UK Funding

[newenglandshawn]

Is it true that Americans have to give a concrete explanation of how they are going to fund the schooling at the time of application for PhD programs in the UK?

[sacklunch]

As far as I know, no. You will need to verify you have funding before arriving. I don't think they expect people to have funding lined up before even being accepted. 

[cadences]

I'm an international student, and when I applied for MA programs in the UK, I was asked about funding but only in a generic way i.e. I simply stated in a single sentence that I was looking to personal and family funds to pay for my fees, and I didn't have to show any proof or anything like that. (I was accepted.) It's a standard formality that's part of the application process. The one that you have to show proof of funds to would be the UK Border Agency, and that's when you're applying for your visa after you get accepted.

Edited October 18, 2013 by cadences

[dr. t]

FYI: http://www.nus.org.uk/en/get-involved/welfare-and-student-rights/dont-shut-the-door-on-international-students/

[newenglandshawn]

Your explanations make sense, but the reason I raised the question is because of the advice of a guy who did his PhD at Durham and he explained the application process in these steps:

 

UK schools have a much simpler (but less organized) application process.They would generally require the following:

1.Short Application form (3-4 pages)

2.Transcripts (from all college/seminary education)

3.Curriculum Vitae

4.Recommendations (2-3)

5.Writing Sample (1-2; length is specified by school; otherwise no longer than 15 pages)

6.Proof of funding[16]

 

 

This is then what footnote 16 says: "British schools are interested in insuring that Americans can afford to pay tuition fees and general living costs in England.Therefore they require a statement that proves your ability to fund your studies.This is often accomplished by a statement from your bank or endorsement letters from family members and friends who pledge to fund your costs."

 

http://nijaygupta.wordpress.com/phd-advice/

[Perique69]

I was accepted to Durham's PhD and a couple others a few years ago without making any funding explanations.  After being accepted, I waited on each school to let me know whether they would offer funding.  No funding was offered.  Afterward, they wanted to know how I would fund my education and living expenses.  I declined b/c of their lack of funding.