What PhD Funding Can You Get From a University?

Many universities offer different types of funding for PhD students, like full studentships, fee waivers, and research grants, which can help cover tuition and living costs. These options are meant to support you throughout your studies, with some specifically for research expenses. Plus, there are funding opportunities for international students, depending on the programme and eligibility.

If you dig a little deeper into your dream or current university’s website, you might be surprised by the financial support available for your research. Many universities offer funding—you just need to know where to look (with some added patience).

I know searching through endless university websites can feel like trying to find your phone in a bag full of stuff, so I’ve created this guide to make things easier. Let's walk you through the types of funding universities typically offer and how to find them. Plus, there's an awesome directory of funding information for UK universities and a list of fully funded PhDs you can use on your hunt.

Happy scrolling—may the funding odds be ever in your favour!

From small grants to full studentships, there’s a wide range of University funding available. In this guide, I'll be walking you through funding offered by UK universities directly. Since we already have fully-funded PhD projects listed on our site and Research Council PhD studentships (funding from the UK government distributed by universities), I won't be covering these here. If you're an international student, don't worry, you'll find some nuggets of general advice for PhD study abroad in this guide.

First, let's get into what scholarships, studentships, grants, and bursaries mean so you can understand the differences:

Types of award

What kinds of PhD funding do universities actually offer? Here are the terms you’ll most commonly encounter – and what they usually mean:

• PhD studentship: This is usually a full funding package that covers tuition fees and living costs. Sometimes, it’s tied to a specific research project. If it only covers part of the PhD costs, it’s called a partial studentship.
• PhD scholarship: This generally provides full funding that isn’t linked to a specific project. Some scholarships may cover either fees or living costs, but not both.
• PhD fee waiver: This means you don’t have to pay tuition fees, but it doesn't help with living costs. It’s a way for universities to offer partial support.
• PhD stipend: This is a regular payment for living expenses, similar to a salary but usually tax-free. Full scholarships and studentships typically include a stipend.
• PhD bursary: This is money given to a student during their degree. If it’s for living costs as part of a full funding package, it’s called a stipend. Otherwise, it refers to more general funding.
• PhD grant: This is usually a one-off payment to help with research costs. It can be a larger amount to cover most funding needs or a smaller amount for specific purposes, like travel or equipment.

Hopefully, you can navigate your university funding options more easily knowing what each of these are. Do also keep in mind that labels like "scholarship" and "studentship" can sometimes be used interchangeably.

Funding criteria explained

Most PhD funding is merit-based, making your application strength key for success. However, it’s good to explore other specific funding options that might be easier to obtain. Let's get into it so you can find the right awards for you:

• Merit-based funding: Based on the quality of your research proposal or your past academic achievements. If you have brilliant grades, then there will more chances of succeeding.
• Need-based funding: Helps students who might not be able to afford a PhD. Eligibility can depend on your income or financial background. Some awards aim to boost participation from under-represented social groups.
• International funding: Offered to students from outside the UK and EU, who typically face higher fees. Can cover extra costs like travel, visa fees, or health insurance and be awarded based on merit or specific need.

What funding can I get during my PhD?

Many universities provide funding options for current doctoral students, which can be helpful when it comes to reducing those costs that you wish you could also get out of:

• Travel or conference funding: This can help cover costs for research or presenting work at academic events. It may be given as a set amount each year or based on applications.
• Resource budgets: These funds can be used to buy materials needed for your research, like equipment or books.
• Writing-up funding: Sometimes offered at the end of a PhD, this support helps students finish their theses. It can extend existing funding or help those whose research takes longer for reasons beyond their control.
• Hardship funding: This may assist students facing unexpected financial challenges during their PhD.

Finding PhD funding at one university can be quick, but checking multiple universities can be tricky and time-consuming. To help with this, I’ve used my creativity and googling skills to whip up this table showing where you can find PhD funding opportunities at various UK universities.

Not every scholarship or studentship is included, but a link to each university’s funding resources and information is. You’ll also find quick links to PhD projects and programs on FindAPhD.com, which you can browse to see your potential funding options or if a project is already funded.

As you hunt for PhD gold, as I like to call it, my advice is to be proactive, persistent, and strategic. UK university funding is competitive, but here’s how you can boost your chances:

• Check if you need to apply – Some universities automatically consider students for certain funding awards. If so, you may simply need to indicate that you’d like to be considered for an award during your normal PhD application. Or you might not need to do anything (other than apply for the PhD itself).
• Check Departmental Scholarships – Faculties often have their own funding—always ask what’s available.
• Look into Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) – These UKRI-funded programs offer PhD funding in specific fields.
• Check if the funding is for a PhD – Sometimes a university’s ‘postgraduate’ funding awards may be restricted to Masters degrees and other taught courses.
• Don't make funding the focus of your application – Also talk about why the university is right for your doctorate. You can mention this in your research proposal and/or personal statement.
• Don’t Miss Deadlines – Many funding applications close months before the PhD start date.

Stay focused, apply early, and explore every option—your PhD funding is out there. Good luck!

Frequently asked questions

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