Quick snapshot: what you’ll get from this page
Exactly where to click on FindAPhD, search terms & filters to use, how to contact supervisors, a copy-paste email template, and a printable checklist.
1 – Open FindAPhD and create an account
Go to FindAPhD and click Search PhDs. Create a free account so you can save listings, set email alerts and track enquiries; that makes sure you don’t miss newly posted funded studentships.
2 – Search like a pro (filters that find funded posts)
- In Keywords try: fully funded, studentship, funded PhD, scholarship.
- Set Subject/Research area (e.g., Environmental Science, Computer Science).
- Pick a Country if you prefer a location.
- Use the Funding Type filter to narrow to posts suitable for your status (international, EU, etc.).
Tip: Not every funded studentship includes the words “fully funded.” Open listings and read the Funding Notes on the project page.
3 – What to check on each listing (read these first)
- Funding Notes : Does the listing cover tuition and provide a stipend?
- Deadline : Fixed date or rolling applications?
- How to apply : View website vs. enquiry form on FindAPhD.
- Supervisor contact or department email – note it down.
4 – Two-step outreach: register interest + apply officially
Always do both:
- Click Register your interest on the FindAPhD listing – this flags you to the department.
- Click View website and submit your application via the university’s official system (they often require you to apply in their portal even if you’ve registered via FindAPhD).
Documents to have ready
- Updated academic CV (2–3pages)
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Short research proposal (5-7pages), if requested
- Two academic references (contact details)
- Writing sample or publications (if any)
- English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL) – if required
Timeline & realities
Some studentships have fixed annual deadlines (often Autumn/Winter). Others accept rolling applications. International applicants must add time for visas and document attestation – apply early.
5 – Copy-paste email templates (personalise before sending)
I’m [Your name] from [Your university / country]. I am very interested in the PhD project “[project title]” listed on FindAPhD. I hold a [your highest degree] in [subject] (grade if relevant). I attach my CV and a one-paragraph research idea.
Could you please confirm whether the studentship is open to international applicants, and whether you are currently accepting informal enquiries from prospective applicants?
Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your name]
[email] – [country] – [LinkedIn or ORCID link]
Follow-up email (after ~2 weeks if no reply):
I hope you are well. I’m following up on my enquiry about the PhD project “[project title]” (emailed on [date]). I remain very interested and just wanted to check whether the studentship is still open and whether I can provide any further documents.
Thank you again for your time.
Best regards,
[Your name]
6 – Application checklist (printable)
Copy this checklist into a note or print it before you apply:
- Create a FindAPhD account & set email alerts
- Run 3 smart keyword searches and save results
- Open 5 best-fit listings and read Funding Notes
- Register interest on FindAPhD for top picks
- Apply via each university’s official application link
- Email supervisors with tailored CV + 1-paragraph idea
- Confirm required documents for each university
- Track deadlines and follow up politely after 2 weeks
7 – Advanced search strategy (power-user tips)
- Save searches and set alerts for narrow subjects; you’ll get new funded openings delivered to your inbox.
- Try synonyms: studentship, funded PhD, scholarship, or industrial sponsorship.
- Search by supervisor name if you know a researcher working in your area – supervisors often list multiple openings or funding opportunities.
8 – What “fully funded” usually covers (and what to confirm)
“Fully funded” commonly means tuition fees are covered and a living stipend is provided. Make sure to check the listing for:
- Whether fees are covered for international students as well as domestic.
- Stipend amount and whether it’s paid monthly or annually.
- Whether travel, conference or research costs are included or need separate requests.
9 – Common questions (FAQ)
Q: Should I apply to lots of programmes?
A: Quality over quantity. Aim for 3–6 well-targeted applications tailored to each listing.
Q: A listing doesn’t say “fully funded” – should I ignore it?
A: Not necessarily. Some postings don’t include that exact phrase. Email the contact listed and check the university’s page for funding details.
Q: How long before I should expect a reply from a supervisor?
A: Professors are busy. Allow 1–3 weeks. If you haven’t heard back after two weeks, send a brief follow-up.
10 – How Delofy can help you
We curate funded-PhD alerts, provide CV and proposal reviews, and share applicant success stories. Want Delofy to review your CV or help write your 1-page proposal?
Request CV Review
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Downloadable one-page checklist
Click to download the printable checklist and email templates:
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