A PhD—a doctor of philosophy—is the highest academic qualification awarded in the UK by a university, making you eligible for prestigious roles in academia and advanced professional roles in your field of expertise.
If you are interested in conducting original research, sharing extensive knowledge in your preferred subject area, and want to work towards being a highly-skilled expert, your next step in academics can be a doctorate in your field. You may need excellent undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications to apply for a PhD, but if you do have the required academic background and a keen research interest, you can apply with a proposal that introduces your research topic, duration of research, and the financial plan to help fund your research.
In this blog we share what a PhD programme entails, exploring why you should pursue a PhD in the UK, types of PhD programmes, entry requirements, career prospects, and how to apply to a PhD programme, followed by costs and the visa process an Indian student needs to follow. Let’s get started.
A PhD is a doctoral programme that facilitates your research, providing you expert guidance and most often, funding to carry out your research. At the end of the programme, you are expected to compile a thesis on your research and present it to a panel of experts, who will evaluate your research findings and your knowledge on the topic to award you the doctoral qualification. A few PhD programmes may also have a taught component in their schedule, however, this is rare and you would still spend a larger portion of your programme conducting individual research and contributing to peer research.
There are also a few other research degree types you may want to explore as a student aiming to apply for a PhD:
Master of Philosophy (MPhil): An MPhil is generally a thesis-only programme, lasting one year full-time and two years if you are studying part-time. As an MPhil student, you are required to submit a thesis of up to 60,000 words and present the results of your study and research. Once you complete your MPhil programme, you can transfer to a PhD programme after 12-18 months as the MPhil programmes in the UK often serve as preliminary entry for a doctorate.
Master of Research (MRes): An MRes is an advanced postgraduate research degree in any field across humanities and STEM, where you complete a 40,000-word dissertation and present it to an academic panel. You are eligible to follow an MRes course if you’ve successfully completed a relevant undergraduate programme, and you may also pursue an MRes as an entry qualification for some PhD programmes. An MRes is a good way to see if you enjoy conducting research without fully committing to and finding funding for a full PhD.
Professional Doctorate: Professional doctorates are similar to PhDs but are intended to advance professional practice rather than improve academic ability. Common professional doctorates include law, education, business, engineering, and medicine.
Now that we’ve identified what a PhD programme is and have explored a few other research degrees that can lead you towards a PhD, let’s find out how you can benefit from pursuing your PhD in the UK.
Doctoral programmes in the UK are high in demand among students as universities in the UK have a reputation for research excellence supported by years of academic expertise and guidance. Here’s how pursuing a PhD in the UK can benefit you:
Top-ranking universities: The UK is home to globally renowned universities delivering highly sought-after PhD programmes across a range of subject areas.
Research expertise: UK universities actively contribute to innovations and industry growth through cutting-edge research. As a doctoral student enrolled in a PhD programme in the UK, you get to access the latest research opportunities and up-to-date knowledge, supporting you in your research.
Academic excellence: The UK's PhD programmes are designed and supervised by expert faculty consisting of senior researchers and industry specialists. You get the opportunity to work closely with highly experienced academics and professionals in your field, gain exclusive access to their research work, and receive structured doctoral training.
Diverse fields of research: UK universities offer a number of PhD programmes under niche and innovative topics in diverse fields across humanities, science, engineering, and mathematics.
Financial assistance: The UK academically and financially invests in their PhD programmes, offering doctoral training, studentships from dedicated Research Councils, and a PhD student loans system from the UK government, along with international student support services. The UK also provides provisions for PhD studies and additional funding for groundbreaking work in priority study areas.
Graduate visa: The UK offers the Graduate visa that allows you (and your family, if applicable) to stay in the UK for three years after you complete your PhD research. This provides an opportunity for you to gain professional experience in the UK or to further your academic career as a research fellow in the UK.
As a graduate student aiming to pursue the highest academic qualification, the UK and the PhD programmes offered at UK universities provide a wide variety of opportunities to conduct original research and make significant contributions to your field of study. Let’s see how PhD programmes in the UK are structured to offer extensive support towards doctoral students working on individual research.
The structure of PhD programmes can differ according to the field of study and duration of the programme, and these two factors depend on the offering university and the academic qualifications and research aspirations of the doctoral student.
You are eligible to apply for a PhD programme in the UK if you have completed your undergraduate degree with first class honours, along with a postgraduate qualification related to your field of research. When you are applying for a PhD in the UK, you may need to consider the type of PhD programme you wish to pursue.
UK universities offer two types of PhD programmes, and you can apply to a programme you prefer based on your field of study as well as research aspirations:
If you are a postgraduate student with an original research idea, you can develop a research proposal to be submitted as an application for these types of PhD programmes. Once you are selected as a PhD candidate, you can conduct research for the topic you came up with, supervised by a senior professor in your field of study. This approach to PhD research is often found in—but not limited to—arts and humanities subjects.
This type of research is ideated by senior researchers and academics who develop a research topic after identifying a gap in the existing research for a particular subject area. Once the topic is ready, the university would offer the research opportunity to prospective PhD students who, if they accept the offer, are required to study the topic and submit a research proposal to enter into the programme. Usually found in STEM study, this type of faculty-identified research is often funded by the university through grants or studentships.
A PhD can last from three to eight years depending on the field of study, the complexity of the research, and the mode of study: full-time or part-time. Original research in humanities fields may often span three to five years with occasional taught components and extensive fieldwork, and research programmes in STEM fields may span four to eight years depending on the complexity of the research topic and the extent of fieldwork.
A PhD is largely a research-focused degree, where you will be carrying out field work and academic research under the supervision of a senior professor. However, as PhD students are often employed as assistant lecturers or research fellows at the university, you will also teach undergraduate classes, assist other researchers in your programme, and present research papers at academic conferences.
In addition to having a thorough understanding of how PhDs work in the UK – the types, duration, and structure – it’s also important to understand how you can fund your PhD. As a world-renowned hub for research and innovation, the UK has many funding opportunities for prospective PhD students who wish to pursue innovative research ideas. We’ve gone into more detail about them below.
Funding for PhD programmes is competitive, but there are plenty of funding opportunities in the UK that support PhD students in a number of ways, such as by contributing to their tuition fees, living costs, and pre-arrival expenses. Whether you’ve already decided on your research project or you’re just considering postgraduate research, it's helpful to understand what PhD funding really is and the difference between each of your available options.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is the organisation responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions across England by bringing together seven interdisciplinary UK Research Councils. These publicly-funded councils support research and studentships across seven subject areas:
Arts and humanities
Biotechnology and biological sciences
Engineering and physical sciences
Economic and social research
Medical research
Natural environment research
Science and technology facilities
Currently, UKRI supports about 20% of all UK-based postgraduate researchers by awarding grants to universities, which in turn fund studentships. Studentships provide funding for postgraduate research students who are working on specific projects.
Almost all UK universities offer some sort of studentship through a UKRI grant, and if you want to access this funding, you’ll need to apply through your university. As of the 2024-2025 academic year, a studentship supported by UKRI aims to provide PhD students with:
A minimum stipend of £19,237 per year towards living costs, paid in regular instalments
A minimum support of £4,786 towards tuition fees
While pursuing your PhD in the UK, you may also be able to access additional funding through UKRI to cover other research-related expenses, such as attending conferences and conducting the fieldwork necessary for your research.
In addition to studentships given through UKRI, UK universities also provide them through a combination of other funds, often from an academic department, college, or external body. The best way to learn more about these opportunities is to check your academic department’s website for details of current studentships.
It’s also important to keep in mind that studentships are different from scholarships. The main difference is that you’re expected to work during your studentship as a teaching or research assistant in exchange for your funding whereas scholarships are a type of financial award aimed at recognising academic talent of the student receiving it. We’ve listed some popular PhD scholarships in the UK next.
There are many organisations, universities, and institutions in the UK offering scholarships for Indian students who are looking to study for a PhD. Your eligibility may vary depending on your field of study, academic qualifications, and household income, but familiarising yourself with the scholarship opportunities available can help you make the best choice. Here are some of the top scholarship options in the UK for Indian students:
| Scholarship | Amount/coverage | Eligibility criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT) | Grants of up to £1000 to support the penultimate or final year of doctoral study in the UK |
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| Gates Cambridge Scholarship | Fully funded |
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| Commonwealth PhD Scholarships | Covers:
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| Research with Impact PhD Scholarships | Fully funded along with additional coverage for:
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| President's PhD Scholarships | Fully funded along with additional coverage for:
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If you want to explore more scholarship opportunities in line with your goals and field of study, our comprehensive scholarship search can help you find the ideal scholarship.
Now let’s take a look at some of the top universities in the UK for Indian students to pursue their PhD.
UK universities that rank the highest for the excellence of their PhD programmes produce extensive research in diverse fields of study, regularly contributing to furthering knowledge and new developments in specific fields. The below table lists the ten best universities in the UK, along with some of their PhD programmes currently accepting applications from prospective students.
| University | QS World Rankings | Popular PhDs (2025) | Average tuition fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 2 |
|
£29,000 |
| University of Oxford | 3 |
|
£30,000 |
| University of Cambridge | 5 |
|
£50,000 |
| UCL | 9 |
|
£33,000 |
| University of Edinburgh | 27 |
|
£27,000 |
| University of Manchester | =34 |
|
£27,000 |
| King’s College London | =40 |
|
£26,000 |
| London School of Economics and Political Science | =50 |
|
£22,000 |
| University of Bristol | 54 |
|
£25,000 |
| University of Warwick | =69 |
|
£24,000 |
While studying at these universities, you can conduct studies and share your findings in specialised subject areas, allowing you to make significant research contributions in your field. This helps you strengthen your expertise as a researcher and enhance your academic profile from a postgraduate student to a PhD holder. Now, let’s take a closer look at the entry requirements you need to meet as a PG student to become a PhD candidate at a UK university.
The entry requirements for a PhD in the UK are largely academic, but having professional work experience in the respective field can give you an advantage. The exact language proficiency scores required for entry depend on the university, however, most programmes require a minimum of 7.0 overall score in IELTS. In the next section, we’ve highlighted the general entry requirements, including language proficiency scores, needed to pursue a PhD at any of the top ten universities in the UK.
Here’s a breakdown of the academic requirements and language proficiency scores across the top 10 universities in the UK for a PhD.
| University | Entry Requirements |
|---|---|
| Imperial College London |
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| University of Oxford |
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| University of Cambridge |
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| UCL |
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| University of Edinburgh |
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| University of Manchester |
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| King’s College London |
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| London School of Economics and Political Science |
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| University of Bristol |
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| University of Warwick |
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While ensuring you meet these entry requirements, you’ll also be required to submit a research proposal with your PhD application. To increase your chances of standing out to universities, it’s important to submit a clear research proposal which highlights your research goals and methodologies.
PhD programmes in the UK are highly competitive and selective, especially because you are required to submit a research proposal which will be assessed by a panel of experts to qualify you for entry into the programme.
Your research proposal has to outline the research you are planning to conduct, how you plan to carry out the research, and why it is important to conduct the research, along with an estimation of the resources you need for the research. We’ve put together an outline and some guidelines to follow when writing your proposal in the next two sections.
Your research proposal is crucial in convincing the admissions panel that your idea is worth funding and that you’re a suitable, committed candidate for the programme. It must be between 1,000 to 2,000 words and include the following key elements:
A provisional title
A key question or your hypothesis
Key aims of the research
Brief literature review (research that is already available on your topic)
Explanation of why your research question is important for the subject area (gap in the literature)
Methodology, including details of resources required and skills you may need to acquire to conduct the research
A work plan, with a timetable for your research
The right preparation and attention to detail are key when drafting your research proposal for your PhD in the UK. That’s why we’ve given you some best practices to help you out next.
It’s best to take time with your research proposal because it is the most impactful factor in your admission to the PhD programme you are applying for. Here are some best practices to follow when developing your proposal:
Be concise – It’s key to strike a balance between being as specific as you can about your research idea and plan, without being too wordy.
Research the work that the department you’re interested in is already doing and about its staff members – This helps you identify potential supervisors and intellectual networks within the department, and you can align your work plan accordingly.
Adhere to the format given by your university – Each university will have a set of guidelines for submitting a research proposal, including the word count, line spacing, and structure. You must ensure that you stick to this format when submitting your proposal.
Following these best practices will ensure that your research proposal stands out when it is assessed by the panel of experts appointed by your university.
Once you submit your proposal, a panel of experts in the subject will go through your submission to check for:
Your competence in the proposed field of study
Your ability to conduct a research programme independently
The nature of the supervision required
Once your proposal has been assessed you’ll likely be invited for an interview, but some universities do not have this as a mandatory requirement. The interview usually consists of three professors who will ask questions about your motivations, career plan, and research proposal. You must demonstrate a good understanding of research design and methodology, as well as research skills, capabilities, and experience during your interview.
To maximise your chances, it’s vital to also show your passion for your chosen topic of research and how you believe your research will benefit the world in general. This demonstration of your passion and expertise shouldn’t be limited to the research proposal and interview – you must highlight your capabilities at every step in the application process.
Most universities require you to apply for PhD programmes directly through their online portals. They would include the documents needed and how to apply in the course listing itself. Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly required information when you are applying for a PhD.
Research topic and field of research
Proposed supervisor
Research proposal
Academic transcripts
Work experience (if applicable)
English proficiency
Referees (two to three, preferably academic)
Resume
Funding strategy
Applying for a PhD in the UK can seem like a complex process at first, but taking it one step at a time will help you in submitting a successful application. Here are the key steps to follow:
Research potential programmes and universities that align with your research interests and goals. You should also consider the university’s past research track record with your subject area, its location, and its reputation.
Develop a clear research proposal, clearly articulating your research question to convince the expert panel evaluating it that your idea is worthy of support.
Reach out to potential supervisors who’ll give you feedback on your proposal and possibly support your research once you gain entry into the programme.
Prepare your application with all necessary documents and submit it by the deadline.
Apply for funding as soon as you can. Remember to leverage all your options when applying for funding – both through the university and other external sources. Securing funding for your PhD early on will support you during your research years as you’ll be able to minimise the stress from finances and concentrate on your academic work.
Now that we’ve looked at the key steps of the PhD application process to a UK university, let’s take a look at your career prospects in the UK once you’ve obtained your PhD.
Obtaining a PhD is a demonstration of your skills in research, communication, and perseverance so, a PhD from a UK university paves the way for top positions in both academic and non-academic settings. When thinking about what to do after your PhD, it’s a good idea to think about what you want out of your career – for example, you may aim to further your research into your topic by taking up an academic job or practically test your theories in an industry relevant to your subject.
Many PhD students can look forward to lucrative or interesting careers after graduation. While most look to remain in academia, there are a few who opt to move away into different sectors. We’ve outlined the most popular career options for PhD-holders here:
Academia and research: The most common career route after a PhD is a post-doc position in academia. These are typically fixed-term contracts for one to three years where you can engage in further research related to your PhD to build your academic expertise, as well as writing publications and attending conferences.
Non-academic research: If you enjoy research, but are unsure if an academic career is right for you, you may be able to find a research post outside academia that uses the full range of your skills, such as in tech startups, think tanks, NGOs, and intergovernmental organisations.
Business: Academia and business may seem very different to each other but there are many transferable skills you’ll gain during your PhD that are valuable in the business world. You can contribute to industrial research and development through roles such as consultancy and management.
A PhD from a UK university qualifies you as an expert in your field and allows you to explore niche career options while nurturing your passion for a particular subject. When planning for your PhD in the UK, it’s important to factor in the costs involved as well. We’ve outlined the key costs next.
Pursuing a PhD in the UK can be expensive because of tuition fees along with additional costs such as field work and travel. Putting together a comprehensive financial plan which takes into account the costs associated with tuition, pre-arrival expenses, and day-to-day living can help you budget effectively and focus on your academic goals.
Here’s a breakdown of costs you can expect:
PhD programmes typically last three to five years, and the average annual tuition fees for a PhD in the UK can range from INR 16 to 60 lakhs. These tuition fees may vary depending on the university, field of study, and whether the programme includes additional expenses like research or laboratory costs.
These are the costs involved in the application and admission process. The expenses can vary for each student, but a general breakdown can look like this:
Student visa fee: £490 (Approx. INR 53,000)
Language proficiency tests: Approx. £115 (Approx. INR 12,500)
Application fee: Generally none, but if a university does charge an application fee, it’s usually between £25-100
Proof of funds: if you are studying your PhD in London, you will need £1,334 for each month of your course, up to a maximum of nine months. If you’re studying outside of London, the monthly requirement is £1,023
The cost of living in the UK can change depending on where your chosen university is located. The cost of living in the UK is projected to be between £1,425 and £2,035 (INR 150,000–INR 230,000) per month in 2025, depending on your lifestyle and location. Based on this projection, here are some expenses you can expect in your monthly cost of living:
| Expenses | In London | Rest of UK |
|---|---|---|
| Student accommodation (with bills) | £848 | £664 |
| Room in private accommodation (without bills) | £750 | £554 |
| Utility bills | £140 | £80 |
| Groceries | £155 | £116 |
| Dining out, cafés, bars | £150 | £80 |
| Public transport | £103 | £54 |
| Mobile phone bill (SIM-only plan) | £18 | £18 |
| Student gym membership | £20 | £15 |
Once you have assessed these costs, the next crucial step is understanding the student visa requirements in the UK for PhD students. Let’s take a look at the process of getting a Student visa for a PhD in the UK.
Studying for a PhD in the UK requires a Student visa, and once your course is complete, the graduate visa route allows you to stay in the UK for two more years to explore work opportunities or further research. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand the application process and required documentation:
While this process can seem lengthy at first, preparing your documents early can give you a headstart with your visa application.
Here’s a list of documents you may need to prepare in advance to apply for your visa:
You can learn about how to put these documents together and the visa application process from our guide, UK Student Visa: Checklist of Documents You’ll Need To Apply. If you need further assistance with applying for your visa, you can get expert support from our Visa Service.
SI-UK also offers a dedicated service for Indian students looking to pursue a PhD in the UK with our PhD Service. Let’s take a look at how it can help you.
SI-UK’s PhD Service offers personalised support to maximise your chances of acceptance into your preferred programme. Here’s how our PhD Service can assist you:
A PhD in the UK is not just an academic achievement—it’s proof of your expertise, dedication, and ability to conduct original research. While the journey can be challenging, with selective programmes and extensive research demands, completing a PhD in the UK can be a rewarding experience to contribute to your field in a meaningful way.
If you’re ready to take the next academic step in your life with a PhD in the UK, SI-UK is here to help. From checking your transcripts to guiding you through the application process, our experts will make sure you’re fully prepared to achieve your goals. Schedule a free consultation with our experts and start your PhD journey in the UK today.
The entry requirements for a PhD in the UK are mostly academic and proficiency-based, requiring undergraduate and master’s degrees, but having professional work experience in the respective field can give you an edge. International students also need to showcase their English proficiency, with most programmes requiring a minimum of 7.0 overall score in IELTS.
Yes, numerous scholarships are available for Indian students, including government-funded awards like Commonwealth Scholarships, university-specific grants, and private funding options. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, research and living expenses, or both.
Yes, as a full-time PhD student on a Student visa in the UK, you can work part-time during term time and full-time during holidays to support your expenses. Working hours may be subject to restrictions on hours and job type.
PhD programmes in the UK generally take three to eight years depending on the field of study, the complexity of the research, and the mode of study: full-time or part-time. Original research in humanities fields may often span three to five years, and research programmes in STEM fields may span four to eight years.
The application process includes selecting a university and supervisor, preparing a research proposal, and submitting an online application along with academic transcripts, references, and proof of English proficiency. You may also need to apply for funding, and some universities may require an interview as part of the process.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end.
Rashmi Lakshanya Urban Development and Planning at University College London
