This article highlights six prestigious international business research scholarships available for PhD students in the UK. It explains the eligibility criteria and how these opportunities can support your academic and professional growth in global business research.
Are you a PhD-level student and looking for an international business research scholarship in the UK? Starting a PhD in business research is a big and life-changing decision. It demands hard work and a profound interest in solving real business challenges. For international students, the right place to study not only shapes their education but also their future.
A Universities UK study shows that international researchers in the UK are contributing to more than half of all impactful research projects worldwide. This shows the distinguished position of the UK universities in research. Their strong academic reputation attracts global scholars seeking advanced opportunities in business studies. Here, you will learn about the top 6 international business research scholarships that support doctoral students who want to study business at the PhD level in the UK.
What to Expect in This Article?
- The UK universities provide world-class opportunities for PhD research in international business.
- International business research scholarships, such as Chevening and Gates Cambridge, provide full financial support to international students.
- Most international business research scholarships cover tuition fees, research costs, and travel expenses.
- Applicants for international business research scholarships should demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a clear research vision.
- Strong research proposals linking to global business challenges improve selection chances.
Why the UK Is Ideal for International PhD Students?
The UK stands out as an ideal destination for international PhD candidates for several significant reasons. Some of them are given below:
- Firstly, the UK universities mainly focus on research strengths in business and related fields and have gained global recognition. The best business school in the UK regularly publishes innovative research and encourages partnerships with industry. That means if you are doing a business research PhD at UK universities, it will help you build real-world business linkages and boost your academic experience.
- The second reason to pursue the international business research scholarship in the UK is the strong funding culture. Governments and universities invest a significant share of their funds in postgraduate research and doctoral programmes. Government support for global partnerships and scholarship programmes further helps make PhD study affordable.
- The third reason to get an international business research scholarship in the UK is its rich cultural diversity and global networking opportunities. You will meet fellow scholars from all over the world and connect with institutions. These connections open doors to post-PhD career prospects. One major benefit of research in the UK is that universities often work together with multinational companies and global industry partners.
6 Must-Apply International Business Research Scholarships for PhD Students in the UK
Learning about a PhD in international business can shape your global career path. Here are the top 6 international business research scholarships that enable passionate scholars to pursue world-class research.
1. Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarship is among the most prestigious awards for PhD students. This scholarship is suitable for future leaders who want to study in the United Kingdom. The UK government funds Chevening scholarships through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. It offers international doctoral students a remarkable opportunity to get a world-class education and build a strong professional network.
Every year, a lot of students from more than 160 countries apply for the Chevening scholarships, which demonstrates the global reach and credibility of the programme. Many applicants seek expert guidance from a UK-based essay writing service to write a strong personal statement that meets the high standard criteria of the scholarship. Chevening indicates that its alumni hold leadership roles in over 140 countries, reflecting its lasting global impact.
Benefits and Duration
For business research students, the Chevening Scholarship provides an excellent opportunity to study business and management at leading UK universities. It covers the tuition fees and living expenses. However, it mainly supports the one-year master’s programmes, not full PhD degrees. Still, students who recently completed their master’s through Chevening often continue to do research later.
Applicants should show their academic excellence and a strong commitment to making a difference in their home country. You can apply for a Chevening Scholarship online through the Chevening portal and follow each step carefully. After completing their degrees, the successful scholars join the powerful global network each year
Apply date: Applications for the Chevening Scholarships usually open in August and close in November each year.
2. Commonwealth PhD Scholarship
The Commonwealth PhD Scholarship supports students from developing Commonwealth countries studying in the United Kingdom. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK manages the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship. The main purpose of this International Business Research Scholarship is to support students from low- or middle-income countries who are unable to afford the expenses of advanced studies.
It welcomes applicants from nations such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. The objective is to enable the talented students to gain global research experience and bring that knowledge back to improve their home countries.
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission stated that more than 99% of its scholars contribute to the development of work after graduation. This shows that the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship focuses on real-world impact and leadership.
Benefits and duration
The Commonwealth Scholarship also supports doctoral research across a range of subjects, including management and business. It values research that drives positive change. If your study focuses on international business or entrepreneurship in developing economies, this scholarship is well-suited to you.
It covers tuition fees and research costs. This scholarship lasts three to four years, depending on the duration of the PhD programme. Through this, scholars can fully concentrate on their research without financial stress.
To increase the chance that your choice is approved, just write a research proposal that connects your study to the development goals. Try to work with UK supervisors who help you to support this journey. This approach will strengthen your application and highlight your commitment to meaningful research.
Apply date:
The submission date for applications for the Commonwealth PhD Scholarship usually runs from early September to mid-October each year.
3. Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford
The Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford is one of the oldest and most respected awards in the world. It started in the early 1900s at the University of Oxford and continues to honour the highest standards and leadership. The Rhodes Trust oversees this scholarship and selects students who demonstrate strong academic skills and lead the creation of change. It helps students study a diverse range of subjects, including PhD programmes at the University of Oxford.
A report by the Rhodes Trust shows that 8 to 10 Rhodes Scholars continue to hold leading roles in academia and business after completion of their degrees. This indicates the programme’s strong focus on developing global leaders of change. This scholarship is suitable for students who want to study in the UK and are looking for a PhD in business.
Benefits and Duration:
Rhodes Scholars receive a:
- Full tuition fee
- A yearly stipend of about £20,400’
- Support for visa and travel expenses
They also get direct mentorship and training through a global network of alumni. For PhD students, the scholarship can cover up to three years of study.
The Rhodes scholarship provides a powerful platform for business researchers. Oxford’s world-class instructors and strong connections with global firms help the students to combine their academic skills theory with real-world practice.
A Rhodes Scholar gains access to a network of innovators and decision-makers. This interaction can lead to collaboration in research and develop career opportunities worldwide.
Apply Date:
You can apply for the Rhodes scholarship between late July and October each year.
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship supports brilliant international business students who are unable to afford their postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge. The Gates Scholarship began in 2000, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
It remains one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the world. According to Gates Cambridge, about two-thirds of its scholars pursue PhD programmes, including those in business and management.
Funding and Research Opportunities
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship comprises:
- Full Tuition Fees
- A maintenance allowance of about £21,000 per year,
- Other expenses include airfare, visa fees, and a health surcharge.
Business PhD candidates benefit from access to Cambridge Judge Business School and a diverse global academic community.
Apply date:
Applicants can apply for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship in December or January of each year.
5. University of Edinburgh Business School PhD Scholarships
The University of Edinburgh Business School offers opportunities for PhD scholars in the field of business and management. The University of Edinburgh Business School’s PhD scholarship has built a strong global reputation for its research in international strategy and business ethics. The financial help of Edinburgh universities helps international students to focus on their studies without any kind of stress.
Research Opportunities and Industry Links
Edinburgh Business School support connects students to global networks and industry leaders. The PhD candidates work under the direct guidance of experts who regularly publish in the Journal of Business.
The Chartered Association of Business Schools found that universities offering structured industry-linked doctoral programmes, such as Edinburgh, produce graduates with greater research visibility. Scholarships support applied business research.
6. London Business School PhD Scholarships
The London Business School is recognised as one of the top institutions for business research and is located in the heart of London. It helps the international students and promotes the culture of research.
Its PhD programme focuses on accounting and organisational behaviour. These London Business School PhD scholarships suit students who want to examine advanced topics in business and develop into significant researchers. If you plan to apply for such competitive scholarships, getting expert help from the best essay writing services in London can strengthen your application.
Funding and Financial Support
The LBS PhD scholarship also provides full funding to all admitted PhD students. The scholarship package comprises a tax-free stipend of about £27,000 per year and a full tuition fee reduction.
Students also receive funding for conferences and their research expenses. This financial stability helps the scholars fully concentrate on their studies and research goals.
Career and Leadership Opportunities
Graduates of the LBS PhD programme often move into careers as professors or strategists in the top global organisations. The school’s close connections with businesses worldwide give scholars direct access to real-world data and insights.
Apply date:
Applications for this scholarship are submitted in December each year.
Final Words
Pursuing a PhD in business research in the UK is one approach to expanding their knowledge and understanding of research, which helps them in their future. The UK universities are prestigious and offer strong research support for international students.
UK universities do not just provide financial aid programmes; they also offer opportunities for leadership and research that can have a real impact on the world. Strong academic support and funding will help students give their research full focus. By choosing the right international business research scholarship, doctoral researchers can realise their ambitions and help create leaders.
FAQs
Are There Scholarships for PhD Research in International Business?
Yes, there are different scholarships for PhD research in international business. The top programmes in the UK, such as Chevening, Commonwealth, Rhodes, Gates Cambridge, and scholarships at London Business School and the University of Edinburgh, provide full or partial funding. These scholarships cover the tuition and research expenses.
They help international students interested in focusing on advanced business research without financial stress. Many scholarships also offer many benefits, such as mentorship, networking, and exposure to industry, to prepare the students for academic and leadership careers.
What Financial Aid is Available for International Business Majors?
The international business majors have access to various types of financial aid. Universities in the UK and throughout the world provide merit-based scholarships and research assistantships. Programs such as Chevening, Commonwealth, and Gates Cambridge provide full financial support.
External organisations and global companies also fund students pursuing international business degrees. These options make it easier for international students to complete their studies with confidence.
International Journal of Research (IJR) 