC and ITV studios and many thriving businesses. Even further to the North, another thriving city full of charm and history is Edinburgh , Scotland's capital, home to one of the best five universities in the UK.

If you want your experience of studying in the UK to be even more relaxed, so you can enjoy that orderly and calm British life, consider the famous cities of Oxford and Cambridge , as well as Bath or Liverpool with their highly ranked universities.

Tuition Fees in United Kingdom

British students pay different tuition fees from international students ( including EU students ). Fees are also different depending on the university or study programme you choose.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students range between £9,000 and £33,500 per year, while tuition fees for international students at postgraduate level cost between £7,000 - £36,400 per year, the average programme being £20,000. For UK nationals, tuition fees at undergraduate level range between £1,820 and £9,250 , while postgraduate courses cost between £3,350 and £22,300 .

If cost is a big factor for you when choosing a university, the cheapest tuition fees for international students according to QS TopUniversities are Coventry University , Royal Agricultural University , and University of Suffolk . Also, keep in mind that online programmes are usually cheaper than campus-based ones. We have over 700 online Bachelor’s programmes in the UK, the cheapest only £1,784 per year and over 2,500 online Master’s programmes , starting at £540 per year.

Sometimes, students can benefit from a tuition fee waiver, meaning a discount applied to your overall tuition fee. However, this is usually available only for UK and sometimes EU students. Check on your university’s page to be sure. Also, remember that there are plenty of scholarships available for both national and international students.

Use the ‘Tuition fee’ filter on the left menu of our Bachelor’s , Master’s or PhD search pages to find the programme best suited for your budget. You can also sort the list of available programmes by Lowest tuition fee, by clicking the top right Sort button.

Can I study in United Kingdom for free?

Unfortunately, there is no free education in the UK for international students or for home students, but there are ways to go around it and minimise or completely reduce your costs during the years of study.

Home students have the option to apply for a Student Loan which will cover their undergraduate tuition fees in full, and they only have to pay it back once they start earning enough money to classify for repayments. To apply for the loan for your undergraduate studies, you have to access Student Finance on Gov.UK once you have an offer from university. In addition, home students can also apply for a loan for their Master’s degree of up to £11,836 , but this may not fully cover the cost of the programme.

As an international student , if you’re wondering how to study in the UK for free, the only option is to win a scholarship that fully covers your tuition fees and potentially living costs as well. While these are very competitive, there are plenty available, so go on and check Mastersportal for all scholarships available to study in the UK .

Finally, if you want to do a doctorate in the UK, whether you are a national or international student, the only way to do it tuition free is through a scholarship for PhD studies , but you can also get a job as an assistant within your university and earn some money while researching as well.

Financial Aid and Scholarships in United Kingdom

Many universities, private organisations, NGOs, and governmental institutions offer scholarships and grants to international students.

Each scholarship or grant has different criteria; some are awarded for academic success, others for financial needs, and some for students coming from developing or underdeveloped nations.

You can apply for financial aid after acceptance, meaning soon as you have an offer from your university. There are many scholarships allow you to apply even after you’ve started your programme. Learn about the best practices when applying for a scholarship. You’ve got nothing to lose.

Head over here to see our full list of cholarships on offer in the UK.

Types of scholarships on offer

There are several types of financial aid for international students in the UK. The most common are scholarships, but you can also find bursaries (typically awarded based on financial need), grants and loans.

Scholarships can be awarded based on merit, financial need or other criteria. For example scholarships for excellent academic results or scholarships for students with low incomes, and see what fits best with your situation. Learn all about the different types and how to start applying for scholarships , in this article.

There is no limit to how many scholarships you should apply for, just go for as many as you can. Ensure you meet the criteria before searching for the best scholarships to apply for. Begin with the ones where you feel you have the highest chances of success.

Where you can find scholarships

Our database, which lists hundreds of scholarship opportunities in the UK , is an excellent starting point when you’re trying to figure out where to apply for scholarships.

Other credible sources with up-to-date information about scholarships and financial aid you can access:

Studyportals Scholarship – International Distinction Award , open to all international students – see FAQ about the award
Your preferred university's official website. They will likely award scholarships themselves or recommend partner organizations where to apply for financial aid.
Government Scholarships (British Council Scholarships):
The Chevening Scholarships for Master’s
The Commonwealth Scholarships for PhD and Master’s
GREAT scholarships
Scholarships offered by universities:
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Oxford Pershing Square Scholarship
University of Bristol Think Big
Imperial College London Scholarship
GEMS International Undergraduate Scholarship
Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarships

You can learn more about Scholarships offered by UK universities in this article.

Euraxess UK Portal for PhD and Postdoc Euraxess UK is a portal for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers looking to work or continue their research in the United Kingdom. It provides information on funding opportunities, research networks, job vacancies, and other resources to help these professionals succeed in their careers.

You can also find some of the best options of scholarships in the UK for international students in this article.

How to apply

Once you’ve done your research on how to apply for a scholarship in the UK and shortlisted the scholarships you want to apply to, it’s time to get going with the actual application. Applying for a foreign university scholarship may be intimidating, but if you follow these steps, it won’t be that hard:

Check the eligibility criteria: make sure you meet all the requirements, which may include academic achievements, nationality, age, field of study, and more. Applying for a bursary or a university grant may have different rules from applying for a scholarship.
Gather the required documents: Financial aid providers all have a how-to-apply for university funding or scholarship page. This is the place to find and check what documents you need, things like transcripts, a motivation letter for applying to the scholarship , and recommendation letters.
Complete the application: pay attention as you fill out the scholarship application form to ensure you include all required information.
Submit the application: very important step, take a deep breath and click submit!
Wait for a response: this may be harder than it sounds. But if you are shortlisted, you will probably be called for an interview or asked to provide additional information. See our advice on how to do well in a scholarship interview.
Accept the scholarship: the best part! If you are selected, read through the terms and conditions and accept the scholarship offer if you are happy with the terms.

What to include in your application

The specific requirements for a scholarship application will vary depending on the type of financial aid or scholarship, and the program you are applying to. However, a scholarship application will always ask you to explain why you are applying for financial aid and how it will help you achieve your academic and career goals. This is usually done in a motivation for applying, or a request letter for your scholarship application and it might just be the most important element of your application. That’s why it’s essential to Learn how to write a motivation letter for your scholarship .

Other information to include in your application will likely be:

Personal information
Academic background, such as your academic transcripts, degrees, and certificates
Letters of recommendation, typically by teachers, professors, or employers who can vouch for your academic abilities and potential
Financial Information: the scholarship you’re applying for might not cover the total costs of your studies, in which case they can ask about how you will cover the rest of the money.
Essays or writing samples that demonstrate your writing skills and ability to think critically.

Other supporting materials, such as a portfolio of work or a list of awards and honours.

Interested in scholarships for United Kingdom? Check out our scholarship search page.

Apply to university in United Kingdom

All UK applications are made through the UCAS website . You can submit only one application for each study cycle and within this application you can select up to 5 different study programmes. Unlike in many other countries where you must tailor your application to each individual university, here you need a general application.

What’s the structure of the UK academic year

The UK academic year typically starts in late September or early October and ends in June. The exact dates may vary depending on the institution and the course, but most universities follow a similar timeline.

During the academic year, there are three main terms:

Autumn term (September to December),
Spring term (January to April),
Summer term (from May until late June).

These terms are broken up into several weeks of teaching and a few weeks of holidays or exams:

Christmas Break: (mid-December to early January)
Easter Break: (two weeks, during spring)
Summer Break: (the longest break of the year, from June to late September)
Half-Term Breaks: (roughly every six to eight weeks throughout the academic year)
Bank Holidays ( public holidays in the UK )

Some institutions may have slight variations on this structure, but the three-term system is the standard for most UK universities.

When to apply for British universities

Most universities and courses in the UK have the application deadline in January for courses starting September the same year. But Cambridge and Oxford as well as programmes in Medicine will likely have an earlier deadline. Make sure to check UCAS for the exact dates each year.

You can still apply to university after the deadline through Clearing , from July until October, but you must keep in mind that this round of applications is only for the places left unfilled in the regular application process, so you should only use it if you didn't manage to secure a place beforehand.

Documents needed to apply for university

Each UCAS application contains this list of documents you need to apply for university:

Personal details
Education history
Employment history
Programmes selection
Personal Statement (a very important part of you application)
Reference (from a current teacher or employer, depending on your situation, written in English)
Payment of the application fee

Next step is to await an answer. If you are accepted, you can receive a conditional offer or an unconditional offer .

A conditional offer means that your acceptance depends on meeting some conditions in the future, like obtaining certain results at exams or language tests. An unconditional offer means you already meet all requirements and are definitely accepted.

Language requirements

If you want to study in the UK, your programme will be taught in English, so you must have a certain level of proficiency in order to perform your academic work. That’s why you will definitely need to meet certain English language requirements for UK universities. To do that, you have to take one of the approved tests and obtain the minimum score required by your university.

Commonly accepted UK language tests :

You’ll get a score of 0 to 9 for each category (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), as well as an overall band score. Generally, UK universities ask for a minimum score of 6.0 or 6.5, with some more reputed universities requiring 7.0 or 7.5.

The four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) have a score of 0 to 30 points each. You can get a maximum of 120 points. Many universities ask for a score of 70-80 to be admitted, while the more famous ones like Oxford and Cambridge ask for a score over 100 points.

You can obtain a score between 10 and 90 points in the three sections Speaking & Writing, Reading, and Listening. To study for a degree level course, UK universities usually ask for a minimum of 59 points.

The Cambridge exams range from pre A1 - Starters to C2 Proficiency which means scores starting at 80 points and going up to 230 points. For UK universities, you need to obtain the C1 Advanced certificate with a score range of 180-200 points.

The test is gaining more and more popularity and is already accepted by thousands of institutions worldwide. You’ll get a score between 10 and 160 points, where 95-100 points is the equivalent of the 6.0 IELTS score.

To learn more about the different tests you can take, read this comprehensive guide on English language certifications that we’ve put together.

Student housing in United Kingdom

When you’re looking for student housing in the UK, you have two options:

On-campus accommodation : these are halls of residence managed by your university; they are basically blocks of flats where hundreds of other students live. Additional costs such as water, heating and electricity fees are included most of the time, and as much as possible, first-year and international students have a guaranteed place if they apply on time.

This type of student accommodation in the UK generally offers small, clean rooms, with a bed, wardrobe, and desk. The kitchen and common room are shared, and sometimes the bathroom is as well. You can have a lot of fun living in a hall of residence and fully immerse yourself in student life, but will also need to learn how to share and live with people you’ve just met.

Off-campus student housing: this option can mean private student housing apartments or halls, where you will have more privacy, less sharing, and probably a more modern environment. Of course, this can come at a higher monthly cost. At the same time, another option to live off-campus is to share a house with a couple of other friends. The cost will be more affordable, and you won’t share the place with people you don’t know. However, you need to find the place yourself, sometimes pay rent in advance, and handle your own additional costs like heating, water, internet or electricity payments.

When to apply for student accommodation

In order to know when to apply for university accommodation on campus, you should check the university’s website for specific deadlines. The rule of thumb is to start applying once you have an unconditional offer from the university and before you arrive in the UK.

On the other hand, if you prefer off-campus student housing, start applying as soon as you know you will start studying at that university to have a better chance of getting the accommodation you want.

Extra resources for finding student housing apartments

Amber , a portal listing verified private student accommodation in over 250 cities worldwide.
Student , options for private student housing in over 400 cities across the world, with 24-hour support from the booking team.
Unite Students , private accommodation in the UK, with all utilities included, as well as the option to book a shared accommodation with one or more of your friends.
Right Move , a portal where you can search for private student housing in the UK, on-campus halls of residence, and private halls close to your university.

Cost of living in United Kingdom

The average cost of living in the UK with rent, food, transport, and entertainment included is around £12,000-£15,000 per year .

London, the country’s capital, has by far the highest cost of living in the UK. Here, you might end up paying almost double the amount you would pay in the rest of the country. The average monthly rent in London is over £1,000 for a small apartment where you pay the bills or a room in a private student hall with bills included, while in other cities, the average cost is around £700 per month.

For students in the UK, the cost of living varies according to each region. Belfast in Northern Ireland, Cardiff in Wales, and Glasgow in Scotland are more affordable locations with an average monthly cost of living around £1,000 - £1,300, while Manchester in England and Edinburgh in Scotland are more expensive, the average being £1,400 - £1,700 respectively. London remains the most expensive location in the UK with a monthly average cost of £2,500. This data is based on Numbeo and refers to the living expenses of a single person, however as a student you will be able to get different discounts and promotions, so your actual expenditure will probably be smaller if you budget your money well.

Cost of food in the UK

On average, a meal in a mid-range restaurant costs around £15-£20, while a week's worth of groceries for one person can cost anywhere from £40 to £60. However, international students can save money by cooking at home, shopping at local supermarkets and taking advantage of student discounts. The average monthly cost of food for a student in the UK is around £250 ($338).

Work and study in United Kingdom

Are international students allowed to work in the UK?

Generally yes, but there are some restrictions. The maximum number of working hours for international students in the UK depends on your exact Visa conditions. Usually, the limit is 20 hours during term time and full-time during holidays, but sometimes, international students can be restricted to only 10 hours during term times. To be sure, you must check what conditions are set on your Visa. Furthermore, your university may also impose further restrictions.

If you are eligible, the first place to search for a job is your university’s career page where they post jobs, specifically for students. The following are some popular student job sites that offer part-time, full-time, temporary, and seasonal work opportunities, as well as internships and graduate schemes. Many of them share useful information on job hunting, CV writing, and interview preparation:

SaveTheStudent

Read this article for Tips on Finding Part-Time Jobs for International Students , including ideas of how to get an internship or a work from home job for students.

Is United Kingdom safe?

The UK is generally considered a safe country: according to the latest data available from the Global Peace Index 2021, which ranks countries based on their level of safety and security, the UK is ranked as the 42nd safest country out of 163 countries worldwide.

Additionally, a survey conducted by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) in 2018 showed that 87% of international students in the UK felt safe living in the country. This was based on responses from over 2,000 international students.

Universities in the UK take the safety and security of their students very seriously, and many have dedicated support services and advice available to help students stay safe. However, like in any country, there are still some risks that students should be aware of, such as pickpocketing, petty theft, and online fraud. It’s good to remember some of these common-sense personal safety measures that you would use anywhere else in the world:

Make sure you know the emergency numbers : 999 or 112
Avoid dark corners or streets at night
Pay extra attention when you take money out from ATMs
Try not to walk around alone at night
Be mindful of pickpocketing

Healthcare options

The healthcare system in the UK is called National Health Service (NHS) , and to be able to access its services as an international student, you need to pay a £470 Healthcare surcharge along with your Visa application. This is enough to cover your healthcare needs.

Although more expensive, private providers are an alternative to the NHS and offer faster access to specialists and shorter waiting times. There are various private healthcare providers in the UK, including BUPA, AXA PPP, and VitalityHealth, among others.

You may also get healthcare through your university, which may have its own healthcare facilities or partnerships with private providers.

Student insurance in United Kingdom

Your student Visa will cover your basic healthcare needs, however, you may prefer private insurance which will give you extra benefits like emergency assistance and money to support you in case of a long illness.

>>> Request an Aon Student Insurance online . For international students, researchers, Erasmus students and educational staff - we have the right insurance for your situation.

Support services available for international students

Your university is the most important place where you can find quality student support services during your university years. Examples of student support services include disability support, counselling and mental health, academic support, language support, orientation programmes, sexual harassment support, conflicts and violence support, and support services for special needs students.

Your university will have an International Office where you can access some of the above-mentioned services, like information about immigration, visas, funding your studies, employment regulations and opportunities.

Here are a couple of organisations providing support to international students:

Student Minds , a charity meant to support students in the UK with all mental health issues.
The British Council , where you can also find a lot of information about everything to do with your international study experience.

Student organisations

There are several popular student organisations for international students in the UK, including:

The Student Union is the most important student organisation in the UK and will likely be part of the National Union of Students (NUS) . The union is meant to protect students’ rights without being affiliated with the university where it operates. The Student Union at your university is run by students and forms a great student community where you can easily get involved.
UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) , a charity created to support international students with advice and information in many areas, including Visas and Immigration, Fees and Money, Working, Preparation and Arrival, and more.
The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) provides support for international students studying in Europe, including the UK. They offer a range of activities and events, including language exchanges, cultural trips, and social events.
The International Students House (ISH) : provides accommodation and support services for international students studying in London. They offer a range of services, including housing, social events, and academic support.

Things to do for students on a budget

One of the free things to do in the UK for students is go to the museum. There is a rich selection of awesome museums, and most of them have free entry. Museums in the UK are lively places, where kids are allowed to play and often enjoy interactive experiences. Head over here for a full list of museums in the UK .

You will also find many cheap things to do in the UK if you visit different cities or outdoor locations. The UK is not very big, which makes travelling easy and as an international student, you won’t want to miss the most famous and epic tourist destinations in the country.

Top 5 urban attractions:

Read this article about Cheap Things You Can Do in London on a Student Budget to discover plenty of ideas.

Roman heritage in Bath. Home to beautiful 2000 years-old Roman baths, Bath also showcases some great examples of Georgian architecture, a style dating from the 18th century, named after four British kings named George.
Scottish medieval sights in Edinburgh . You shouldn’t miss this awesome Scottish city, even if you can only visit it for one day. Edinburgh Castle sits in the middle of the city built atop an extinct volcano. You can also visit The Royal Botanic Gardens as well as the Camera Obscura and World of Illusions, where you’ll definitely have a lot of fun.
See the famous location of The Canterbury Tales. Here you can visit the famous Canterbury Cathedral, the very first cathedral of England, the Roman Museum hosted inside an original Roman Villa, or the Franciscan Gardens, belonging to the first Franciscan Settlement in Britain.
See where Titanic took off in Southampton . You can see the Titanic Exhibition because Southampton was the home port of the Titanic, and the city has a fascinating exhibition about the ill-fated ship and its passengers. And keep the mood, you can continue by exploring the SeaCity Museum which features interactive exhibits, artefacts, and stories about the city's relationship with the sea.

Top 5 outdoor attractions

Keep these in mind for great adventures in nature after you’re done with those busy exams and assignments and need a taste of fresh air and wild beauty.

The Lake District . Situated in the North of England, this is the largest national park in England where you can climb its highest mountain, Scafell Pike. The park is famous for its beautiful lakes, mountains, soft valleys, and sandy coastlines. It’s the perfect place for a late spring or summer adventure in nature. Don’t miss it.
Scilly Island . If you visit the gorgeous Isles of Scilly in summer, you might wonder if you’re still in Britain. Well, you are, although it looks like a tropical paradise.
The Scottish Highlands . Snow covered mountaintops and old castles amid crystal clear lakes and an atmosphere of perfect peace. This is what you’ll find in the Scottish Highlands whether you go hiking in summer, skiing in winter, or horse-riding any time of the year.
Stonehenge . A famous prehistoric site in Salisbury, believed to have been built over a 1000 year period from 3000 BCE to 2000 BCE, which is still a big mystery for archaeologists. Stonehenge is an engineering masterpiece, a spiritual place, and still an inspiration for people today.
Cotswolds . Here you can get lost into the charming British countryside, walk on the streets of pretty villages made of limestone and traditional market towns. The place is so beautiful, it was declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AOBN).

Travelling in the UK

To get to your destinations, you can take a train or coach. The National Railway tends to be a bit more expensive, but you can travel on a budget with coach rides from National Express .

You can also buy a number of student cards which offer student travel discounts:

16-25 Railcard which gives discounts for rail tickets if you are 16 to 25 years of age.
18+ Student Oyster photocard for students living in London to get a 30% discount of Travelcards, as well as Bus&Tram season tickets.
Young Persons Coachcard for discounts when travelling with National Express coaches if you’re aged 16 to 26.
International Student Identity Card which gives discounts to international students for a bunch of things, not only travelling, but also food, entertainment, clothes, and more. The card is valid in 125 countries, not just the UK.

Learning English

As a foreign student in the UK, there are several ways you can improve your English language skills:

practice with native speakers;
watch English TV shows and movies;
read English books and newspapers,
attend an English language course
use language learning apps, such as Duolingo

There are many language schools and colleges in the UK that offer English language courses for international students. These courses are designed to improve your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.

Living as an expat in United Kingdom

Once you graduate, the main thing that changes is that you will no longer have a study Visa so you’ll need to find a different type of Visa (such as a work visa or residency permit) in order to be able to stay in the country.

To be eligible for such a visa you will need a job offer from a UK employer. Once you’ve secured a job, the next step should be finding your expat apartment. As an expat in the UK you can use the National Health Service (NHS), but many choose to take out private health insurance as well.

Expat communities in the UK

The most represented countries in the expat communities in the UK are Poland, Republic of Ireland, India, Romania, and Italy. Followed by Portugal, Spain, Pakistan, Nigeria, and the USA.

Expats living in the UK can benefit from a supportive and vibrant expat community. UK expat forums and online communities can be a great place to connect with others like you, and to find advice on everything from finding housing to navigating the healthcare system.

Here are some useful resources:

Expatica website where you can find a lot of useful information about living and working in the United Kingdom as an expat.
InterNations website where you can connect with other expats in your city or country.
HSBC guide and resources for expats (HSBC is a major bank in the UK)
Expat website with a lot of information for expats around the world.

There is no one best place to live in the UK for expats. True, larger cities like London offer many social or cultural activities and job opportunities. But you may also consider a smaller city with a quieter pace of life.

United Kingdom Immigration rules

How your immigration status changes after graduation.

Once you graduate, your immigration status changes and you can no longer stay in the UK on a student Visa. To continue living there, you need to apply for a different kind of Visa or apply for citizenship if you already meet the requirements.

Types of Citizenship

Apply for a new Visa depending on your circumstances after graduation:

Graduate Visa . This is the most common route for international students, which allows international students who completed a higher education course in the UK to stay in the in the country for up to 2 years.

Skilled Worker Visa . You can apply for this Visa if you have a work offer from a UK employer approved by the Home Office who can give you a “certificate of sponsorship” detailing your role which must fit in this list of occupations . The Visa is valid for up to 5 years and can be extended any number of times.

Global Talent Visa . This is for you if you can prove to be a leader in one of these fields: Arts and Culture, Academia and Research, Digital Technology. This Visa is valid for 5 years with the possibility to extend it if you still meet the conditions.

Start Up Visa . This isn’t the easiest Visa to get, but if you have an innovative idea for a business that doesn’t exist in the UK, you should try it. This Visa is valid for 2 years and cannot be extended.

Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Usually, you can get Indefinite Leave to Remain after you lived in the UK for 5 years continuously, but sometimes it can be even 3 or 2 years, depending on the type of Visa you had previously. You should apply for ILR as soon as you meet the required time period if you plan on gaining British citizenship.

Apply for British Citizenship

Once you had Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled Status for a minimum of 12 months, you are eligible to apply for British Citizenship. You will also need to prove you English skills and pass the Life in the UK test where you will have to answer 24 questions about traditional practices and ways of life that have been passed down through generations in the UK.

To stay up-to-date on the latest UK immigration news for student visa, check the updates from UK immigration authorities . It's also important to budget your immigrant visa application processing fee, which can be different based on your country of origin.

Immigration processing times

The processing time for immigration applications in the UK can vary depending on several factors such as the type of visa or permit being applied for, the volume of applications being received by the UK Home Office, and the complexity of the application itself.

Generally, the UK Home Office aims to process most visa applications within 3 weeks or less, but some applications may take longer. For example, applications that require additional documentation or information may take longer to process.

Job opportunities in United Kingdom

Most of the job opportunities in the UK for international students after graduation are in the larger cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Leeds, Cardiff, Belfast, and so on. Of course, you’ll find the biggest pool of work opportunities in London.

But if you hope to get a job when you graduate, you should consider getting some part-time work or volunteering during your studies as well because experience is very important.

The following websites for UK jobs after graduation are a valuable resource for international students looking to start their careers. You will likely find opportunities across different industries and sectors:

Jobs in the UK on the Government's platform
The Prospects jobs platform
Jobs Section on The Guardian
Addeco jobs platform

Additionally, many universities in the UK have their own job boards and career services, which may be helpful if you are a recent graduate.

Continue your studies in United Kingdom

If you are an international student who will graduate from a UK university and would like to continue your studies in the UK, there are several options available to you:

Pursue a Master’s degree: You can apply for a Master's degree if you already have a Bachelor's degree. Apply through UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, or through individual university websites. Head over here to see over 1900 Master’s in the UK .
Apply for a PhD: If you are interested in pursuing a research-based degree, and you already have a Master’s degree, you can apply for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in the UK. Here’s a list of over 2000 PhDs in the UK .
Apply for a postgraduate diploma or certificate: These shorter courses are designed to provide additional training or education in a specific field and can be completed in a shorter amount of time than a full degree program.
Apply for a professional qualification: Professions such as law, medicine, or teaching require additional qualifications beyond a degree. You can apply for these professional qualifications through professional organisations or regulatory institutions.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, international students need a visa to study in the UK. The type of visa required depends on the length and level of study, as well as the student's nationality and individual circumstances.

The UK offers high quality education, an extensive portfolio of courses taught in English, the option to have a part time job while studying, many scholarships and other types of funding opportunities, as well as a dynamic and multicultural environment. All these make for very good reasons for studying in the UK.

Tuition fees for international students at undergraduate level cost between £11,400 - £38,000 per year while tuition fees for international students at postgraduate level cost between £9,000 - £30,000 per year.

If you apply to a university in the UK as an international student, you will need to show proof of English Language skills. You can take the IELTS, but also other tests like TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English Advanced.

To study in the UK, you have to send all the required documents in your application, including education history, proof of English language test, personal statement, and references. On top of that, you will need to get a Student Visa and be able to prove that you can support yourself financially during your studies.

To start studying in the UK, you need to take the A Levels in subjects required for your particular degree. If you are from a country where you don’t take A Levels, you will need the equivalent of that. You will find the approved exam qualifications for each country on your university’s website.

To get permanent residency in the UK, you can apply for the Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) visa after five years of working a graduate job. You also need to take the Knowledge of Life in the UK test and one of the approved English language tests.

Interesting programmes for you

Find phds degrees in united kingdom, what subject to study in united kingdom.

Agriculture & Forestry 39 Masters
Applied Sciences & Professions 124 Masters
Arts, Design & Architecture 355 Masters
Business & Management 340 Masters
Computer Science & IT 209 Masters
Education & Training 191 Masters
Engineering & Technology 425 Masters
Environmental Studies & Earth Sciences 187 Masters
Hospitality, Leisure & Sports 73 Masters
Humanities 647 Masters
Journalism & Media 95 Masters
Law 96 Masters
Medicine & Health 741 Masters
Natural Sciences & Mathematics 646 Masters
Social Sciences 938 Masters

PhD Degrees in United Kingdom

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) 3687 programmes
Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) 44 programmes
Doctorate (Doctorate) 71 programmes

Recent international policies promote international university cooperation and student exchange between countries worldwide. High-quality study and PhD degrees are made more available to students in order to create a global educational network, achievable through student and staff mobility. Career and research oriented programmes support international student development.

University cooperation enables students study worldwide, for instance in Australia, Asia, Europe and the United States and provides ways of recognizing previous degrees. Different study options offer appropriate alternatives to students, depending on their preferred mode of study.

Many study programmes in Australia, Asia, Europe and North America are English-taught. The most popular international student destinations include the following countries: Australia, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, the United States, and more. However, these are not the only countries offering English-taught education. The rest of the world is full of endless study choices, from highly ranked to smaller, more specialized, universities.

PhD (postgraduate) Degrees

If you want further education beyond the undergraduate level or if you want more personal development or a career in academia, you could obtain a PhD degree. PhD degrees are postgraduate programmes that usually follow a Master's, MPhil or MRes, but there might be additional requirements depending on the university. Students are required to do their own research in a chosen topic. With the help of a supervisor, you develop knowledge and analytical skills in a specific or multidisciplinary field and you carry out independent research. The duration of a PhD degree differs per country and institution. Sometimes your own research is accompanied by work for the department such as giving seminars or small group teaching.

PhD students are required to study on campus under close supervision, but there are universities that accept students enrolled into a part-time distance education PhD degree. Studying on campus can also be full-time as well as part-time, in which case the part-time variant is normally twice as long as the full-time study.

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Postgraduate research degrees
Funding and studentships
Funded PhD programmes 2024 UK

Funded PhD research programmes 2025 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 processes also often allow us to support promising candidates for applications to external funders and we regularly welcome self-funded applicants to programmes across all disciplines.

Please visit our PhD funding advice page for current offers or see below for further general advice about applying for a funded PhD in the UK.

Visit our PhD disciplinary programme lists

What UK PhD studentships are available ?

Depending on the discipline area, applicants for postgraduate research study may be:

applying to work on specific, defined research projects
applying to work with an academic department or individual with specific interests
or applying with a self-identified research topic proposal.

When available, studentships are open to home and international students and will be given to candidates who best fulfil the promise outlined by these academic departments.

Students may like to review the funding opportunities listed at the foot of the page or visit our PhD funding advice page .

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?

When funding schemes are open, the application will usually involve:

submitting a full application through the university's PhD application portal; you will upload your research proposal as part of this process.
The submission will typically require two references, academic qualifications, a proposed project approach and a personal statement.
Shortlisted applicants are likely to be invited for interview.

Please note, funding schemes are only open at specific times of year. Applications for funding outside of these timeframes will not be considered. See our PhD funding opportunities page for details of any current funding calls.

What does PhD funding include?

The funding for the PhD usually covers 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 programmes as they become available and we will look forward to receiving your application.

Insitutions and funding bodies for PhD study

On the Funding pages of our website we post advice as to the regular and specific funding opportunities available through the University of Brighton, its partners and networks.

These include Doctoral Training Partnership and University of Brighton PhD studentship calls, individual studentship projects , University of Brighton international research scholarships and our alumni scholarships for current and past students.

We also include below some of the major funding options for international students wanting to do a PhD with us, each of which may support all or part of your studies.

Worldwide international funding schemes for PhD research

The british council.

The British Council offers a search engine for UK courses, institutions (including the University of Brighton) and scholarships.

Find out more about scholarships and funding through The British Council.

The Gen Foundation

The Gen Foundation considers applicants living in all countries. It is a charitable trust which principally provides grants to students/researchers in natural sciences, in particular food sciences/technology.

Find out more about grants to students and researchers from The Gen Foundation .

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Our multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.

Find out more about research funding through the Aga Khan development network .

The Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundations are active in more than 120 countries around the world, using grant-giving, research, advocacy, impact investment, and strategic litigation to support the growth of inclusive and vibrant democracies. The four main themes of the Open Society Foundations are climate justice, equity, expression, and justice and they will award grants and fellowships throughout the year to organisations and individuals who share those values. The Open Society Foundations look for grantees who have a vision and whose efforts will lead to lasting social change.

Find out more about postgraduate funding through The Open Society Foundations .

International Education and Financial Aid

The International Education and Financial Aid (IEFA) provides students from all over the world comprehensive information on financial aid for studying abroad. Using the IEFA website, you can easily search the IEFA database for scholarships, grants, loan programs, and other options available to help finance your international education.

Find out more about international PhD research funding through the IEFA .

The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds

The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) awards PhD fellowships of two to three-and-a-half years to outstanding junior scientists worldwide who wish to pursue an ambitious PhD project in basic biomedical research in an internationally leading laboratory.

Find out more about the Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds fellowships .

Resource sites for international PhD research funding

Internationalstudent.com.

InternationalStudent.com is a leading online resource for international students around the world providing advice pages for studying in the USA, UK and Australia for international students, plus a dedicated study abroad center for US students who want to travel abroad.

Find out more about international study through InternationalStudent.com .

ScholarshipTab

ScholarshipTab is an online portal that connects international students to available scholarship opportunities round the world.

Find out more about the Scholarship Tab resource .

International Education and Financial Aid (IEFA)

The IEFA provides students from all over the world comprehensive information on financial aid for studying abroad. Search the IEFA database for scholarships, grants, loan programs, and other options available to help finance your international education.

Find out more from the International Education and Financial Aid website .

The European Funding Guide

Scholarships and grants for students from the European Union

Find out more through the European Funding Guide

The Americas: Postgraduate doctorate funding from institutions and bodies to study in the UK

Marshall Scholarship: Provides for United States students to study abroad.
Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship provides for United States students to study abroad.
American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
Global Affairs Canada International Scholarships Program
Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund
Canada's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
The Bolsas Lideres Estudar Program provides for Brazilian students studying in the UK .

Asia: Postgraduate doctorate funding from Asian institutions and bodies to study in the UK

The Charles Wallace Bangladesh Trust

The Charles Wallace Burma Trust

China and Hong Kong

Great Britain – China Educational Trust is a charity that promotes mutual understanding between the UK and China and aims to build long-term connections between the two countries. It delivers awards contributing towards university tuition fees and living expenses for Chinese nationality students studying for a PhD in any subject at a UK university.

Great Britain China Centre Chinese Student Awards offers scholarships of up to £3,000 for citizens of China and Hong Kong studying for a PhD in any subject at a UK university

The Hong Kong People Association (HKPA) aims to provide financial aids for further university education to students from Hong Kong who are not able to afford international tuition fees.

The Charles Wallace India Trust offers PhD funding for study in the arts, heritage conservation or the humanities.

The Inlaks India Foundation

The JN Tata Endowment award funds 90 to 100 scholars across disciplines ranging from the sciences to management, law and commerce and the fine arts.

The KC Mahindra Education Trust

The Persia Educational Foundation Abdolreza Ansari Scholarship is designed to support the education of students of Iranian descent enrolled in a Master or Doctorate programme in human rights or public service in the UK.

Momeni Iranian Financial Assistance Scholarships offer partial funding scholarships for international students of Iranian descent towards a PhD in any subject.

The Kenneth Lindsay Scholarship Trust

The Anglo-Jewish Association (AJA) provides funding for Jewish students to study a Masters or PhD in the UK.

The Japan-IMF Scholarship Program for Advanced Studies funds students of macroeconomics with a view to them working at the International Monetary Fund.

The Charles Wallace Pakistan Trust

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan . The HEC offers government scholarships for Pakistani students to study abroad in various countries, including the UK.

Saudi Arabia

The Cultural Bureau of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia (SACB) offers scope for full tuition fees and supporting fees for PhD level study.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research

The Thai Office of Educational Affairs

Europe: Postgraduate doctorate funding from European institutions and bodies to study in the UK

The European Funding Guide - Scholarships and grants in the EU.

France - Entente Cordiale scholarships for postgraduate studies provide funding to help students enrolling for a Masters or a PhD qualification in the UK or in France.

Italy - Il Circolo Italian Cultural Association is a UK-registered charity based in London with the mission to support deserving students with awards and scholarships.

Norway - Lanekassen - The Norwegian student loans and grants awarding body supports Norwegian students studying overseas.

Scandinavia - Fundraising.how - article database offering funding advice for Scandinavian students.

Sweden - CSN - loans and grants for Swedish students studying overseas.

Australia: funding for PhD study in the UK

The Australia Day Foundation offers grants to young Australians for fees and course materials.

Africa: funding for PhD study in the UK

Sudan - The Gordon Memorial College Trust Fund (GMCTF)

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Course type

Qualification, university name, part time phd international relations.

29 degrees at 23 universities in the UK.

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PhD Ethnology
PhD Europen Politics
PhD France Studies
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PhD Germany Studies
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PhD Government and Politics
PhD Humanities
PhD Humanities and Social Sciences
PhD Immigration studies
PhD International Politics
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PhD Policy Studies
PhD Political Philosophies
PhD Politics
PhD Politics of Specific Countries
PhD Popular Culture
PhD Russian Federation Studies
PhD Social Anthropology
PhD Social Data Analysis
PhD Social Research
PhD Social Research Methods
PhD Social Sciences
PhD Social Studies
PhD Sociology
PhD Sociology of Health and Sickness
PhD Sociology of Specific Subjects
PhD Spain Studies
PhD Strategic Studies
PhD UK Politics
PhD War Studies
PhD Women's Studies
PhD Youth Studies

Course title (A-Z)
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Price: high - low
Price: low - high

Politics and International Relations PhD/MPhil

University of leicester.

Politics and International Relations at Leicester offers supervision for the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - full-time and Read more...

6 years Distance without attendance degree: £3,942 per year (UK)
3 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
6 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

Politics, International Relations and Sociology PhD

Canterbury christ church university.

Recently completed or current PhD student theses Migration and Local Governance; The US Tea Party and collective memory; Reclaiming the Read more...

5 years Part time degree: £2,872 per year (UK)

International Relations PhD

Anglia ruskin university.

Explore international relations in theory and practice our PhD programme will support you in discovering and creating new knowledge about Read more...

2 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
2.5 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
3 years Part time degree: £2,392 per year (UK)
3.5 years Part time degree: £2,392 per year (UK)

University of Gloucestershire

What is International Relations Join a tight-knit community of International Relations researchers as a student on our MA by Research or Read more...

4 years Full time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)
6 years Part time degree: £3,400 per year (UK)

PhD Politics and International Relations

University of hertfordshire.

A University of Hertfordshire research degree is internationally recognised signifying high levels of achievement in research. This course Read more...

3 years Full time degree: £5,925 per year (UK)
6 years Part time degree: £2,960 per year (UK)

Politics and International Relations PhD

University of glasgow.

Politics & International Relations at Glasgow produces innovative and influential research across four main subfields of the Read more...

5 years Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

University of Nottingham

The School of Politics and International Relations has long been respected for the quality of its research and teaching. We have strong Read more...

3 years Full time degree: £5,100 per year (UK)
6 years Part time degree

International Relations - PhD

University of kent.

Take on global challenges in the 21st century – interpret events, identify trends and make informed judgments about the future. Engage with Read more...

Politics & International Relations PhDs and MPhils

University of portsmouth.

If you're ready to take your knowledge and expertise in Politics and International Relations into a postgraduate research degree, Read more...

MPhil/PhD in Politics and International Relations

Manchester metropolitan university.

Discover your research degree study options, including areas of expertise for our academic supervisors. Our research degrees will help you Read more...

6 years Distance without attendance degree
3 years Distance without attendance degree

Politics and International Relations, PhD

Swansea university.

A PhD in Politics and International Relations at Swansea enables you to pursue a substantial project led by your own passions and Read more...

3 years Full time degree: £4,712 per year (UK)
6 years Part time degree: £2,356 per year (UK)

Politics and International Relations PhD/MPhil - Institutions, Participation, Public Opinion, Parties, and Comparative Politics

Politics and international relations phd/mphil - political theory, politics and international relations phd/mphil - international relations and security studies, international relations, politics and history phd, loughborough university.

The School of Social Sciences and Humanities at Loughborough is home to International Relations, Politics and History. It is a Read more...

Lancaster University

The Department of Politics, Philosophy and Religion (PPR) welcomes disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and post-disciplinary research Read more...

36 months Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK)
48 months Part time degree: £2,393 per year (UK)

University of Lincoln

Programme Postgraduate research in the School of Social and Political Sciences is informed by the expertise of its team of academics, who Read more...

variable - to suit the learner Full time degree: £4,830 per year (UK)
variable - to suit the learner Part time degree: £2,415 per year (UK)

DPhil in International Relations

University of oxford.

The DPhil programme is a full-time programme of doctoral research in the academic study of International Relations with an expected length Read more...

3 years Full time degree: £15,300 per year (UK)
6 years Part time degree: £7,650 per year (UK)

International Relations and Globalisation (PhD/MPhil)

Cardiff university.

International Relations and Globalisation is a research area within which you can focus your studies as part of our suite of Politics and Read more...

3 years Full time degree
5 years Part time degree

International Relations Joint PhD with the Institute of International Relations at the University of São Paulo

King's college london, university of london.

The units at King’s College London that are participating in the joint PhD are the Brazil Institute and the departments of War Studies Read more...

3 years Full time degree: £6,936 per year (UK)
4 years Part time degree: £3,468 per year (UK)

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Durham University
University of Sussex
University of Reading
University of Aberdeen
University of St Andrews
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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 .

Study PhD in the UK : Admission Requirements, Deadlines, Fees

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Where Tea Breaks and Thesis Breakdowns Collide!

Are you considering pursuing a PhD in the UK? Completing a PhD in the UK in 2024 from the renowned research institutes present in the country adds a unique weight to your resume. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the intricacies of pursuing a PhD course in UK. This blog aims to provide you with practical advice and in-depth insight for prospective PhD students. Whether you are deciding upon the university to pursue your PhD course or you have already dived into the application process, here is all you need to know about pursuing a PhD course in UK.

Overview of PhD in the UK

PhD is one of the highest degrees awarded in UK universities. A PhD involves a substantial research project prepared around a specific topic and area of interest. It typically involves up to 100,000 words woven together within an informative thesis. In the end, once the thesis has been finalised, the candidates go through a stringent oral examination where they are expected to defend their thesis findings in front of a knowledgeable and esteemed group of experts.

The candidates each have an assigned supervisor who helps and assists the students with their research. The duration of a PhD generally ranges from three years (full-time) to 6 years part time PhD in UK. Students can choose from full-time and part time PhD courses on the basis of their requirements. Some of the most popular PhD courses opted by students include Computer Science, Medicine, Engineering, Paramedic Sciences, Law, and many more!

Why Study PhD in the UK?

You can find a plethora of reasons to explore the range of PhD programs in UK. We have listed down a few out of many to help you understand why UK is considered to be one of the best educational destinations in the world:

1. Houses Top-notch Institutions

‍ The UK is home to top universities and educational institutions such as the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University College London, and many more. This allows students to conduct their research using the right resources under the supervision of esteemed professors. The country has established itself as a leader in the academic sector.

2. Research-centric Infrastructure

‍ The universities and academic institutions in the UK provide abundant infrastructural support to students who wish to accomplish their research in the country. The UK cherishes an ages-long tradition of substantial research and has also led some of the most groundbreaking research around the world.

3. Scholarships and Grants

‍ If financial constraints are holding you back from enrolling in a PhD course in UK then do not fret. Various private organisations and universities in UK offer scholarships and financial aid to students who come from humble backgrounds. This eases the financial burden on them and helps in the growth of the research community.

4. Globally Established Footing

‍ A PhD in the UK assists students in building their CV and is regarded as one of the best achievements in their professional careers. It opens multiple doors for students in a varied range of fields.

5. Culturally Immersive Experience

‍ UK, being one of the most preferred student destinations, brings students from all over the world together. One can also explore the vibrant culture of UK and learn about the rich and diverse history that the country has had.

Types of PhD in the UK

There are several types of PhD degrees available in the UK that an individual can pursue. Each of them is tailored with the precision of the respective academic disciplines.

1. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This is the most common doctoral degree of all that one can pursue in the UK. It emphasises the original research based on a specific field, which culminates in a thesis or dissertation at the end.

2. Professional Doctorates

This type of PhD degree is specifically curated for practitioners working in fields of education (EdD), business (DBA), engineering (EngD), and even healthcare ( Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Clinical Psychology)

3. Integrated PhD

An integrated PhD includes a combination of doctoral study with Master’s level coursework. This allows students to seamlessly enter into a PhD after finishing the Master’s degree without actually having to apply for a PhD in the UK separately.

4. Joint or Dual PhD

A dual PhD or a Joint PhD consists of a collaborative partnership between international institutions. The candidate is supposed to undertake the research under the tutelage of two universities and get a single doctoral degree from both institutions combined.

5. PhD by Publication

A PhD by publication is when a candidate, a substantially experienced researcher, is allowed to submit a series of published papers or articles. Along with this, they can also submit a contextualising commentary, which works as a basis for their doctoral thesis.

6. Practice Based PhD

Practice-based PhD candidates are those who pursue fields that require an empirical understanding of the subject. This involves creative arts and design disciplines. This kind of PhD generally involves candidates producing and working on their artistic work and even performances along with their theoretical thesis.

Top Universities for PhD in the UK

Numerous universities in the UK offer top-notch Ph.D. courses in a diverse range of fields. These academic institutions are a major point of attraction for international students pursuing a Ph.D. Here are some of the top universities in the UK and their prominent Ph.D. programmes.

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1. University of Oxford

QC Ranking: #1 Top PhD Course Offered: DPhil in Computer Science, DPhil Socio-Legal Research Eligibility & Admission Requirements: First class or upper second-class bachelor degree with honors in a relevant discipline and four-year undergraduate degree. First class or upper second class 3-year long bachelor degree along with a Master’s with merit or distinction. Average Tuition Fees: £27,770

At the University of Oxford, students can apply for a PhD in Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Social Sciences, Medicine & Health, Humanities, Computer Science, etc.

2. University of Cambridge

QC Ranking: #3 Top PhD Course Offered: PhD in Biological Sciences Eligibility & Admission Requirements: First-class honours degree from a recognized UK university or from an internationally known institution. A Master’s with distinction and relevant work experience. Average Tuition Fees: £31,515

At the University of Cambridge, one can choose from a plethora of domain options for PhD such as Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Archaeology, Criminology, Computation Cognition and Language, etc.

3. Imperial College London

QC Ranking: #6 Top PhD Course Offered: Business School Master’s in Research (MRes) in Finance/ Management Eligibility & Admission Requirements: Four year long undergraduate degree or a Master’s in relevant field along with a significant GMAT/ GRE score. Average Tuition Fees: £36,800

The university offers a variety of PhD courses in eclectic domains such as Aeronautics, Bioengineering, Brain Sciences, Immunology and Inflammation, Life Sciences, etc.

4. University of Edinburgh

QC Ranking: #22 Top PhD Course Offered: Doctor of Philosophy, Philosophy MScR Eligibility & Admission Requirements: First or upper second class honors degree in UK or equivalent international institutions. Master’s with excellent scores in relevant subject. Average Tuition Fees: £26,700

The University of Edinburgh is widely recognised for establishing its cachet as a top business school. It offers a variety of business-oriented Ph.D. courses in the UK, such as Those in Accounting, Business Economics, Finance, Financial Technology, and more.

5. University College London

QC Ranking: #9 Top PhD Course Offered: Management MRes + MPhil/ PhD Eligibility & Admission Requirements: First or upper second class honors degree. Master’s from UK or equivalent from international institutions must have an MA degree. Average Tuition Fees: £28,900

UCL is one of the leading research and management institutes which offers top research programmes. It also offers PhD and doctoral programmes in Computer Science, Engineering and Technology, Paramedic Science, etc.

Admission Requirements & Criteria

The admission requirements to enrol for PhD programs in UK depend from university to university, although some common requirements for admission are as follows:

1. Academic Qualifications ‍

Academic qualifications, which involve the candidate’s previous degrees, including their Master’s or equivalent degree, which is extremely important for a PhD. During some exceptional and rare cases, a student with just a Bachelor’s degree can also be selected based on their skills and previous achievements.

2. Research Proposal

‍ Research proposal plays an important role in getting selected for a PhD course in UK. A well-prepared research proposal that underscores the topic, research questions, methods, and, ultimately, the objective is required during the application process. This document helps the jury assess the feasibility of the proposed research project.

3. References & Letter of Recommendations

References are something which any candidate applying to a PhD program in UK must have. These references should come from professors and previous supervisors who need to attest that the candidate holds high academic abilities research potential, and is best suited for the doctoral program.

4. English Proficiency

‍ English language proficiency is also assessed, especially in the case of PhD in UK for international students. The students whose primary language isn’t English are supposed to demonstrate their proficiency through different tests such as IELTS & TOEFL .

Test Scores Required for PhD in the UK

When one decides to study in the UK, one of the major qualification requirements rises to be is language proficiency. To prove the same, one needs to perform well in exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, and many more and score a required grade or band to enrol in their desired course and university.

Application Process

The application process to pursue a PhD degree in the UK is pretty simple. Here is a step by step guide as to how you can apply for your PhD program in the UK.

1. Choose a discipline. Explore what you really wish to pursue and see what all PhD universities in UK are offering. 2. Submit your application to the respective universities and pay the application fee. 3. Submit all the documents and paperwork required by the university. This may vary from university to university. 4. Write down your research proposal and send it in along with all your other documents. 5. Look for a supervisor who can guide you through your research degree. 6. If you are looking for financial aid or scholarships in UK while you pursue your PhD, apply for them at the same time. 7. Wait for the decision from the respective university.

Cost & Tuition Fees for PhD in the UK

The cost and tuition fees for PhD in the UK depends from university to university and course to course. Although, students who come from humble backgrounds can easily apply for various PhD scholarships in the UK to get financial support.

PhD in UK Scholarships

There is a varied range of scholarships that students who wish to accomplish their PhD in the UK can explore. Here is a list of scholarships that one can apply for while planning to pursue PhD programs in UK. Following are the PhD scholarships UK that you should check out:

Career Prospects after PhD in the UK

The UK, being a flourished economy, offers numerous job opportunities to students after they accomplish their PhD degree in the UK. Following are some of the job prospects that you can look after once you have completed your PhD courses in UK. The prospects can be divided into different types such as - Academic Careers, Industry Careers, Government and Public Sector, and much more. Let’s explore the possibilities:

1. Academic Career Opportunities

Postdoctoral Researcher
Lecturer (Entry-Level)
Senior Lecturer

2. Industry Specific Careers

Research Scientist
Data Scientist
Project Manager

3. Government and Public Sector

Policy Analyst
Government Scientist
Program Evaluation
Entrepreneurship

4. Non-Traditional Careers

Science Writer
Scientific Policy Analyst
Editor (Publishing)
Global Opportunities

All and all, pursuing a PhD degree in the UK opens up a number of opportunities for students who wish to delve deeper into their area of interest. Expanding their knowledge in the respective fields helps these individuals make significant contributions to the fields of academia, a specific industry, and society as a whole.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of opting for phd courses in uk, what is the duration for phd, what describes a student's eligibility to enrol in a phd program in uk, are there fully funded phd programs in uk, is it worth enrolling for a phd course in uk.

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Entry requirements for international PhD applicants

At Sussex, you'll join a community of students and staff from more than 100 countries. We accept applications for postgraduate study from across the world.

International students sit at a table talking at a cafe at the University of Sussex

General entry requirements for international students

At Sussex, our usual entry requirements for UK and international students are:

at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree or equivalent international qualification
a Masters degree if you are applying for research degrees in the arts or social sciences, or an equivalent international qualification.

We may also consider professional qualifications or experience of equivalent standing when making offers.

To find out which qualifications and grades we accept from your country:

search for the PhD you want to study
go to the Entry requirements section and select International requirements
choose your country from the drop-down list.

You can also get advice from Sussex representatives in your country .

Specific entry requirements for international students

You must also meet our specific entry requirements for each research degree. These are listed with each PhD degree .

the grade required for your course
if you need to have an undergraduate qualification in a specific subject
if you need to have a Masters qualification.

If you are an American student, federal regulations state that you must have a secondary school completion credential (high school diploma) or the recognized equivalent of a secondary school completion credential to be eligible to apply for Federal Student Aid. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid .

English language qualifications

All teaching at Sussex is in English. You must be sufficiently fluent in English to be accepted on to your PhD, and this may form part of your offer.

Find out more about our English language requirements

You can also apply to study our Pre-sessional English course .

For some research degrees we may ask you to attend an interview.

If you are an international student, you may be interviewed over the phone or via Skype.

Applying for a visa

If you are an international student, you may need to apply for a student visa to study in the UK.

Find out more about applying for a visa on the Student Hub .

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

You need to apply for ATAS clearance if you are not a national of an European Area (EEA) country or Switzerland, and you are applying for a science or engineering-based PhD.

Find out more about ATAS on the Student Hub .

Can International Students study part-time?

Students can study a part-time course which leads to a Master’s level or above qualification under Student Visa regulations. However, the UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI) imposes a number of restrictions which may mean that it is not a suitable visa route for your course or may not be an appropriate visa for you to hold.

The Student Visa requirements, including attendance monitoring and reporting duties, and application process for a part-time visa are the same as for full-time students but the visa is more restrictive as you cannot:

Undertake any work in the UK (including paid or unpaid work, placements, internships or any other work experience). This means that you cannot obtain a part-time Student Visa for any course that requires a placement or work experience.
Work remotely for an overseas company while in the UK.
Bring family members with you to the UK as visa dependents.

Overseas students are able to study research courses part-time without requiring a Student Visa. They will be expected to attend the University for the equivalent of one week in every academic year. Applicants/students in this position are advised to agree on a schedule of attendance with their supervisor and the relevant Head of Department. Some students will still need to apply for a Visitor Visa in advance of visiting the University. Further information about Visitor Visas can be found at www.aber.ac.uk/en/sscs/visa-support-advice/visas-immigration/visitor-visa/ .

For additional advice and guidance on the visa options for part-time study please contact the International Student Adviser ( [email protected] ).

Phd-Study-In-Uk

Working in the UK – A Guide for International PhD Students

Written by Mark Bennett

Most international students are allowed to work at least some hours whilst pursuing a doctorate in the UK. However, you can't rely on this income as part of your main PhD funding.

General guidelines

Provided you are pursuing a full-time PhD in the UK , you may work alongside your project or programme, provided you do not:

work for more than 20 hours per week, except during any vacations or in the case of an agreed work placement or internship (see below).
engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer.
pursue a career by filling a permanent fulltime vacancy.

In other words you can do most part time jobs. This does not apply in all cases and you should check official guidelines or discuss with your university's international office before making plans or commitments.

Who counts as an international student?

Most students who do not have UK citizenship or settled status in the UK will count as international students for the purpose of paying UK PhD fees, applying for UK PhD funding, or meeting the requirements of a UK student visa (including working whilst studying).

Exceptions apply to:

Irish nationals
EU students with settled status or pre-settled status
People with refugee status

Check with your university if you aren't sure what applies in your case.

Note that, following Brexit, EU students from outside the UK now count as international students.

Can you work to pay for university fees?

Generally, you must be able to pay your course fees and the living expenses of both yourself and any dependants that you bring with you without working in the UK and without recourse to public funds. This will be assessed when you apply for a visa for your PhD .

However, if you have a guaranteed offer of work at the university where you are studying this income may be taken into account when your means are assessed.

Can my husband or wife work in the UK?

A recent change to UK visas has meant that dependents can only be brought with you on PhD courses, doctoral qualification or research-based higher degrees. This means that a husband or wife will be eligible to live with you and should be allowed to work.

If you were given permission to stay in the UK for 12 months or more your husband or wife will be given a visa or passport stamp that allows them to work. They will need a copy of your passport to show the Immigration Officer if they are following you to the UK.

What do I need before I can start work?

You will need to have applied for a National Insurance number to be eligible to work in the UK , but you do not need to have received your National Insurance number before you can start work. You should do this after you have received your offer of employment (your local Benefits Agency in the UK will advise you on how to apply).

What is an internship?

An internship is a short period of paid work, which an employer may offer a potential employee, even if the potential permanent employment is outside the UK . A student subject to conditions restricting employment will be allowed to undertake an internship provided that:

the student has not previously undertaken an internship with the employer
the internship is for not longer than three months
it is an established part of the employer's recruitment procedure
it offers pay and conditions of employment comparable to those for a 'resident worker' doing the same work
it is completed within the current period of leave as a student

Further Information

To find out more about working in the UK during a PhD, see information from:

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
The UK Government

You can also read our own detailed guide to UK visas for PhD students .

Ready to do a PhD?

Search our project listings to find out what you could be studying.

Want More Updates & Advice?

The seven UK Research Councils provide government studentships for PhD research in different subject areas. Our simple guide explains how this funding works, what you can get and how to apply successfully.

You may be able to get a PhD loan of up to £27,892 for a UK doctorate. Our guide explains eligibility, applications and repayments.

Our guide explains the best ways to fund international PhD study in the UK, with information on all the main scholarships available to you.

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) or Doctoral Training Centres (DTCs) provide UK Research Council funded PhD studentships to postgraduate students

The Graduate Route allows international students to stay in the UK for at least two years after graduating. This guide covers everything you need to know, including who is eligible and how to apply.

The Turing Scheme recently replaced the Erasmus programme, but is it any different? Let’s examine the Turing Scheme vs Erasmus debate in detail.

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Working and studying for a PhD at the same time

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Frequently asked questions.

In short, yes, you can work while studying for your PhD.

The hard part to juggle is finding the time to do both. You may find that part-time study is more flexible for you but it takes longer to complete. An excellent way to combine work and study is to get a job within the university you are studying at.

Check out other sources of support for PhD Students .

There are several benefits to both full time and part time PhD study. It can be extremely difficult to juggle a full time postgraduate position alongside working. It’s not called full-time for nothing! This is intensive but you can complete a full time PhD faster than it’s part-time equivalent.

Studying for a PhD is a big commitment, either full time for 3-4 years or part-time for generally 6-7 years. If you want, or need, to be working and studying for PhD this could have an impact on your study: here are some of the things you may find it helpful to think about before starting your PhD.

Is funding for a PhD in the UK enough to live on?

If you are fortunate enough to have full funding for your PhD, your studentship should cover both fees and living expenses and be tax-free. The stipend levels for students studying for a PhD in the UK is set by UK research councils for their own studentships, and this is followed by Universities for their own studentships. These will provide enough to live on and not to have to be working and studying for a PhD.

If you are looking for PhD Funding, you can search for your ideal studentship from the many opportunities we have listed on Postgraduate Studentships. We have a section for Charities and Trusts who are set up to support students looking to get additional financial help with their studies.

How much work is included in a Graduate Teaching Assistantship?

Some PhD studentships are called Graduate Teaching Assistantships – this means that you will be teaching for a certain number of hours in each academic year and this is part of the conditions of the studentship. It is advisable to find out exactly how this works with the University advertising the opportunity. Will you receive separate payments or is this part of the studentship? How many hours will it involve and how will that relate to your PhD? Will you receive training?

If you are considering an academic career, there may be some advantage in getting some initial experience. However you may also struggle with working and studying for a PhD at the same time.

Should I study my PhD full-time or part-time if I need to work?

If you need to work and study, it’s important to think about how you will manage that. Can you study full-time and work at the same time and if so how much work can you do? A full-time PhD is regarded as a full-time commitment. So anything other than a supplementary job for a few hours per week is challenging. Some students start with a full-time PhD and then move to studying the PhD part-time. So you would need to discuss this with your university first.

Planning to study a part-time PhD takes longer overall but it may also give you the time to do your PhD and to make the money you need. If you do decide to study part-time you may already have a job that will allow you to have flexible hours. Think also about part time work in a field that relates to your study. If you need to look for a job that will help you do your PhD, your University is likely to have temporary or part-time jobs that students can apply for on campus – most universities have a database of these jobs for students so you can find out in advance what the pay rates are and if that would be enough.

Universities also have a range of part-time jobs which may be administrative or involve working in labs. If you apply for one of these jobs, especially in your own department, it’s important to make sure you work out how you will manage this. This way, you're prepared for when you are working on your PhD and when you are working on your job.

What if I am an International Student?

If you are an international student in the UK there will be restrictions on how many hours you can work. The UK Government has made some improvements to this. There are more opportunities now to study and work in the UK .

Talking to your University about your options

Your university wants you to succeed at your PhD. It has experienced students working whilst studying and works and what doesn’t. If you are planning to work whilst studying it’s a good idea to talk to your department. These questions may form part of your application process because your Supervisor will want to make sure you have the means to conduct your research as well as support yourself.

Many students study for a PhD and work for at least part of the time and complete their PhD successfully. If you look at the options beforehand, you can plan what works best for you. This way you can get the most from your PhD whilst working at the same time.

Looking for PhD Funding? There are a wide range of study funding opportunities for intending PhD students on PostgraduateStudentships

Receive Email Updates of the latest PhD and Masters opportunities and funding from PostgraduateStudentships and MastersCompare .

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2024 Recipients of the Wolfe Fellowship

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The Faculty of Arts is pleased to announce that six PhD candidates have been awarded the 2024 Wolfe Fellowship.

The Wolfe Chair in Scientific and Technological Literacy supports the Wolfe Graduate Fellowship for McGill graduate students in the Faculty of Arts. The Fellowship supports the research of PhD candidates whose thesis work reflects the themes of the Chair, whose mandate is to conduct research, teach, and perform public outreach regarding the intellectual foundations, nature and methods of scientific and technological innovation and to provide support to well-rounded students capable of making constructive contributions to debates surrounding science, technology, and society.

Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients.

Discover the 2024 cohort of Wolfe Fellows

Discover the 2024 Wolfe Fellows

Name	Department:	Thesis subject/title *:
	Communication Studies	“Psychoanalysis for a Blue Humanities.”
	Art History and Communication Studies	“Long Time, First Time: A History of Call-In Radio in the United States and Canada 1945-1975.”
Jay Ritchie	English	Intermedia and the effects of digitality on poetic production, circulation, and reception from 1970 to 2020
	Anthropology	Temporary marriage among disadvantaged women in Iran
	Communication Studies
	School of Information Studies	Technologies to better support the interrelated needs of older adults living alone for physical activity.

* title mentioned where specified on the Wolfe webpage.

Emma Blackett (she/they), is a PhD candidate in Communication Studies whose work is informed by queer/feminist studies, psychoanalytic theory, film studies, and ecocriticism. Her dissertation, “Psychoanalysis for a Blue Humanities”, offers a critique of environmental subjectivity, taking as its premise the failure of public communications about ecological collapse to provoke action adequate to halting it.

Sadie Couture is a PhD candidate in the Department of Art History and Communication Studies at McGill University working at the intersection of media history, sound studies, and science and technology studies. During her tenure as a Wolfe Fellow, she will be working on my dissertation project, entitled “Long Time, First Time: A History of Call-In Radio in the United States and Canada 1945-1975” which focuses on the origins, development, and conventionalization of call-in radio and traces how technologies, policies, economies, and cultural desires impacted the format and pummeled it—imperfectly—into the shape it is today. Calling-in—using a telephone to connect to a radio station and subsequently be broadcast live—is simultaneously a technical process, a feedback system, satisfies the ‘public good’ criterion of many regulatory regimes, offers an additional way to shape an audience, and generates cheap, usable content.

Jay Ritchie, is a PhD candidate in the Department of English. His SSHRC CGS-funded doctoral research examines how poets created what Fluxus artist Dick Higgins called “intermedia” art, where two or more different artistic media are combined to create an artwork both between and beyond the artwork’s component media. Situating the turn towards intermedia in the context of the emergence of digital technology, his research examines the effects of digitality on poetic production, circulation, and reception from 1970 to 2020.

“Apart from providing vital, sustaining support for research and dissertation writing in the final year of my PhD, the Wolfe Fellowship allows me to attend conferences on digital media, the digital humanities, and science and technology more broadly,” says Jay. “The opportunity to share the research I have conducted while supported by the fellowship and to learn from other academics deepens my intellectual engagement with science and technology in the arts.”

Maryam Roosta , is a PhD candidate in the department of Anthropology at McGill University. Her doctoral dissertation is focused on the practice of temporary marriage among disadvantaged women in Iran. In Twelver Shi’a Islam, temporary marriage or mut’ah is a contract lasting anywhere from an hour to 99 years between a man and an unmarried woman. While mut’ah has traditionally been an urban phenomenon, the introduction of internet has reshaped the social arrangements between men and women who intend to contract mut’ah. Maryam’s research shows that to better understand the boundaries between mut’ah and transactional intimate relations is necessary to attend to the ways in which digital technologies such as the internet both enable and constrain women in contracting such relationships. In addition to Wolfe fellowship, her doctoral research is supported by the Fonds de Recherche du Québec - Société et Culture (FRQSC) and Wenner-Gren foundation.

Mehak Sawhney (she/her) is a PhD candidate and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholar in Communication Studies at McGill University. Her doctoral project titled Audible Waters: Sounding and Surveilling the Indian Ocean traces the production of oceanic territory through underwater sonic technologies in postcolonial India and the subcontinental Indian Ocean. Through a focus on hydrography, military security, conservation, and resource extraction, the project explores the politics of underwater monitoring technologies such as sonars as well as scientific disciplines such as underwater acoustics and bioacoustics. In so doing the project offers media theoretical reflections on the idea of the planetary, ongoing submarine colonialisms, and geopolitically situated ways to think about the relationship between sound, media and the environment.

“The Wolfe fellowship will support me in completing my dissertation as a final year PhD candidate at McGill,” says Mehak. “My dissertation titled Audible Waters: Sounding and Surveilling the Indian Ocean focuses on the production of oceanic territory through underwater sonic technologies in postcolonial India and the subcontinental Indian Ocean. It is based on ethnographic and archival research in India and the US. The fellowship will be very helpful in supporting my work and stay for the next academic session as an international student in Canada.”

Muhe Yang is a PhD candidate in the School of Information Studies at McGill University. Her doctoral research investigates how to design technologies to better support the interrelated needs of older adults living alone for physical activity. Older adults engage in physical activity for myriad purposes, including health benefits, associated sensory pleasures, and increased opportunities of socializing. Yet, older adults, especially those living alone, often encounter various barriers to maintaining their exercise routines, contributing to inactivity and falling short of recommended physical activity levels. Those barriers, including health problems, lack of motivation and social support, lack of exercise resources, not only span across individual, social, and environmental levels but also are often interrelated, as revealed in Muhe’s research findings to date.

For more information on the Wolfe Fellows please visit the Wolfe Fellowship homepage .

Department and University Information

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Part-Time Distance Learning Doctorate for International Students in
The part-time distance learning programme for international students builds on the expertise and infrastructure that we have developed in providing a high quality student learning experience for students who study at a distance. Being able to work whilst studying has a number of benefits - financial ...
Studying part-time
Current PhD students considering changing from full-time to part-time study should read the information under 'Changing your mode of study' on our Changes in Circumstances page. Part-time MPhil or MRes programmes. International students who are admitted onto an MPhil or MRes degree and require visa sponsorship are expected to study full-time.
PhD Education (2025 entry)
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 ...
PhD by Distance
What the programme offers. On the PhD by Distance programme, you will benefit from: the opportunity to study on either a part-time (4-6 years duration) or full-time basis (3-4 years duration) supervision from one or more leading University of Reading academics, working at the forefront of their field. access to a range of high-quality training ...
Part Time PhD Guide
The average tuition fee for part time PhD study in the UK is approximately £2,356 per academic year for home students, and between £8,000 to £12,500 for international students. This is typically 50% of the fee charged for an equivalent full time doctorate. However, a handful of universities use a prorated fee of up to 60% so it's important ...
PhD
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the most common type of doctoral degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. It normally takes between three and four years of full-time work to complete. It is also possible to undertake a PhD part time, over five to six years. The main activity of a PhD is to carry out an original ...
Study PhD in UK: Complete Guide for International Students
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.
Part-time doctoral research
Part-time doctoral research. Our part-time doctoral students make up an important part of our research community. At Reading, we recognise the distinct nature of studying part time, and we have a wealth of experience and resources to help you succeed. If you are thinking of studying for a doctorate part time, you will be in good company.
PhD Postgraduate Degree Courses
If you're applying for a funded PhD, you'll have no fees to pay. As a guide, PhDs cost £4,596 a year (full-time) or £2,298 a year (part-time) for UK/EU students, and £16,200-18,300 a year (full-time) or £8,100-9,150 a year (part-time) for international students. If you are an EU student starting a programme in 2022/23 please visit this page.
PhD part-time
Fees: The total University Composition Fee for the part-time PhD is the same as the full-time route. This normally means that 60% of the full-time fee is charged for each term of registration as a part-time student. College fees are charged on the same basis. Unlike applicants for full-time courses, part-time applicants are not expected to show ...
Considering a Part Time PhD? Here's What You Need to Know
The main difference between part-time PhDs and full-time study is the length of the course. By the end of the PhD you will have completed the same amount of work and produced a full length thesis.. While most students in our Pulse survey data are interested in full-time PhDs, those in the upper age groups (45+ years) are more likely to consider part-time (37% versus 15% between 18-44 year olds).
Study in the UK: the ultimate guide for a PhD in 2025
Commonly accepted UK language tests: IELTS. You'll get a score of 0 to 9 for each category (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), as well as an overall band score. Generally, UK universities ask for a minimum score of 6.0 or 6.5, with some more reputed universities requiring 7.0 or 7.5. TOEFL.
Funded PhD research programmes 2025 UK
The funding for the PhD usually covers 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 ...
UK Visas for PhD Students
The UK's wide range of research-intensive universities make it an excellent choice for PhD study abroad. However, you'll normally need a visa to study for a UK doctorate as an international student.. PhD students are part of the UK's points-based Student Route visa system (previously known as the Tier 4 student visa). Gaining such a visa is not usually complicated, provided you are a genuine ...
International PhD Funding for 2024
There are lots of scholarships available for a PhD in UK for international students. Many funded projects are available to students of all nationalities. ... Value - £2,000 per year towards full-time tuition fees (pro rata equivalent available for part-time students) Other criteria - Nominated students must be researching topics with a ...
Part time PhD International Relations
Anglia Ruskin University. (4.2) Explore international relations in theory and practice our PhD programme will support you in discovering and creating new knowledge about Read more... 2 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK) 2.5 years Full time degree: £4,786 per year (UK) 3 years Part time degree: £2,392 per year (UK) 3.5 years Part ...
Get a studentship to fund your doctorate
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.
Study PhD in the UK : Admission Requirements, Deadlines, Fees
The duration of a PhD generally ranges from three years (full-time) to 6 years part time PhD in UK. Students can choose from full-time and part time PhD courses on the basis of their requirements. Some of the most popular PhD courses opted by students include Computer Science, Medicine, Engineering, Paramedic Sciences, Law, and many more!
Entry requirements for international PhD applicants
At Sussex, our usual entry requirements for UK and international students are: at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree or equivalent international qualification; a Masters degree if you are applying for research degrees in the arts or social sciences, or an equivalent international qualification.
Can International Students study part-time? : Study With Us
Students can study a part-time course which leads to a Master's level or above qualification under Student Visa regulations. However, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) imposes a number of restrictions which may mean that it is not a suitable visa route for your course or may not be an appropriate visa for you to hold. The Student Visa ...
PhD Programs in UK: Top Universities, Duration, Application Process
The average cost to study PhD in UK can range between £26,500 to £38,400. The exact cost depends on various factors such as your university, course, and whether you are pursuing the course full-time or part-time. Apart from this, international students will also have to bear additional charges such as accommodation and cost of living in UK.
Working in the UK
General guidelines. Provided you are pursuing a full-time PhD in the UK, you may work alongside your project or programme, provided you do not: work for more than 20 hours per week, except during any vacations or in the case of an agreed work placement or internship (see below). engage in business, self-employment or provide services as a ...
Working and studying for a PhD at the same time
Studying for a PhD is a big commitment, either full time for 3-4 years or part-time for generally 6-7 years. If you want, or need, to be working and studying for PhD this could have an impact on your study: here are some of the things you may find it helpful to think about before starting your PhD. Is funding for a PhD in the UK enough to live ...
PGCE M 14+ Dance
If your bachelor's degree is not from a recognised UK higher education institution, advice will be taken from the International Office on comparability. You must possess suitable Level 2 qualifications in English and Mathematics; for instance, GCSEs at grade 4-9 (or grade C or above) or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Mathematics.
2024 Recipients of the Wolfe Fellowship
The Faculty of Arts is pleased to announce that six PhD candidates have been awarded the 2024 Wolfe Fellowship. The Wolfe Chair in Scientific and Technological Literacy supports the Wolfe Graduate Fellowship for McGill graduate students in the Faculty of Arts. The Fellowship supports the research of PhD candidates whose thesis work reflects the themes of the Chair, whose mandate is to conduct ...

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