How to Get a PhD Scholarship in the UK – Guide for Pakistani Applicants
Your PhD begins here – Being a UK PhD holder is a dream come true to most Pakistani scholars who want to contribute to world research as well as establish a very good academic career. International education is however very expensive, though it is a great choice to some. And it is at this point where the schemes of phd scholarship UK programs are really a golden offering in that one can study in the best of universities and at the same time do not have the necessity of paying the tuition fee costs or even the living costs as well in the time that one is in the university.
SAUK will guide Pakistani students throughout the way, including helping them to choose the adequate PhD programs, filling in scholarship applications and obtaining a UK student visa. Here is how you can ensure to win a UK PhD scholarship.
Why does the UK do PhD?
International universities of excellency ranking (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, etc.).
- Globally-experienced research-based education
- Less time in a PhD (typically 3 years)
- Broad access to fully funded PhD scholarships UK
- Having access to great labs, supervision, and network in academics
Types of PhD Scholarships in the UK for Pakistani Students
Scholarship | Covers | Eligibility |
Tuition, airfare, stipend | Must be from a developing Commonwealth country | |
Full tuition + living expenses | Leadership potential + Master’s degree | |
Tuition + research grant | Meet university research criteria | |
£10,000 tuition support | Merit-based, varies by university | |
Tuition, travel, stipend | Must meet HEC and UK uni eligibility |
How to apply step-by-step Guide to obtain a PhD Scholarship in the UK
Step 1: Selecting a Research Area and Finding a Supervisor
Determine your topic of interest in research and narrow your list of possible universities. Then:
- Send out your Research proposal CV to potent supervisors via email
Step 2: Research Proposal
Your proposal is to:
- Properly present the research question
- Point out methodology and purposes
- Relate your experience to the work suggested
Step 3: Verify Eligibility of Scholarship
Each scholarship is different. Some general requirements are:
- Academic performance (min CGPA 3.0 or First Division)
- English Proficiency (IELTS/ TOEFL /UKVI)
- Letter of offer (most scholarships) by a University in the UK
- Good passport and scholastic transcripts
Step 4: Apply Doctorate and Scholarship at the same time
In some universities there are special applications to be made to a scholarship whereas in others there is auto consideration of the PhD applicants. Always:
- Pass the university deadlines
- Send the entire documentation (CV, proposal, degree, IELTS)
Step 5: Company to Apply as a UK Student Visa
After you have got a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies):
- Internet application to UK Home office
- Add financial evidence (in case not funded completely)
- Make set biometric appointment and visa interview
Top UK Universities Offering PhD Scholarships
University | Popular Areas of Research | Scholarship Info |
University of Oxford | Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering | |
University of Cambridge | Medicine, Technology, Economics | |
Imperial College London | AI, Data Science, Engineering | |
University of Edinburgh | Public Health, Climate, Development | |
University of Glasgow | Law, Education, Medical Sciences |
The Paperwork You Will Require
- BS/MS academic transcripts
- Valid passport
- Updated CV
- IELTS/TOEFL (UKVI should high requirement) certificate
- Research proposal
- Supervisor acceptance (research based PhDs)
- Letter of confirmation of scholarship (in case of acquiring)
Advice to Make a strong PhD Scholarship Application
- Start investigation in 12-18 months prior to deadlines
- Have a professor check your research proposal
- Write individual statements to each scholarship
- Mention publications or conferences (in case there are ones)
- Apply early to many possibilities
In Conclusion: make Your UK PhD dream come true
Pakistani students can certainly bag a PhD scholarship in the UK and play a significant role in the research throughout the world. SAUK provides free consultation to help you on how to proceed with university and supervisor selection, scholarships, how to prepare your visa documents and many more. Not sure how to apply to a PhD or scholarship?
Contact SAUK without any cost in order to get free advice, supervisor matching, proposal editing and visa facilitation services during your UK PhD experience.
Discover the right course that matches your goals
interests, and future career — with expert guidance from SAUK.
About SAUK
Study Advisers UK (SAUK) is a trusted international education consultancy helping students across Pakistan achieve their dreams of studying abroad. With expert guidance, personalized counselling, and strong partnerships with top universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, and Europe, SAUK supports students through every step
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