PhD funding for Indian students in UK comes through three main routes: university scholarships, UKRI research council studentships and India-only trust awards. Many of these pay your full tuition fees and give you £21,805 (₹28.07 lakh) or more each year to live on.
Some of the best-known options are Gates Cambridge, Clarendon, Imperial's President's PhD Scholarships and the Felix Scholarship. Many students also look for a British Council scholarship for PhD in UK for Indian students, though most British Council awards are for master's courses. For 2027 entry, the first deadline is in November 2026, and most close by March 2027.
In this article, you'll find the top PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK and what each one pays for. You'll also learn who can apply, which documents you need, how to apply and when to start.
List of PhD Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
You have more choices than you might expect. Some PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK come from top universities. Others come from UK research councils, and a few are run by trusts that only fund Indian students. Most scholarships for Indian students to do PhD in UK pay your full fees and a yearly stipend. Where they differ is who can apply and when.
The table below lists each major PhD scholarship in UK for Indian students for 2027 entry, with what it pays and when it closes.
Scholarship
What It Covers
Who Can Apply
When to Apply (2027 Entry)
Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge)
Full fees, £23,152 (₹29.81 lakh) a year, flights, visa costs and health surcharge
Any non-UK student applying for a full-time PhD
8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027, based on your course
Clarendon Scholarship (University of Oxford)
Full fees and a living grant of at least the UKRI rate
Any nationality, any subject
Your course deadline in December or January
President's PhD Scholarships (Imperial College London)
Full fees, £27,036 (₹34.81 lakh) a year and £2,000 (₹2.57 lakh) a year for research
First class or distinction, with a supervisor on board
2 November 2026, 11 January 2027 or 1 March 2027
Chancellor's International Scholarship (University of Warwick)
Full overseas fees, UKRI-rate stipend and a £5,000 (₹6.44 lakh) research grant
Overseas fee payers starting a new PhD
Usually early December
President's Doctoral Scholar Award (University of Manchester)
Tuition fees and £21,805 (₹28.07 lakh) a year
All nationalities
Projects open from 30 October 2026
UKRI Studentships
Stipend and home fees; many universities pay the rest
International students, up to 30% of places
Mostly November to February
Felix Scholarship (University of Oxford, University of Reading, SOAS University of London)
Full fees, around £19,000 (₹24.46 lakh) a year at University of Oxford and a return flight
Indian citizens with a first-class degree and financial need
December 2026 to early 2027
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
Up to USD 120,000 (₹1.13 crore) in total
Indian passport holders living in India, born on or after 1 January 1996
Usually around March
Hinduja PhD Scholarships (King's College London)
Full fees, £24,780 (₹31.90 lakh) a year and £5,000 (₹6.44 lakh) a year for research
Indian nationals in biomedical engineering
Watch King's College London for the 2027 call
Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarship (St John's College, University of Cambridge)
Fees and living costs
Indian nationals living in India, under 35
Check the St John's College page
Note: Amounts and dates change almost every year. Check the official page before you apply.
These scholarships fall into four simple groups, and each group works a little differently.
Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in UK
A fully funded scholarship pays your fees and your living costs, which means you don't have to touch your savings for rent, food or bills. If you're looking for a PhD scholarship for Indian students to study in UK, this is the type to aim for.
Fully funded PhD scholarships in UK usually cover these parts:
Tuition fees: Paid in full, every year of your PhD.
Stipend: A yearly amount for rent, food, travel and bills.
Research money: Some awards add extra for lab items, books or conferences.
Travel and visa: Only a few pay for this. Gates Cambridge does, and Hinduja doesn't.
Most awards run for 3 to 4 years. Imperial College London and University of Warwick fund 3.5 years, while Gates Cambridge goes up to 4.
UK Government-Funded PhD Scholarships
If you want government-backed PhD funding for Indian students in UK, the main route is a UKRI studentship. UKRI stands for UK Research and Innovation, the country's biggest public research funder. You'll mostly find these studentships linked to set research projects at universities.
This is how UKRI funding works for international students:
Stipend: £21,805 (₹28.07 lakh) a year for 2026-27, or £23,805 (₹30.65 lakh) in London. It's tax-free.
Fees: UKRI pays home fees of £5,238 (₹6.74 lakh). Many universities pay the rest of the international fee.
Seats: Up to 30% of places in each programme can go to international students.
How to apply: You apply through a university's Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) or Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), not directly to UKRI.
Not covered: Visa fees, flights and the health surcharge.
University-Specific PhD Scholarships
Most options for a fully funded PhD scholarship for Indian students in UK come straight from universities. Each university sets its own process, so how you apply matters as much as what you get. Some consider you automatically, while others need a separate form.
The table below shows how six top universities select their scholars.
University
Scholarship
How You're Considered
University of Oxford
Clarendon Scholarship
Automatically, when you apply by the December or January course deadline
University of Cambridge
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
Through the Gates section of your course application
Imperial College London
President's PhD Scholarships
Get a supervisor to agree first, then apply online
University of Warwick
Chancellor's International Scholarship
Separate course form and scholarship form
University of Manchester
President's Doctoral Scholar Award
Apply to one of the listed projects
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships
Apply for the PhD first, then the scholarship
Scholarships for Specific Subjects or Research Areas
Some scholarships for Indian students to do PhD in UK only fund certain subjects. It's a good idea to check funding while you choose your PhD, not after you've applied.
These subject-linked options are worth knowing about:
Biomedical engineering: Hinduja PhD Scholarships at King's College London.
Social sciences, arts and humanities: Inlaks has a PhD tie-up with King's College London in these areas.
Arts, heritage and humanities: Charles Wallace India Trust gives small grants of under £1,000 (₹1.29 lakh) to Indian students close to finishing their PhD.
Science and engineering: UKRI funds many projects through research councils like EPSRC and BBSRC.
If you were hoping for a British Council scholarship for PhD in UK for Indian students, the Charles Wallace India Trust grant is the closest match. Most other awards on the British Council India page are for master's study.
Most students think a PhD scholarship for Indian students in UK only pays fees. The better scholarships also cover your rent, your research and sometimes your flight to UK. What you get depends on the award you win.
The table below shows what PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK usually pay for.
Funding Benefit
What It May Cover
Tuition Fees
Full international fees, or home fees only under UKRI
Living Stipend
£21,805 to £27,036 (₹28.07 lakh to ₹34.81 lakh) a year
Research Expenses
£5,000 (₹6.44 lakh) at University of Warwick, £2,000 (₹2.57 lakh) a year at Imperial College London
Travel Allowance
Return flights with Gates Cambridge and Felix, one-way with Inlaks
Health/Insurance Support
Health surcharge of £776 (₹99,902) a year, paid by Gates Cambridge
Other Benefits
Visa fees, child allowance and conference funding
Tuition Fee Coverage
Tuition is the biggest cost of any PhD. The best PhD scholarship in UK for Indian students will pay it in full, while a few only pay part of it.
Here's the difference to watch for:
Full international fees: Gates Cambridge, Clarendon, Imperial College London, University of Warwick, Felix and Hinduja.
Home fees only: UKRI pays £5,238 (₹6.74 lakh), and the university may or may not cover the rest.
Monthly or Annual Stipend
A stipend is the part of PhD funding for Indian students in UK that you live on, covering rent, food and bills. It's usually paid every month, and UKRI stipends are tax-free.
The table below compares yearly stipends for the main awards.
Scholarship
Yearly Stipend
UKRI (outside London)
£21,805 (₹28.07 lakh)
UKRI (London)
£23,805 (₹30.65 lakh)
Gates Cambridge Scholarship
£23,152 (₹29.81 lakh)
Hinduja PhD Scholarships
£24,780 (₹31.90 lakh)
President's PhD Scholarships
£27,036 (₹34.81 lakh)
Felix Scholarship (University of Oxford)
Around £19,000 (₹24.46 lakh)
Note: London is pricier to live in, which is why London stipends are higher. Plan your monthly budget around the city you'll study in.
Additional Benefits
The extra benefits in a PhD scholarship for Indian students to study in UK often make a bigger difference than students expect. They cover costs your stipend won't stretch to.
Look out for these add-ons:
Research grants: £5,000 (₹6.44 lakh) at University of Warwick, and £5,000 (₹6.44 lakh) every year with Hinduja.
Conference funding: Gates Cambridge offers £750 to £4,000 (₹96,555 to ₹5.15 lakh) for conferences and short courses.
Family support: Gates Cambridge gives up to £12,793 (₹16.47 lakh) a year for one child.
Visa and health: Gates Cambridge pays your visa costs and health surcharge.
Every PhD scholarship for Indian students in UK sets its own rules, but most of them check the same basics. It's worth going through these before you spend hours on forms.
The six checks below apply to most PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK.
Academic Qualifications
Your grades carry a lot of weight when you apply for a PhD scholarship in UK for Indian students. Top awards look for strong marks, and some ask for a first class.
The table below shows the grade rules for four popular awards.
Scholarship
Minimum Academic Requirement
President's PhD Scholarships (Imperial College London)
First class, or a distinction in your master's
President's Doctoral Scholar Award (University of Manchester)
First class or 2:1, or the Indian equivalent
Felix Scholarship
First-class bachelor's degree from an Indian university
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship
At least 65% or CGPA 6.8/10 for social sciences and humanities
Research Proposal
Almost every PhD scholarship for Indian students to study in UK asks for a research proposal. It shows what you want to study and why it matters. Even a great profile can suffer if the proposal is weak.
A strong proposal answers these four questions:
What problem are you trying to solve?
Why does it matter?
How will you carry out the research?
Why this university and this supervisor?
Most universities want it with your PhD application. Some supervisors will also help you shape it before you apply.
English Language Proficiency
Most scholarships for Indian students to do PhD in UK need proof of good English. IELTS is the most common test, and many universities also accept TOEFL and PTE.
Scores differ from one university to another. University of Oxford uses two levels:
Standard level: IELTS 7.0 overall, with 6.5 in each part.
Higher level: IELTS 7.5 overall, with 7.0 in each part.
Your course page will show the exact score you need. Book your test early, since results can take a while to arrive.
Research Experience
Research experience isn't always required. It does help you stand out when hundreds of strong students chase the same PhD scholarship for Indian students in UK.
These can make your profile stronger:
Published papers or conference talks
A solid master's thesis in your field
Research projects or lab internships
Awards for project work
Admission Offer
This part confuses a lot of students. Do you need a university offer before you apply for the scholarship? It depends on the award.
This is how it works for the main scholarships:
Offer needed before you apply: Inlaks.
Apply to the course first: University of Edinburgh and University of Warwick.
Assessed along with your course application: Clarendon and Gates Cambridge.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Some rules have nothing to do with grades. Miss even one, and your application may not be considered.
Keep an eye on these:
Nationality: Felix, Inlaks, Hinduja and Dr Manmohan Singh are only for Indian students.
Where you live: Inlaks needs you to be living in India when you apply.
Age: Inlaks needs you born on or after 1 January 1996, and Dr Manmohan Singh is for students under 35.
Fee status: University of Warwick's award is only for overseas fee payers.
Financial need: Felix checks this closely.
No deferral: University of Warwick's scholarship can't be moved to the next year.
Documents Required for PhD Scholarship Applications
Getting your documents ready almost always takes longer than planned, because this is the most time consuming and crucial step. Reference letters alone can take a few weeks, so it's best to start early.
Tell them why you want this PhD and why you're a good fit
Academic References
Usually two or three letters from your professors
CV/Resume
List your research work, papers and awards
English Language Test Score
IELTS, TOEFL or PTE results, where asked
Admission Offer
Needed first for some awards, like Inlaks
Passport
Proves your nationality
Other Supporting Documents
A supervisor statement, proof of financial need, or a portfolio for arts subjects
Note: Many application portals only accept PDF files. Keep clear, readable scans of everything in one folder.
How to Apply for PhD Scholarships in UK
Applying for PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK is a step-by-step process. Follow the right order and each step feels simpler. Skip one, and you could lose your chance at the scholarship.
These seven steps take you from your first search to your final offer.
Research Suitable Scholarships
Start by building a shortlist of five to eight scholarships that genuinely fit your profile. It's better to focus on a few strong options than apply everywhere.
Before adding a scholarship to your list, ask yourself:
Does it fund my subject?
Can Indian students apply?
Does it pay full fees or only part of them?
Check Scholarship and University Requirements
Each scholarship has its own process. Some consider you automatically, while others need a separate application.
Check these points for every scholarship on your list:
Separate form: University of Warwick needs a scholarship form on top of your course application.
Automatic consideration: Clarendon at University of Oxford doesn't need a separate form.
Supervisor first: Imperial College London needs a supervisor's agreement before you apply.
Different deadlines: Course and scholarship dates aren't always the same.
Prepare Your Research Proposal
Your proposal is your pitch to the university. It should match your supervisor's work and the scholarship's focus.
Keep these points in mind while writing it:
Stick to one clear research question.
Use simple, direct language.
Show a plan you can finish in 3 to 4 years.
Explain why this university suits your research.
Apply for PhD Admission
Most scholarships begin with your PhD application. You'll apply through the university's online portal, and some awards are part of the same form. At University of Cambridge, for example, the Gates Cambridge section sits inside your course application.
Don't leave this until the last week. Some programmes have very few seats.
Submit the Scholarship Application
Deadlines matter a lot here, since late applications are rarely accepted. Aim to submit at least a week before the closing date.
These are the earliest dates to plan around for 2027 entry:
2 November 2026: Imperial College London, first round
Early December 2026: University of Warwick, usually
8 December 2026 or 6 January 2027: Gates Cambridge, based on your course
December 2026 or January 2027: Clarendon, through your University of Oxford course deadline
Around March 2027: Inlaks, usually
Attend an Interview if Required
Some scholarships add an interview round after shortlisting. Felix, for example, interviews shortlisted students in India.
Interviewers usually ask about:
Your research proposal: What you plan to study and why it matters.
Your goals: Where you see yourself after the PhD.
Your choice: Why this PhD, this university and this supervisor.
These simple steps can help you prepare:
Practise explaining your research in plain, simple words.
Read your proposal again the night before.
Keep two or three examples of your past research ready.
Prepare one or two questions to ask the panel at the end.
Receive the Scholarship Decision
Results usually arrive a few months after the deadline. Imperial College London, for example, shares decisions by 31 January, 15 April or 31 May 2027, depending on the round you applied in.
Once you get an offer, these are your next steps:
Accept it before the given date.
Meet any conditions, like final marks or an IELTS score.
Get your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from the university.
Apply for your student visa. The fee is £558 (₹71,837), and the health surcharge is £776 (₹99,902) a year.
Top PhD scholarships get far more applicants than they have places. Often, small details are what set one strong profile apart from another.
These five tips can make the biggest difference to your application.
Build a Strong Academic Profile
Good grades help you get noticed. Research work shows you're ready for a PhD.
You can build a stronger profile with:
Good marks in your final year and master's
A solid master's thesis in your field
Papers, posters or conference talks
Prepare a Focused Research Proposal
A clear, focused proposal works better than a complicated one. Reviewers want to understand your idea quickly, not decode big words.
Make sure your proposal has:
One clear research problem
A real gap that your work will fill
A method you can realistically finish in 3 to 4 years
Choose the Right Supervisor and Research Area
The right supervisor can make a huge difference to your chances. At Imperial College London, you can't apply for the President's PhD Scholarships without one.
Before you email a potential supervisor:
Read their recent papers.
Show how your idea links to their work.
Keep your email short and clear.
Attach your CV and a short research summary.
Apply to Multiple Suitable Scholarships
Relying on a single award is risky, since most scholarships select very few students. Applying to several gives you more than one shot.
Apply smartly by following these points:
Only pick awards you're eligible for.
Mix well-known scholarships with smaller, India-only ones.
Track every deadline in one simple sheet.
Submit Before the Deadline
Last-minute uploads go wrong more often than you'd think. University of Warwick, for example, doesn't accept late applications for any reason.
Leaving it late puts you at risk of:
Slow portals: Websites often slow down close to the deadline.
Failed uploads: Files may be too large or in the wrong format.
Late references: Professors may send their letters after the closing date.
A little planning helps you avoid all three:
Submit at least a week before the deadline.
Remind your referees two weeks in advance.
Save every file as a clear PDF.
Keep a copy of your submitted form.
Conclusion
PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK are competitive, yet many students win them every year with the right planning. The top awards pay your full fees and give you £21,805 (₹28.07 lakh) or more a year. Some, like Gates Cambridge, also cover your flights, visa and health surcharge.
You also have more than one route. Clarendon and the President's PhD Scholarships are open to all, while Felix, Inlaks and Hinduja are only for Indian students. The first 2027 deadline closes on 2 November 2026, so it's best to start now.
Your next steps are simple:
Shortlist: Pick five to eight scholarships you're eligible for.
Supervisor: Reach out to one whose work matches your research idea.
Proposal: Start writing it early and revise it more than once.
Deadlines: Track every course and scholarship date in one sheet.
Can Indian students do a PhD in UK without paying any fees?
Yes, it's possible with the right scholarship. Many PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK pay your full tuition fees and give you a yearly stipend for living costs. Gates Cambridge pays £23,152 (₹29.81 lakh) a year, and the President's PhD Scholarships at Imperial College London pay £27,036 (₹34.81 lakh) a year. Both also cover your full fees, so you don't pay anything towards tuition.
Is there a British Council scholarship for PhD in UK for Indian students?
At present, there's no fully funded British Council scholarship for PhD in UK for Indian students. The British Council's GREAT Scholarships and Women in STEM Scholarships are only for one-year master's courses. It does list Charles Wallace India Trust grants of under £1,000 (₹1.29 lakh), which go to Indian students in the final stage of a PhD in arts, heritage or humanities. For full funding, you'll need to look at university awards, UKRI studentships or India-only trusts like Felix and Inlaks.
Can Indian students apply for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship?
Not right now. The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship is only open to a small list of countries, and India isn't one of them. Indian students can still apply for the Commonwealth Master's Scholarship. If you're looking for a fully funded PhD scholarship in UK for Indian students, Felix, Inlaks, Gates Cambridge and Clarendon are stronger options.
Can I get a PhD scholarship for Indian students in UK without IELTS?
It depends on the university you apply to. Most universities ask for IELTS, TOEFL or PTE, and a few may accept other proof of English. University of Oxford, for example, asks for IELTS 7.0 or 7.5 overall depending on the course. Always check your course page first, because every PhD scholarship for Indian students in UK expects you to meet the university's English rules.
Which PhD funding for Indian students in UK is only for Indians?
A handful of awards are open only to Indian students. These include the Felix Scholarship, the Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship, Hinduja PhD Scholarships at King's College London and the Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarship at University of Cambridge. Since fewer people can apply, this PhD funding for Indian students in UK often has less competition than awards open to the whole world. Each one has its own rules on age, subject and where you live.
Can I apply for more than one PhD scholarship at the same time?
Yes, you can usually apply for several scholarships for Indian students to do PhD in UK in the same year. It's actually a smart move, since top awards take very few students. Keep in mind that some awards reduce their funding if you accept another big scholarship. Gates Cambridge, for example, may cut or stop its maintenance allowance in that case, so read the rules before you accept two offers.
Can I take my family with me on a PhD scholarship?
Yes, PhD students are allowed to bring dependants to UK on a student visa. Each family member also pays the health surcharge of £776 (₹99,902) a year. A few awards help with family costs, like Gates Cambridge, which gives up to £12,793 (₹16.47 lakh) a year for one child. Most PhD scholarships for Indian students to study in UK don't pay anything extra for a partner, so plan those costs separately.
Is there an age limit for PhD scholarships in UK?
Most PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK don't have an age limit. A few do, so it's worth checking before you apply. Inlaks needs you to be born on or after 1 January 1996, and the Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarship is for students under 35. University awards like Clarendon and Gates Cambridge don't set any age limit.
Do I need a master's degree to get a PhD scholarship in UK?
Not always, as it depends on the award. Imperial College London and the Felix Scholarship accept a first-class bachelor's degree. Other scholarships for Indian students to do PhD in UK, like the Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarship, need a master's degree from an Indian university. Even where it's optional, a master's with good marks can make your application much stronger.
Can I work part-time while on a funded PhD?
Your student visa lets you work up to 20 hours a week during term time. Some scholarships set their own rules on paid work, so read your award letter carefully. For most students on PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK, the stipend covers everyday costs like rent, food and travel. Part-time teaching or lab work can still help you earn extra and build your CV.
Can Indian students get a PhD scholarship without work experience?
Yes, work experience is rarely required. Almost every major PhD scholarship in UK for Indian students looks at your grades, research proposal and research potential instead. Published papers, a strong master's thesis or lab projects can help your PhD scholarship for Indian students to study in UK application stand out. That's why strong academics matter more than job experience for PhD funding for Indian students in UK.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |5018 articles published
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