Fully Funded PhD Uk in Humanities Without IELTS in 2025
Here are the list of 10 UK- PhD opportunities in the humanities program that offer funding (in many cases—with competitive fully funded awards or well-supported partial funding schemes).That often waives IELTS if you can demonstrate prior study in an English‐medium institution. Keep in mind that details (such as GPA requirements, acceptable study gaps, and mandatory documents) can vary by department and change from year to year. It’s essential to check a each program’s webpage for the most up-to-date information. The following list is meant to serve as a starting point:
fully funded PhD Uk
1. University of Oxford – Faculty of Humanities
- Area/Location: Oxford, England
- Program Offering: PhD in Humanities (History, Literature, Philosophy, etc.)
- Intake: October
- General Requirements:
- Strong academic Grade (typically a UK 2:1 or equivalent)
- A well -research proposal
- At least two academic references
- If the applicants who have studied their previous degree from an English-medium institution may have the IELTS requirement waived
- Funding: Fully funded (via Clarendon Fund, departmental scholarships, etc.)
- Typical GPA Requirement: Equivalent to 2:1 (often around 3.0–3.5/4.0)
- Acceptable Study Gap: Many departments consider a gap of up to 5 years if supported by relevant professional/work Experience or academic activity
- Mandatory Documents: Research proposa (SOP)l, academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, reference letters, and evidence of English-medium instruction (if seeking waiver)
- URL: Oxford Graduate Admissions
2. University of Cambridge – Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Area/Location: Cambridge, England
- Program Offering: PhD in Humanities (e.g., History, English, Religious Studies)
- Intake: October
- General Requirements:
- High academic standard (typically a UK 2:1 or its equivalent)
- Detailed research proposal and academic references
- IELTS is waiver available for those whose previous academic is in English-medium education
- Funding: Fully funded options available (e.g., Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Cambridge International Scholarships)
- Typical GPA Requirement: Often equivalent to a 2:1 (around 3.0/4.0)
- Acceptable Study Gap: Gaps up to 5 years are often considered
- Mandatory Documents: Research proposal, transcripts, CV, personal statement, and recommendation letters
- URL: Cambridge Graduate Admissions
3. University College London (UCL) – Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Area/Location: London, England
- Program Offering: PhD in Humanities (including disciplines like Cultural Studies, History, and more)
- Intake: September/October
- General Requirements:
- Excellent academic record (UK 2:1 or equivalent)
- A competitive research proposal and academic references
- English language proficiency may be waived if prior study was in English
- Funding: A mix of fully funded and partially funded scholarships (e.g., UCL Graduate Research Scholarships)
- Typical GPA Requirement: Generally a UK 2:1 (approx. 3.0/4.0)
- Acceptable Study Gap: Often up to 3–5 years if justified
- Mandatory Documents: Research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, and reference letters
- URL: UCL Research Degrees
4. King’s College London
- Area/Location: London, England
- Program Offering: PhD in Humanities (across various fields)
- Intake: September/October
- General Requirements:
- A strong academic background (UK 2:1 equivalent)
- Clear research proposal, references, and supporting documents
- IELTS may be waived for candidates with prior English-medium education
- Funding: Competitive fully funded awards available (e.g., King’s International Scholarships)
- Typical GPA Requirement: Typically around 2:1 or 3.0/4.0 equivalent
- Acceptable Study Gap: Up to 5 years may be considered with relevant experience
- Mandatory Documents: Research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, and reference letters
- URL: King’s Postgraduate Study
5. University of Edinburgh
- Area/Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Program Offering: PhD in Humanities (fields include Cultural History, Philosophy, etc.)
- Intake: September
- General Requirements:
- Strong academic record (usually a UK 2:1 or better)
- A comprehensive research proposal and strong references
- English proficiency requirements may be waived with evidence of prior study in English
- Funding: Fully funded options (e.g., Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships)
- Typical GPA Requirement: Often equivalent to 2:1 (around 3.0/4.0)
- Acceptable Study Gap: Gaps of up to 5 years can be acceptable
- Mandatory Documents: Research proposal, transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, and reference letters
- URL: Edinburgh Postgraduate Degrees
6. University of Manchester
- Area/Location: Manchester, England
- Program Offering: PhD in Humanities (including disciplines like History, English, etc.)
- Intake: September/October
- General Requirements:
- Proven academic excellence (UK 2:1 or equivalent)
- A well-articulated research proposal and two or more academic references
- IELTS waiver possible for candidates with an English-medium background
- Funding: Both fully funded and partially funded scholarships available (e.g., Manchester International Scholarships)
- Typical GPA Requirement: Generally a 2:1 (around 3.0/4.0)
- Acceptable Study Gap: Often up to 5 years if backed by professional or academic achievements
- Mandatory Documents: Research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, and letters of recommendation
- URL: Manchester Postgraduate Research
7. University of Glasgow
- Area/Location: Glasgow, Scotland
- Program Offering: PhD in Humanities (for instance in History, Literature, etc.)
- Intake: September
- General Requirements:
- Excellent academic performance (UK 2:1 or equivalent)
- Research proposal, academic references, and supportive documentation
- English language waiver available for graduates of English-medium programs
- Funding: Fully funded scholarships available (e.g., University of Glasgow International Leadership Scholarship)
- Typical GPA Requirement: Typically a 2:1 (roughly 3.0/4.0)
- Acceptable Study Gap: Up to 5 years may be considered when well justified
- Mandatory Documents: Research proposal, transcripts, CV, personal statement, and reference letters
- URL: Glasgow Research Degrees
8. University of Bristol
- Area/Location: Bristol, England
- Program Offering: PhD in Humanities (such as English, History, Music, etc.)
- Intake: October
- General Requirements:
- A strong academic record (UK 2:1 or its equivalent)
- Detailed research proposal and at least two academic references
- Possibility of an IELTS waiver if previous education was in English
- Funding: Fully funded scholarships available (e.g., Bristol Doctoral Studentships)
- Typical GPA Requirement: Generally equivalent to a 2:1
- Acceptable Study Gap: Gaps of up to 5 years are typically acceptable
- Mandatory Documents: Research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters
- URL: Bristol Postgraduate Study
9. University of Warwick
- Area/Location: Coventry, England (with campus presence in Warwick)
- Program Offering: PhD in Humanities (across various specialisms such as English, Cultural Studies, etc.)
- Intake: September/October
- General Requirements:
- A competitive academic record (UK 2:1 or equivalent)
- Strong research proposal and academic references
- IELTS requirement can be waived with a degree from an English-medium institution
- Funding: Fully funded scholarships available (e.g., Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships)
- Typical GPA Requirement: Generally a 2:1 standard
- Acceptable Study Gap: Often up to 5 years, subject to supporting evidence
- Mandatory Documents: Research proposal, transcripts, CV, personal statement, and reference letters
- URL: Warwick Research Degrees
10. University of Leeds
- Area/Location: Leeds, England
- Program Offering: PhD in Humanities (covering areas like History, English, Cultural Studies)
- Intake: September/October
- General Requirements:
- Strong academic credentials (minimum UK 2:1 or equivalent)
- Comprehensive research proposal, references, and academic records
- English proficiency can be waived for those who have completed previous study in English
- Funding: Offers both fully funded and partial funding options (e.g., Leeds Doctoral Research Scholarships)
- Typical GPA Requirement: Typically around a 2:1 (approximately 3.0/4.0)
- Acceptable Study Gap: Gaps up to 5 years are often acceptable with proper justification
- Mandatory Documents: Research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation
- URL: Leeds PhD Research Degrees