Do I need research papers for PhD applications, or is SOP and recommendation letters enough in UK?

You do not need research papers to apply for a PhD in the UK, but having them can strengthen your application.

Admissions committees focus mainly on your research proposal, statement of purpose (SOP), academic transcripts, CV, and letters of recommendation. Research publications are valued but are not mandatory for most universities.

To maximize your chances, concentrate on a clear, well-developed research proposal and strong recommendations from academic referees. If you need guidance on preparing these documents, your LeapScholar counsellor can help.