UK PhD Scholarships & Grants for Americans – Part 2: Funding Opportunities for Later Stages | brokeGIRLrich
Last week, I presented the first half of a curated list of scholarships and grants available for Americans pursuing a PhD in the UK. If you missed it, you can find it here. This week, we will explore the second half of the list, which contains some critical information:
-
Some of these awards are only accessible if you are already residing in the UK.
-
Others are restricted to students in specific years of study, such as the final ‘write-up’ year.
-
If you are on a student visa, remember that part-time study is generally not allowed, which may limit your eligibility for certain grants aimed at part-time students.
Here’s a breakdown according to the stages of your PhD journey:
After You’ve Relocated to the UK
Richard Stapley Educational Trust Scholarships
This trust provides funding for mature students (over 24 years old) pursuing postgraduate degrees in the UK, including PhDs.
🔗 stapleytrust.org
After Your First Year of Study
Graduate Women International Fellowships
Once you’ve completed your first year, you can apply for fellowships through GWI, which supports women worldwide pursuing advanced degrees.
🔗 graduatewomen.org
Year Three
British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG)
BFWG offers scholarships to women who are in their third year of doctoral research at a British university.
🔗 bfwg.org.uk
Final “Write-Up” Year
Whether you are enrolled full-time or part-time, your last year (or the last two years for part-time students) opens up additional funding options:
-
Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust
Final-year PhD students can apply for this scholarship supporting international students studying in the UK.
🔗 fergusontrust.co.uk -
Funds for Women Graduates (FfWG)
Provides emergency and foundation grants for women in financial hardship who are in the final stages of a PhD.
🔗 ffwg.org.uk -
AAUW American Fellowships – Dissertation Completion Grant
Available to U.S. citizens in the last year of writing their dissertation. Can be utilized while studying in the UK.
🔗 aauw.org -
The Reid Trust for Women’s Education
Offers small grants for women advancing education for themselves or others, including doctoral students.
🔗 thereidtrust.co.uk -
The Witting Trust
Supports mature female students pursuing higher education. Final year applicants may qualify.
📄 Witting Trust Guidelines PDF
Depending on Your University
South, West and Wales (SWW) Doctoral Training Partnership
If your institution is part of this DTP, you may qualify for studentships (including stipend support).
🔗 sww-ahdtp.ac.uk
Embarking on a PhD in the UK as an American can be financially overwhelming, but these resources can help ease the financial burden—especially in those crucial final years. Be sure to read each grant’s eligibility criteria carefully and check deadlines ahead of time. It’s also a good idea to reach out to the administrators if you need clarification on any requirements or to confirm your eligibility before applying.
