Pursuing a PhD in the arts can be an expensive undertaking. Even if you manage to get you tuition covered, living expenses can be pretty costly, and for those of us studying theatre, you’ll likely be shelling out a pretty penny for tickets to performances and exhibits too.

For American students, the opportunity to study abroad presents unique academic and cultural advantages, but the path can be costly. With tuition fees, living expenses, and research costs, financing a PhD in the arts may feel overwhelming. However, there are numerous funding options available, and with careful planning and persistence, it’s possible to make this dream a reality.

As a first gen college student in my family, and the only in my immediate family with advanced graduate degrees, I really had no idea what I was doing with funding when I undertook this PhD journey. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help American students find ways to get funding for their PhD in the arts in the UK that I wish I’d had 3 years ago.

1. UK Government Scholarships

The UK government provides a range of scholarships for international students, including American students. These scholarships are highly competitive but offer generous funding for tuition, living expenses, and research costs.

Commonwealth Scholarships

Although primarily aimed at students from Commonwealth countries, Americans can sometimes access related funding schemes. These scholarships cover the full cost of study, including tuition and living expenses. If your research aligns with themes such as sustainable development, equity, or international partnerships, this could be a potential avenue for funding.

2. UK University Scholarships

Most UK universities offer internal scholarships or bursaries for international PhD students. These funds are often merit-based or need-based, and many universities also have specific scholarships for students in the arts.

AHRC Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs)

One of the most significant sources of funding for arts and humanities research in the UK is the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). American students may not be eligible for direct AHRC funding, but you can apply through a university that offers a DTP, which partners with the AHRC to provide PhD funding. Universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of the Arts London participate in these programs. These partnerships provide studentships that include tuition, a stipend, and additional funding for research-related activities.

University-Specific Scholarships

Top UK universities offer scholarships specifically for international students, including Americans. Examples include:

• Clarendon Fund (University of Oxford): This scholarship is available to international students pursuing graduate degrees, including PhDs. It covers full tuition and provides a stipend for living expenses.
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship (University of Cambridge): While highly competitive, this scholarship is open to international PhD students and offers full tuition, a living allowance, and research-related funding.
• University of the Arts London Scholarships: UAL offers various scholarships for international students, including those pursuing a PhD in the arts. These awards may cover tuition fees and living expenses, depending on the specific scholarship.

Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships

Many UK universities have Vice-Chancellor’s scholarships, which are awarded to outstanding international students, including those from the U.S. These scholarships often cover a portion of tuition fees and can sometimes include stipends for living costs. Keep an eye on university websites to explore options for your desired program and school.

Note that this is a great path to look into – most of the international students in my doctoral program are on these. However, you must enter on one in your first year. My second year they had a vice-chancellor’s scholarship that was literally my thesis and I wasn’t allowed to apply for it since I was already a current student (to add to my indignation about the whole thing, no one applied and the money was awarded to no one – so… excellent).

3. External Scholarships and Fellowships

In addition to government and university funding, numerous external organizations provide scholarships and fellowships for American students pursuing PhDs abroad.

Fulbright U.S. Student Program

The Fulbright program is one of the best-known exchange programs that fund American students to study abroad. Fulbright offers research awards for Americans pursuing PhDs in various fields, including the arts. The program provides funding for a year, and in some cases, it can be renewed or supplemented through other grants. Fulbright scholars are chosen based on academic merit, leadership potential, and the relevance of their research to fostering international understanding.

Marshall Scholarships

Though often associated with master’s programs, Marshall Scholarships can be used to fund PhD studies in the UK. This prestigious award covers tuition, living expenses, and travel costs. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to contributing to U.S.-UK relations. PhD students who have completed a master’s degree and wish to continue with doctoral research may apply.

Rhodes Scholarships

The Rhodes Scholarship is another prestigious award that funds students to study at the University of Oxford. While the scholarship typically supports master’s students, it is open to PhD applicants who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to public service.

4. Alternative Scholarship Sources

While grants are a more common form of PhD scholarship money in the UK, you may be able to leverage some sources from earlier connections you have.

Alumni Networks

Leveraging alumni networks from your undergraduate institution can be an effective way to raise funds. Many alumni are willing to contribute to causes that support fellow alumni in pursuing higher education. Reach out to the alumni office of your former university and explore whether they have funding opportunities or mentorship programs that could connect you with potential sponsors.

5. Grants from Arts Organizations and Foundations

There are several arts-focused organizations that offer grants for PhD students, particularly those conducting research in creative disciplines.

Getty Foundation Grants

The Getty Foundation provides grants for scholars working on art history and visual arts research. American PhD students studying these fields in the UK can apply for project-specific grants, which may cover travel, research, and living expenses.

Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland

If you’re planning to pursue a PhD at a Scottish university, the Carnegie Trust provides several scholarships for international students. These scholarships are often awarded to students with an outstanding academic record and a clear research proposal in the arts and humanities.

6. Part-Time Work and Teaching Assistantships

Many PhD students supplement their income through part-time work, either within the university or externally. While the cost of living in the UK can be high, most student visas allow for part-time employment during your studies. An important note for those of us in the arts though, you are not allowed to work as a freelancer.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs)

Universities in the UK often offer teaching assistantships to PhD students, which provide an opportunity to gain teaching experience while earning a stipend. As a GTA, you may teach undergraduate courses, assist with grading, or help organize workshops. These positions often come with tuition waivers and are a valuable way to offset costs.

Conclusion

While funding a PhD in the arts in the UK as an American student may seem daunting, there are numerous opportunities available. From government scholarships to university-specific awards, external fellowships, and part-time work, persistence and thorough research are key to finding the right combination of funding sources. Through careful planning, you can reduce financial barriers and focus on achieving academic success in the field of arts.