What would a fully funded PhD in the UK cover for me as an international student, including tuition and stipend?
A fully funded UK PhD often covers tuition, though UKRI studentships pay fees only up to the home rate, so international students may cover the difference. It adds a stipend of around GBP 18,000 to 25,000 and research support of about GBP 1,000 to 5,000. Visa support varies by scholarship.
A fully funded UK PhD for international students typically covers your tuition, a yearly stipend for living costs and a research allowance. Tuition waivers are often around GBP 15,000 to 30,000 a year (approx INR 19.11 to 38.22 L), and stipends around GBP 18,000 to 25,000 (approx INR 22.93 L to 31.85 L). Exact packages differ by scholarship.
Typical funding components per year
| Component | What it covers | Typical value per year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Fee waiver where the award provides one; UKRI funds only up to the home fee rate | GBP 15,000 to 30,000 (approx INR 19.11 L to 38.22 L) |
| Annual stipend | Living expenses paid monthly | GBP 18,000 to 25,000 (approx INR 22.93 L to 31.85 L) |
| Research support | Conferences, lab costs, fieldwork, equipment | GBP 1,000 to 5,000 (approx INR 1.27 L to 6.37 L) |
Other support that may come with it
- Visa support: reimbursement or direct sponsorship, which varies by scholarship.
- Health cover: the source lists access to the UK National Health Service as included for international students.
- Additional allowances such as travel, family or relocation grants, which depend on the specific scholarship.
My Advice
Read the funding terms of each studentship closely, since the stipend, allowances and visa support are not the same everywhere. Compare the stipend with the cost of living in the city before you accept an offer.
This information is available on: ukri.org
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