Hi Guys,

I am finishing my 2 year Msc in UK in June and all through it has been fully funded and I've been getting a monthly stipend. However, I have been awarded a PhD by one of the universities in UK starting September 2009 and the PhD is funded upto Home/EU fees level meaning I have to find ways of covering the difference which is around 7,000 pounds per year. Is there anyone in this forum who has been in the same situation? Secondly, are there any ideas of what I would do? I have totally ruled out myself paying the difference since I do not have much savings with me and my family isn't in a position to offset the difference.

Is there a way I can negotiate a scholarship/bursary with the University to waive a sizeable part of the fees difference? I will surely appreciate if someone gives me some insights
:-)

Hi Benm

Don't mean to be rude but you aren't 'awarded a PhD' until you pass your viva and have satisfied the examiners requirements. You have been offered a funded PhD place... semantics but a big difference!

Hi,

Well I clearly understand that....but my question was rather on finance and funding and not on the viva. I do have absolute confidence in myself and the PhD Interview committee awarded the PhD studentship on the basis of my previous record. Actually, I the UK you do not need an Msc to undertake a PhD so an Msc is a plus.

I never implied that you were unable to do a PhD, and I made no comment about the fact that you had or are doing a Masters. I simply stated that you should not say you have been 'awarded' a PhD until you actually have.
The best places to go to enhance international funding are your own government and the British Council

======= Date Modified 22 Jul 2009 23:12:14 =======
hi Benm

Hi Kubaff, Thank you for your advice. Well I have written a mail to the british council asking for advice. My studentship is provided by a UK organisation so definately they wouldn't consider moving it to germany or the rest of europe. I have studied in France before, and their treatment towards international students it's incredible! I would say, they are not as the British (abit annoying right?). Well, I am planning to apply for more studentships within the EU or the US and incase i do get another option I will just forfeit the British studentship and move on to another country. Otherwise, thank you for your advice.

BTW: Unfortunately, I do not think that my project is really very helpful to the developing world since it's on Neuroscience Technology which really needs the developed economies to flourish.

Regards:-s