Fully Funded PhD in Education in UK
As the saying goes, “Education is the key to Success.”. This highlights not only the importance of education in the world today but also that of educators, who are the driving force to achieving success. This makes the course education a key career path to follow in order to truly drive change in the world today. However, taking the next step in your academic and professional career can sometimes require huge commitment, finance, and other resources, especially when considering something like a PhD in Education program after a master’s degree.
Fortunately, there are several universities in the UK that offer fully funded PhD programs in Education. These programs provide support, from tuition, research budgets, and even stipends, to ensure that all expenses are covered and that you can focus solely on attaining academic excellence.
Below is a list of four universities in the United Kingdom that offer fully funded PhD programs in education. Each of these programs covers full expenses, including tuition and living expenses, offering students the opportunity to advance their skills in educating and training the next generation of leaders and outstanding individuals through commitment and academic excellence.
1. University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious institutions, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and research. The Faculty of Education at Cambridge is recognized globally for its innovative approach to teaching, learning, and educational research. It collaborates with policymakers, schools, and educational organizations to shape global education standards.
Cambridge’s historic campus offers an intellectually stimulating environment, with state-of-the-art research facilities such as the Education Research Centre and the Centre for Research in Play, Education, Development, and Learning (PEDAL). The university fosters a vibrant academic community, allowing students to engage in cross-disciplinary research that influences educational policies worldwide.
Cambridge offers a fully funded PhD in Education through the Trinity Cambridge Research Studentship (TCRS) program, enabling students to explore critical issues such as educational leadership, curriculum development, digital learning, and inclusive education. The program is research-intensive and designed for individuals looking to contribute to educational reform and innovation globally.
PhD students receive full tuition coverage, a generous tax-free stipend, and research funding. Additional financial support is available for conference attendance, international study visits, and collaborative research projects.
Application Deadline: The application deadline for the PhD in Education at Cambridge is typically in early December each year.
2. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford has a world-leading Department of Education known for its impact on education research, policy, and practice. The university’s research contributes to national and international debates on education systems, teacher training, and lifelong learning.
Oxford’s campus provides students with access to world-class libraries, research centers, and partnerships with major educational institutions. The university is closely connected with policymakers and educators, ensuring that its research influences real-world educational strategies and reforms.
Oxford offers a fully funded PhD in Education through its Department of Education, which focuses on diverse areas such as comparative education, childhood development, educational psychology, and technology-enhanced learning. The program is designed to equip scholars with the skills to address contemporary challenges in education through rigorous research and evidence-based solutions.
PhD candidates receive full financial support, including tuition, a tax-free living stipend, and research grants. Students also benefit from funding for international collaborations, conference participation, and fieldwork opportunities.
Application Deadline: The application deadline for the PhD in Education at Oxford is typically in early January each year.
3. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is one of the top-ranked Schools of Education in the UK, recognized for its commitment to educational research, teacher development, and social justice in education. The university plays a significant role in shaping education policy and improving teaching practices globally.
Edinburgh’s vibrant campus is home to advanced research facilities, including the Moray House School of Education and Sport. The university actively collaborates with international organizations, schools, and government bodies to enhance education systems worldwide.
The University of Edinburgh offers a fully funded PhD in Education through a number of programs in the Moray House School of Education and Sports, which includes;
- Scottish Graduate School of Social Science: Open Competition
- Edinburgh Doctoral College Scholarships (EDCS)
- College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science Research Award (CRA)
These programs allow students to specialize in areas such as teacher education, educational technology, inclusion and diversity, and policy analysis. The program encourages students to engage in interdisciplinary research that contributes to educational innovation and transformation.
PhD students receive comprehensive funding, covering tuition fees, a competitive stipend, and research grants. Additional support is available for field research, academic conferences, and international study exchanges.
Application Deadline: The application deadline for the PhD in Education at Edinburgh varies depending on what scholarship program you apply for.
Disclaimer:
The term “fully funded” is used to address a financial aid package where a student’s educational expenses are being taken care of. This may include;
- Full tuition payment: The total cost of tuition has been waived.
- Stipend/ Salary: A pre-agreed allowance is given to the student to cover living costs and other expenses during the program.
However, It is important to note that this is totally dependent on several factors such as lifestyle, cost of living, location, and other financial needs. Sometimes, the term “fully funded” is used by some programs even though they don’t provide for all your financial needs, expecting that you see them through part-time work, intensional, or personal savings.
These programs usually expect students with fully funded offers to teach and conduct research while studying as part of the funding arrangement. It is also important to note that all universities offer full funding, and students should, therefore, explore financial aid opportunities from various schools (including less popular and well-known ones) in order to find the one that perfectly meets their financial needs.
