I'm a dependant of a work permit holder, living in UK at present. I wish to apply for Ph.D. Do i need to undertake an IELTS exam for my admission. How to apply for funding?

The International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) exam is one of a number of language qualifications which is acceptable for admission to a UK university. The American Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is also acceptable, as are a number of national qualifications in English. If you studied in English for your first degree you will not usually need to provide evidence of a language qualification.

If you have been in the UK for 3 years or more, you may qualify as 'ordinarily resident', which will qualify you for research council funding. If you are an EU national, then, because your spouse is working in the UK, you may be automatically eligible for funding. Your best option would be to visit the international office of your nearest university to ask them for advice. I am not sure if being classed as 'ordinarily resident' would exempt you from the language criteria.