0

I'm a final year undergraduate student and I'm considering studying further. The main issue is well, money. I wanted to ask about the existing public funds - silly questions but what are they exactly? I would like to continue study in the UK but I'm from Bulgaria - does it mean I need to check the public funds from both the UK and my home country?

I know that i.e. there are now loans for masters, but no (not yet) for PhD. I know there are scholarships given from charities and various organisations but already allocated - are they counted as public funds as well?

I found this certain scholarship that I may qualify but only if I'm not eligible for public funds so I want to check all of them before I fill the application.

I'm totally new to this so I really appreciate your help!

Improve this question
2

Short Answer: Instead of looking for scholarships yourself, try to find a funding through academics and/or university in the UK. There are always funding available for talented students; and if not you can apply for a scholarship through an academic.

Longer Answer

Ok, I did my fully funded PhD in the UK so I can help on this. Do the following:

  1. Find a Supervisor: First and foremost you need a solid supervisor that can help you through research, at the topic you want to work on; and understand that money is an issue.

  2. Funding Through Supervisor: Then see if the supervisor has some money, he/she might not have 100% of the funding but can afford less say 50%.

  3. Funding Through Research Group/University: Then you need to look into any funding available through the research group or the university. This might cover the rest, or close to 100% of the funding.

  4. Take Classes Through PhD Studies: Academics always help PhD students, if they need some extra cash, they let them to help them in laboratories and/or marking. This is not too much but at least you can get couple of meals out of it.

Note On Location: If you can't find a funding in London or surrounding cities, try the northern cities as well. They are also cheaper to live compare to London and southern cities.

Note On Courage: I had a hard time financially, and so many of my friends. So keep going and you shall find a funding one way or another.

Improve this answer
2
  • Thanks a lot! I more or less have done what you have listed. While I'm still new to all of this, I found a lab which would be happy to take me in BUT they have clearly stated that they have no funding available and I need to find on my own. So I searched, searched and searched and I finally found this scholarship but they demand 2 requirements: 1. To be in the top 5% of candidates for the PhD position 2. To not be eligible for public funds I would like to check if I really don’t qualify for public fundings but I’m a bit clueless what they are exactly. – HoldenDK Mar 12 '16 at 22:16
  • @HoldenDK Public funding are mainly covering European students. I added a note on the location to the answer. – o-0 Mar 13 '16 at 0:16

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.