Indian students planning to pursue a PhD in UK can benefit from several fully funded scholarship opportunities. Prestigious awards such as the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship, Gates Cambridge Scholarship, and Clarendon Scholarship cover tuition fees, annual living stipends (often exceeding £20,000), and travel expenses. Most scholarship applications open between August and October for admission in the following academic year.
This guide covers the top fully funded PhD scholarships in UK, leading university scholarships, eligibility criteria, required documents, the application process, timelines, and practical tips to help Indian students secure funding for their doctoral studies.
Top Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in UK for Indian Students
The UK offers several prestigious scholarships that provide comprehensive financial support to outstanding doctoral candidates. These scholarships are funded by UK government and leading universities, covering tuition fees, annual living stipends, research expenses, airfare, and other academic costs.
The information below highlights some of the best fully funded PhD scholarships in UK for Indian students based on information from the official scholarship providers.
Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees, monthly living stipend, approved airfare, study travel grant, and other approved allowances.
Eligibility: Indian citizens with a first-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent), a strong academic background, and demonstrated financial need.
Funding Coverage: Full University Composition Fee, annual maintenance allowance of £22,050 (approximately ₹27.34 lakh), economy airfare, visa costs, and additional academic funding where applicable.
Eligibility: Outstanding international applicants admitted to a full-time PhD program at the University of Cambridge.
Study Level: PhD.
3. Clarendon Scholarship (University of Oxford)
Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees and an annual living stipend of at least £20,780 (approximately ₹25.77 lakh).
Eligibility: Applicants admitted to eligible graduate programs at the University of Oxford with an excellent academic record.
Study Level: PhD.
4. Chancellor's International Scholarship (University of Warwick)
Funding Coverage: Full overseas tuition fees, an annual maintenance stipend in line with UKRI rates, and a Research, Training and Supporting Grant (RTSG).
Eligibility: High-achieving international applicants holding an offer for a PhD program at the University of Warwick.
Study Level: PhD.
5. President's PhD Scholarship (Imperial College London)
Funding Coverage: Full tuition fees, an annual stipend of £26,500 (approximately ₹32.86 lakh), and a £2,000 (approximately ₹2.48 lakh) annual consumables fund for the first three years.
Eligibility: Exceptional applicants with outstanding academic performance and strong research potential applying for a new PhD at Imperial College London.
Study Level: PhD.
The funding, eligibility criteria, and scholarship benefits listed above are based on the latest information published by the respective scholarship providers and universities. Scholarship values and application requirements may change each academic year, so applicants should always verify the latest details before applying.
University Scholarships for PhD in UK
Many leading UK universities offer fully funded doctoral scholarships to attract outstanding international researchers. These scholarships generally cover tuition fees and provide annual living stipends, while some also include research grants and additional funding for conferences or academic activities. Below are some of the most prestigious PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK offered directly by UK universities.
Tuition fee support, annual stipend, and additional funding opportunities depending on the faculty and research program
Note: Scholarship funding, eligibility, and benefits may vary by department and academic year. Applicants should refer to the respective university's official scholarship page for the latest information before applying.
Eligibility Criteria for PhD Scholarships in UK
The eligibility requirements for PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK vary depending on the scholarship provider and university. However, most government-funded and university-funded scholarships assess applicants based on their academic achievements, research potential, and overall suitability for doctoral study.
Academic Qualifications
Applicants are generally expected to hold a master's degree in a relevant field with an excellent academic record. Some universities may also consider candidates with an outstanding bachelor's degree for integrated PhD programs.
Research Proposal
Most doctoral scholarships require a well-structured research proposal that clearly outlines the research objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and the significance of the proposed study.
English Language Proficiency
Applicants may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE, unless they qualify for an exemption under the university's language policy.
Admission Offer
Many scholarships require candidates to have either applied for or secured admission to an eligible PhD program before they can be considered for funding.
Academic References
Most universities ask applicants to submit two or three academic recommendation letters from professors or research supervisors who can evaluate their academic abilities and research potential.
Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement
Applicants are usually required to submit a Statement of Purpose or Personal Statement explaining their academic background, research interests, career goals, and reasons for choosing the proposed PhD program.
Research Experience
Although not mandatory for every scholarship, prior research experience, publications, conference presentations, or relevant professional experience can significantly strengthen an application for competitive doctoral scholarships.
Documents Required for PhD Scholarship Applications
Applying for a PhD scholarship in the UK requires candidates to submit several academic and supporting documents that help universities and scholarship providers assess their qualifications, research potential, and overall suitability. While the exact requirements may vary by institution, the following documents are commonly requested.
Serves as proof of identity and nationality for international applicants.
How to Apply for PhD Scholarships in UK?
Applying for a PhD scholarship requires careful planning and timely preparation. Following a structured approach can improve your chances of securing admission and funding from leading UK universities and scholarship providers.
Research Suitable Scholarships
Start by identifying scholarships that align with your research interests, academic qualifications, and preferred university. Review the eligibility criteria, funding benefits, application deadlines, and required documents before creating a shortlist.
Contact a Potential Supervisor (If Required)
Many UK universities recommend or require PhD applicants to contact a prospective research supervisor before submitting their application. A supervisor whose research interests align with yours can provide guidance and may support your application during the admission process.
Prepare Your Research Proposal
Develop a well-structured research proposal that clearly explains your research problem, objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and the significance of your study. A strong proposal is often one of the most important components of a successful PhD scholarship application.
Apply for PhD Admission
Submit your application through the university's online admissions portal along with all required documents. Many scholarships automatically consider eligible applicants after they receive an admission offer, while others require a separate scholarship application.
Submit Scholarship Applications
Complete the scholarship application before the deadline and ensure all supporting documents, including recommendation letters, research proposals, and personal statements, are uploaded correctly. Review the application carefully before submission to avoid errors.
Attend Interviews (If Applicable)
Some prestigious scholarships and universities may invite shortlisted candidates for an interview. During this stage, applicants are typically assessed on their research proposal, academic background, motivation for pursuing a PhD, and future career plans.
PhD Scholarship Application Timeline
Starting your preparations well in advance gives you enough time to identify suitable scholarships, strengthen your research proposal, and submit complete applications before the deadlines.
Timeline
Activity
12–15 months before intake
Research PhD programs, universities, supervisors, and scholarship opportunities.
10–12 months before intake
Contact potential supervisors, prepare your research proposal, and arrange recommendation letters.
8–10 months before intake
Submit applications for PhD admission and complete any required English language tests.
6–8 months before intake
Apply for scholarships and upload all supporting documents before the deadlines.
3–5 months before intake
Attend interviews (if applicable), receive admission and scholarship decisions, accept the offer, and begin the UK student visa process.
Conclusion
Pursuing a doctoral degree in the UK offers access to world-class research, leading academics, and excellent career opportunities. With several government-funded and university-funded PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK, you can significantly reduce the cost of tuition, living expenses, and research.
To improve your chances of success, start your preparations early, develop a strong research proposal, and submit a well-prepared application before the deadlines. With the right planning, you can secure funding and pursue your PhD at one of the UK's top universities.
Yes, several universities and organizations offer fully funded PhD scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, research costs, and, in some cases, travel and visa expenses. Awards such as the Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Clarendon Scholarship, and Commonwealth PhD Scholarship are among the most comprehensive funding options available.
2. How can Indian students get 100% scholarships in the UK?
Indian students can improve their chances of securing PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK by maintaining an excellent academic record, developing a strong research proposal, obtaining admission to an eligible doctoral program, and submitting a competitive application with well-written supporting documents and recommendation letters.
3. Do PhD scholarships in the UK cover conference and research expenses?
Many fully funded doctoral scholarships include additional funding for research activities, conference participation, fieldwork, laboratory expenses, or academic travel. However, the extent of this support varies depending on the scholarship and university.
4. Can I apply for more than one PhD scholarship at the same time?
Yes. Most universities and scholarship providers allow applicants to apply for multiple funding opportunities simultaneously, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and comply with each scholarship's application requirements.
5. Is work experience mandatory for UK PhD scholarships?
In most cases, work experience is not mandatory. However, relevant research experience, publications, internships, or professional experience related to your proposed field of study can strengthen your application.
6. Are part-time PhD students eligible for scholarships in the UK?
Some scholarships support part-time doctoral studies, but the majority of fully funded awards are intended for full-time PhD programs. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying.
7. Can I change my research topic after receiving a PhD scholarship?
It depends on the university and scholarship provider. Minor changes to the research proposal may be permitted with approval from your supervisor, while major changes may require additional approval and could affect your funding.
8. Do UK PhD scholarships provide funding for dependents?
Some scholarship programs offer limited financial support for dependents, while many do not. Students planning to move with family members should review the scholarship's official funding guidelines before applying.
9. Can I receive a scholarship if I already have another source of funding?
Some scholarship providers allow recipients to combine funding from multiple sources, while others restrict applicants from holding another major scholarship simultaneously. Always check the scholarship's terms and conditions before accepting additional funding.
10. Are there subject-specific PhD scholarships available in the UK?
Yes. Many UK universities, research councils, and charitable organizations offer doctoral scholarships specifically for fields such as engineering, medicine, artificial intelligence, environmental science, business, social sciences, and the humanities.
11. When should I start preparing my application for a UK PhD scholarship?
Ideally, you should begin preparing 12–15 months before your intended intake. Starting early gives you sufficient time to identify suitable PhD scholarships for Indian students in UK, contact potential supervisors, strengthen your research profile, and submit complete applications before the deadlines.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4614 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
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