How to get PhD funding?

[Joseph Glass]

Hi everyone!

I reside in Amsterdam and I am looking forward to join a PhD program in the UK. But it’s turning out to be really expensive, around £20,000 for the first two years! Earlier, I did a part time job and self-funded for my Master’s degree which I finished last year in June. And now, I have exhausted all my savings and self-funding is not an option for me. Also, I am pretty much unaware of the funding ‘options’ available in UK. So, if someone could enlighten me on the funding process in UK, and from where I can get funding, it would be really appreciated!

[ChloeBracker]

Have you searched for the institution where you want to apply? If you have, then try talking to their management head. As far as I know, most of the universities offer scholarships to their students. If that’s the case, then you won’t have to look for funding elsewhere.

[Joseph Glass]

I have applied at few universities like Universities of Glasgow, Sheffield and Oxford. I haven’t taken admission anywhere, first I want to secure the money required for doing PhD.

[ChloeBracker]

University of Sheffield offers a fully funded PhD program, though I don’t know their procedure. Also, most of the funding processes have some deadlines. You can either write to them or simply call up to clear your thoughts.

[TobyB026]

You can also seek help from European Research Council. And like ChloeBracker said, most of the universities provide substantial scholarships, which also include other costs apart from annual tuition fees such as living expenses.

[Lilly Howitt]

Hey, if you’re open to other options as well then you can try for PhD studentship. They are basically jobs related with teaching and research that you can do while doing your PhD. Not only will it solve your funding problems but also help you set your career.

[Lilly Howitt]

Also, I asked a friend of mine who was also looking for funding, and here’s what I got to know. There are 7 different research councils that provide funding of around £13,500 to more than 7,000 students per year. Scholarships provided by the colleges are usually limited and yes, you can opt for career-sponsorship schemes and work as a social worker, teacher etc. Lastly, you can apply for a professional and career development loan.

[Joseph Glass]

Would doing a job hinder my performance?
I am still confused as to what is the best option for me!

[TobyB026]

I think the best way of funding is to find a college that offers complete funding of PhD course. You won’t have to go looking for external bodies or do some tedious job. All you have to do is concentrate on your studies.

[ChloeBracker]

There are various organizations that offer scholarships to international students. Some of the scholarships that you can apply for are Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship plan, Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme and Overseas Research Students Award Scheme. UNESCO and WHO offers some schemes for international students also. You can check it out!

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