Top PhD Scholarships in the UK for 2025

Pursuing a PhD can be a rewarding yet challenging journey, especially when it comes to financing your studies. Fortunately, the UK offers a variety of PhD scholarships to support international and domestic students in their academic endeavors. These scholarships can cover tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs, making it easier for students to focus on their studies and research.

In this article, we will explore some of the best PhD scholarships available in the UK for 2025, including eligibility criteria and application details.

1. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Scholarships

The UKRI offers a range of funding options for postgraduate research students through various councils, including the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). These scholarships are aimed at supporting outstanding students in their research.

Eligibility: Open to both UK and international students, depending on the specific council.
Award Amount: Tuition fees and a stipend for living costs (varies by council).
How to Apply: Applications are typically made through individual universities or research councils.
Website: UKRI

2. The Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships available for international students. It is awarded to outstanding applicants from outside the UK who wish to pursue a PhD at the University of Cambridge.

Eligibility: Open to international students who have received an offer to study at Cambridge.
Award Amount: Full tuition, living expenses, and additional funding for travel and research.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the University of Cambridge’s admissions process.
Website: Gates Cambridge

3. The Clarendon Fund at the University of Oxford

The Clarendon Fund offers around 140 new scholarships each year to graduate students at the University of Oxford, including PhD candidates. The fund aims to attract the best and brightest students from around the world.

Eligibility: Open to all graduate students at the University of Oxford, regardless of nationality.
Award Amount: Covers tuition fees and provides a generous annual living allowance.
How to Apply: Automatic consideration for the scholarship is given to students applying for a graduate course at Oxford.
Website: Clarendon Fund

4. The Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarships are aimed at students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries who cannot afford to study in the UK without financial assistance. These scholarships support various postgraduate studies, including PhD programs.

Eligibility: Open to students from eligible Commonwealth countries.
Award Amount: Tuition fees, airfare, and a living allowance.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Website: Commonwealth Scholarships

5. The Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK government, provide opportunities for outstanding students from around the world to pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK. While primarily for master’s programs, some Chevening partnerships may extend to PhD funding.

Eligibility: Open to citizens of Chevening-eligible countries with a strong academic and professional background.
Award Amount: Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Chevening website.
Website: Chevening Scholarships

6. The Royal Society Grants and Fellowships

The Royal Society offers various grants and fellowships for PhD students in the sciences and engineering fields. These funding options are aimed at promoting excellence in research.

Eligibility: Open to UK and international students pursuing PhD studies in eligible fields.
Award Amount: Varies based on the specific grant or fellowship; typically includes tuition and living expenses.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through the Royal Society’s funding application portal.
Website: Royal Society Grants

7. The AHRC Scholarships

The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) provides funding for postgraduate students in the arts and humanities, including PhD candidates. These scholarships are available through specific universities and partnerships.

Eligibility: Open to UK and EU students; some funding may be available for international students depending on the program.
Award Amount: Tuition fees and a living allowance.
How to Apply: Applications are typically made through participating universities.
Website: AHRC

8. University-Specific Scholarships

Many UK universities offer their own scholarships for PhD students. Here are a few notable examples:

a. University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh offers a range of scholarships for postgraduate research students, including the Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships.

Eligibility: Open to international students applying for a PhD at Edinburgh.
Award Amount: Covers the tuition fee difference between the home and international rates.
Website: University of Edinburgh Scholarships

b. University of Manchester

The University of Manchester offers various scholarships for international PhD students, including the President’s Doctoral Scholar Award.

Eligibility: Open to students from any country who have applied for a PhD program at Manchester.
Award Amount: Covers tuition fees and provides a stipend.
Website: University of Manchester Scholarships

c. King’s College London

King’s College London offers various scholarships for international PhD students, including the King’s International Scholarships.

Eligibility: Open to all international PhD applicants.
Award Amount: Varies based on the scholarship; often includes tuition and living costs.
Website: King’s College London Scholarships

9. The International PhD Program at the University of Warwick

The University of Warwick offers various scholarships for international students pursuing a PhD. The Warwick International Excellence Scholarships are aimed at attracting talented students from around the world.

Eligibility: Open to international students applying for a PhD program at Warwick.
Award Amount: Tuition fees and living expenses.
Website: University of Warwick Scholarships

10. The Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Scholarships

The Leverhulme Trust offers scholarships for PhD students in the arts and humanities. These scholarships are designed to support innovative research projects.

Eligibility: Open to UK and international students pursuing PhDs in eligible fields.
Award Amount: Varies; typically includes tuition and living costs.
How to Apply: Applications are submitted through participating universities.
Website: Leverhulme Trust

Tips for Applying for PhD Scholarships

1. Start Early

Begin researching scholarship opportunities well in advance to meet application deadlines and prepare necessary documents.

2. Tailor Your Applications

Customize your application materials, including personal statements and research proposals, to reflect how you meet the specific criteria for each scholarship.

3. Gather Strong Supporting Documents

Ensure your academic transcripts, CV, recommendation letters, and research proposals are well-organized and clearly presented.

4. Seek Guidance

Reach out to academic advisors, mentors, or faculty members for support and feedback on your application materials.

Conclusion

There are many funding opportunities available for PhD students in the UK, ranging from government scholarships to university-specific awards. By thoroughly researching your options, meeting application deadlines, and presenting strong applications, you can increase your chances of securing financial support for your PhD studies in 2025.