UK PhD Scholarships & Grants for Americans – Part 2: Funding Opportunities for Later Stages | brokeGIRLrich
Last week, I shared the first half of a curated list of scholarships and grants available to Americans pursuing a PhD in the UK. If you missed it, check it out here. This week, we’re diving into the second half of the list, which includes some important caveats:
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Some of these awards are only available once you’re already living in the UK.
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Others are only open to students in specific years of study, such as the final “write-up” year.
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And if you’re on a student visa, keep in mind that part-time study usually isn’t permitted, which can limit eligibility for certain grants aimed at part-time students.
Here’s a breakdown by stage in your PhD journey:
After You’ve Relocated to the UK
Richard Stapley Educational Trust Scholarships
This trust offers 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’re eligible to apply for fellowships through GWI, which supports women worldwide pursuing advanced degrees.
🔗 graduatewomen.org
Year Three
British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG)
BFWG awards scholarships to women enrolled in their third year of doctoral research at a British university.
🔗 bfwg.org.uk
Final “Write-Up” Year
Whether you’re full-time or part-time, your final year (or last two for part-time students) opens up new funding possibilities:
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Allan & Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust
Final-year PhD students can apply for this postgraduate scholarship supporting international students studying in the UK.
🔗 fergusontrust.co.uk -
Funds for Women Graduates (FfWG)
Offers emergency and foundation grants for women in financial difficulty who are in the final stages of a PhD.
🔗 ffwg.org.uk -
AAUW American Fellowships – Dissertation Completion Grant
Open to U.S. citizens in the final year of writing their dissertation. Can be used while studying in the UK.
🔗 aauw.org -
The Reid Trust for Women’s Education
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 school is part of this DTP, you may be eligible for studentships (including stipend support).
🔗 sww-ahdtp.ac.uk
Pursuing a PhD in the UK as an American can be financially daunting, but these resources can lighten the load—especially in those critical final years. Remember to read each grant’s eligibility criteria carefully and check deadlines well in advance. It’s never a bad idea to email the administrators to clarify any requirements or confirm your eligibility before submitting an application.
