Hi!

I’m a prospective international PhD applicant to UCL. I’ve identified several funding schemes that could work for me, but only one or two cover the full international fee. Most only cover home fees.

From what I understand, UCL has something called the ISAD, which covers the difference between home and international fees for UKRI-funded studentships such as UBEL.

Does anyone know how it works for funding that isn’t from UKRI? For example, if you’re on an NIHR Doctoral Award, is there any way to get the fee difference waived?

Thanks!

P.S. I tried posting in the UCL-subreddit but haven't received any responses, so I'm trying here as well.

Hi, I want to apply for a phd at the uni of edinburgh and I am now at the process of writing a first email to the professor I would like to be my supervisor. I have a question concerning the uk style of emailing. Should I keep my email to a moderate-big length that however unfolds pretty clearly the reason I want this specific supervisor and my research ideas or should I keep the email generic and short and attach my reasons and research thoughts with a different file? In the first case what troubles me is the length of the text, while in the second case what troubles me is that the email might appear very common and the professor won't bother to open and read the file.

Hi everyone,

​I am an international student planning to apply for a Ph.D. in Biosciences/Biotechnology in the UK. I am specifically looking at the University of Wolverhampton, University of Birmingham, and University of Nottingham.

​I have a strong research background with hands-on experience at top national labs in India (CSIR & ICMR) and have qualified national-level exams (GATE), though I don't have published papers yet.

​I know fully-funded UKRI studentships for international students are incredibly competitive. Therefore, I am trying to understand the reality of partial funding for Ph.D. candidates at these specific universities.

​My questions for current UK Ph.D. students:

​How realistic is it to get an "International Fee Waiver" (reducing international tuition to the home fee rate) at Nottingham, Birmingham, or Wolverhampton?

​Are Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) positions common for first-year international Ph.D. students at these unis to help offset the tuition costs?

​If you are partially funded or self-funding your Ph.D. at any of these universities, how much of a fee reduction did the university actually offer you, and how do you manage the rest?

​Any insights, reality checks, or personal experiences would be highly appreciated! Thanks