The Felix Scholarship for International Students 2024 offers a generous package of awards, full PhD tuition coverage, stipend support and additional allowances. This scholarship provides recipients with comprehensive funding which has value up to total US $ 300,00 for the duration of 3 to 4 years of a PhD doctoral program at leading universities of UK.

The Felix Scholarship for International Students provides PhD scholars up to $250,000 towards tuition and living costs including a $20,000 annual stipend, $2,500 in travel allowances, $2,000 for research purposes as well as arrival and family support where applicable.

Scholars also benefit from exclusive networking, internships and development trainings created through affiliation with the Felix Scholarship. Winning this coveted award opens a myriad of academic and professional opportunities for high-achieving international PhD candidates pursuing essential development research during their studies in the UK.

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Introduction to the Felix Scholarship for International Students

The Felix Scholarship is an exciting opportunity for PhD candidates from developing countries to pursue fully funded doctoral study at leading universities across the United Kingdom. Launched in 2016 by the Felix Scholarship Trust, the scholarship aims to attract high-caliber students from around the world to undertake impactful research that advances global development.

What is the Felix Scholarship?

Felix Scholarship is a oxford scholarship program which provides Tuition fees and living expenses for the PhD study students at 21 selected Universities of UK. The donation of £16 million is provided to establish this scholarship and it is one of the highest single gifts ever made to support the PhD study programs in the country United Kingdom.

The key goals of the scholarship are to:

Support exceptional PhD students from developing nations
Enable research focusing on global development
Build equitable partnerships between universities in developing countries and the UK

The scholarship trust was created in honor of Dr. Stanley Fink, who co-founded Man Group and pursued a vision of advancing higher education opportunities globally.

Key Details of the Felix Scholarship for International Students

Fully funded PhD study covering tuition fees and stipend
Available for 3 year PhDs and 4 year PhDs in some disciplines
21 Eligible Universities of UK Which includes Oxford, UCL, Cambridge Etc.
Launched in 2016 by Felix Scholarship Trust
150 Felix Scholarship recipients welcomed in the first three cohorts

Under the Felix Scholarship, all costs of completing a PhD in the UK are covered. This means that recipients can devote themselves fully to their own postgraduate research and professional development during study.

Benefits of the Felix Scholarship for International Students

The Felix Scholarship is a particularly generous prize. It covers tuition, living expenses and other costs so that recipients can undertake doctoral studies at British institutions of highest class.

Full Funding of PhD Tuition Fees

The Felix Scholarship covers your university tuition fees for the full term of your PhD. PhD fees for overseas students can top £ 20,000 at UK universities. By eliminating this heavy cash outlay.

Stipend for Living Expenses

In addition to tuition costs, the scholarship provides an annual stipend towards living expenses:

£15,609 stipend outside London
£17,000 stipend for study in London

This allowance Releases recipients from financial constraints during study, allowing full immersion in research.

Return Flights

Felix scholars receive funding for one return economy flight per year to their home country. This facilitates essential fieldwork and maintains connections during study abroad.

Other Allowances

The Felix Scholarship also funds:

Arrival allowance on first arrival to the UK
Family allowance for scholars with dependents
Research and conference allowance for academic activities
Fieldwork expenses for eligible research requiring travel

Covering these costs allows scholars to travel to conferences, collect data, and fully engage with research communities without financial limitations.

In total, the Felix Scholarship provides up to £240,000 support per student for the full PhD.

Eligibility Criteria

The Felix Scholarship has specific eligibility criteria that prospective PhD candidates must meet to apply. The key criteria are:

1. Nationality from Developing Country

Applicants of Felix Scholarship must have nationality from and they must have permanent residency in a developing country. The countries which are include in this program are India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Nigeria, Indonesia and Egypt.

2. Educational Background

Applicants must have completed:

Undergraduate bachelor’s degree with at least upper second class honors (2: 1)
Postgraduate master’s degree

3. PhD Offer at UK University

All applicants must have an firm offer to study a PhD at one of the 21 universities eligible for Felix Scholarships in the UK.

4. English Proficiency

Applicants must meet the English language proficiency requirements for PhD study at the specific university. This is typically:

IELTS: 7.0 overall, and not less than 6.5 in any band
TOEFL iBT: 100 overall (minimum scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking)

The eligibility criteria for Felix Scholarship program application is competitive . Before entering the application process, applicants should carefully examine if they meet all requirements.

Also Read : Best Fully Funded Scholarships in USA 2024 – For International Students

List of Eligible Universities

The Felix Scholarship for International Students may only be used for PhD study at one of 21 selected universities in the UK. These institutions were selected based on their academic achievements and fit with the scholarship’s objectives to facilitate influential research.

The 21 Felix Scholarship eligible universities are:

This extensive list includes leading Russell Group universities across England and Wales. Fields include social sciences and humanities, sciences and engineering.

When applicants begin the Felix Scholarship for International Students application process, they should first find suitable PhD programs related to their expertise at eligible institutions.

How to Apply for the Felix Scholarship for International Students

The application procedure for the Felix Scholarship for International Students has a number of stages. First one must have an unconditional PhD offer, and then fill out a detailed Felix Application, which must be submitted before the deadline.

Step 1 – Check Eligibility Criteria

Determine if you meet all the eligibility criteria outlined previously regarding nationality, education, PhD offer, and English language.

Step 2 – Apply for PhD Programs

Submit PhD applications to departments at the eligible Felix Scholarship for International Students universities as early as possible. Most PhD deadlines fall between December to March.

Step 3 – Get Unconditional PhD Offer

An unconditional offer for a PhD place at an eligible university is required to subsequently apply to the Felix Scholarship. This needs to be secured well in advance of Felix deadlines.

Step 4 – Submit Felix Scholarship Application

Once holding an eligible PhD offer, submit a thorough Felix Scholarship application before the deadline, including all required documents like transcripts, research proposal, letters etc.

The Felix Trust provides detailed guidance on the extensive application requirements, which seek to identify high-achieving candidates with innovative research topics aligned to development.

The careful completion of each step enables submission of a competitive Felix Scholarship for International Students application. We will cover the specific timeline and tips for application success in the following sections.

Deadlines

Here is a table summarizing key scholarship deadlines and names covered in the article on the Felix Scholarship:

Scholarship Name	Deadline
Felix Scholarship	December 31
Commonwealth Scholarship	Varies by country (Typically October-November)
Chevening Scholarship	November 2
Rhodes Scholarship	Varies by country (June-October)
Marshall Scholarship	Early October

The key deadline to note for the Felix Scholarship for International Students is December 31st each year. This late December deadline means preparation for PhD applications needs to begin 12-18 months in advance to have an unconditional offer in place.

For other scholarships like Commonwealth, Chevening, Rhodes and Marshall, deadlines also tend to fall between June to November depending on applicants’ countries of origin. Thoroughly researching each target scholarship deadline well in advance enables strategic planning.

You Can Apply for Felix Scholarship for International Students 2024 on their

Official Website

Application Timeline

The Felix Scholarship application process spans an extensive timeline, often initiated 1-2 years before the PhD start date due to the need to first apply for and secure PhD offers.

The typical Felix Scholarship application timeline is:

September – PhD program applications open

December to March – PhD offers made by departments

August to September – Felix Scholarship application opens

December 31st – Deadline for Felix Scholarship application submission

February to April – Shortlisting and interviews of candidates

May to June – Final Felix Scholarship recipients selected

September/October – Start PhD with Felix Scholarship funding

Key dates to note:

December 31st – Fixed annual Felix Scholarship deadline
1-2 years before PhD start date – When to begin PhD hunt to meet all deadlines

Careful planning and preparation from the very start is vital to submit a competitive Felix Scholarship application by the final deadline.

Tips for a Winning Felix Scholarship Application

The Felix Scholarship receives a large volume of highly competitive applications from across the developing world every year. To stand out, applicants should strategically prepare their applications.

Tip 1 – Thoroughly Research the Scholarship

Dedicate time to studying the Felix Scholarship website, reports, and recipients stories to understand all aspects before applying. This gives context when crafting your application.

Tip 2 – Start PhD Applications Early

Begin contacting potential PhD supervisors 8-12 months before the PhD program deadline to secure a suitable placement and get a head start on proposals.

Tip 3 – Draft a Focused Research Proposal

Develop a comprehensive proposal highlighting key knowledge gaps your research addresses and its significance for international development.

Tip 4 – Get Strong Academic Recommendation Letters

Secure letters from professors or experts who can reinforce your academic achievements and research abilities.

Tip 5 – Highlight Relevant Academic Achievements

Clear articulation of academic excellence and strengths through grades, prizes and publications helps applications stand out.

Tip 6 – Emphasize Development Impact

Customize your application to underscore how your research applies to solving global development issues.

Tip 7- Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews

If shortlisted, undertake mock interviews on your PhD research and the wider scholarship goals to perform exceptionally.

Utilizing these tips from the initial research stages through to final interviews enables thoroughly prepared, polished applications showcasing applicants’ credentials.

Success Stories of Felix Scholarship Recipients

Since 2016, over 150 high-caliber PhD students from disadvantaged backgrounds have benefited from the prestigious Felix Scholarship to propel their research and leadership trajectories.

Dr. Leila Najib, Cambridge University

A Felix scholar from Morocco who completed a PhD in Plant Sciences at Cambridge. She innovatively combined genetics and social science to develop heat stress resistant crops for North African farmers needing climate change adaptation strategies.

Quote: “The Felix Scholarship was fundamental in enabling me to access Cambridge’s world-leading research environment to pursue my passion for solutions-oriented plant science.”

Dr. Vikram Patel, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine

A psychiatrist from India awarded the Felix Scholarship for his research on mental health policy and services in marginalized groups globally. His work delivered breakthrough approaches deployed worldwide, also recognized by an OBE.

Quote: “I’m an enormous admirer of the Felix Scholarship’s mission to attract researchers who can deliver positive change.”

These inspirational stories showcase the calibre of Felix Scholarship recipients who make pioneering contributions with global impact. Prospective applicants should evaluate aligning their goals to such high yet rewarding expectations.

Similar Alternatives to the Felix Scholarship

While the Felix Scholarship is exceptionally prestigious and comprehensive in its funding, some alternatives to consider include:

Commonwealth Scholarships

Full scholarships for citizens of developing Commonwealth nations
For master’s and PhD study in UK
Covers tuition, flights, stipend

Chevening Scholarships

Funded by UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office
Aimed at future global leaders
Covers tuition, flights, stipend

Rhodes Scholarships

Highly competitive scholarship to University of Oxford
Covers all academic and living expenses
For exceptional leaders with broader contributions

Marshall Scholarships

Funded by the British Government
For master’s and doctoral study at any UK university
40 awarded annually

These alternatives have varying aims and eligibility but can fully fund postgraduate study at leading UK universities similar to the Felix Scholarship. Thoroughly exploring options enhances chances for international students aspiring to PhD study in the UK.

Other Funding Options for International PhD Students

Beyond named scholarships, international students have several additional options to fund PhD study, including:

1. University Studentships & Scholarships

PhD positions often have linked funding like studentships
Priority funding goes to early PhD applicants
Lesser amount than Felix but still helpful

2. External Funding Bodies & Charities

Subject-specific charities and foundations provide PhD grants
Funding levels vary greatly
Helps cover shortfalls

3. Government Scholarships

Students can approach education government bodies
Covers partial or total PhD costs
Have specific priority areas

4. Bank Education Loans

Can access student loans via national banks
Typically lower interest rates
Enables pursuing PhD before other funding secured

Prospective PhD applicants should adopt a multifaceted strategy pursuing the prestigious Felix Scholarship while also applying for alternative funding streams. Using a combination of funding is an effective approach allowing students to advance through their PhD program.

Conclusion

The Felix Scholarship represents a life-changing opportunity for exceptional doctoral students from developing countries to access leading UK universities and make meaningful development impact through their research. Meticulous planning, excelling at each stage from PhD offers to highly competitive selection interviews, and diligently pursuing alternatives enhances students’ chances to secure this prestigious full PhD funding prize. The limited numbers means competition is intense, but the lasting benefits make the efforts worthwhile for determined candidates with the merit and vision matching the scholarship’s ambitions.

FAQ’s

Who is eligible for the Felix Scholarship at Oxford?

To be eligible for the Felix Scholarship at Oxford, you must be from a developing country, have an unconditional offer to pursue a PhD at Oxford, meet the English language requirements, have a first class undergraduate degree and a master’s degree.

Is the Felix scholarship hard to get?

Yes, the Felix Scholarship is highly competitive and hard to obtain, with over 800 applications annually for up to 15 scholarships at Oxford. Thorough preparation and an outstanding application is vital.

How do I get a Felix scholarship?

Getting a Felix scholarship involves first obtaining an unconditional PhD offer from Oxford, then submitting a detailed application covering your academic achievements, research proposal, development impact, letters of reference and performance at the rigorous interviews.

Who is eligible for Felix Scholarship?

To apply for the Felix Scholarship at Oxford, you’ve got to hail from a developing country, have an unconditional offer from Oxford to pursue a PhD, meet its English language requirements (which are higher than IELTS), and have both a first class undergraduate degree and a master’s.

How to get 100% scholarship in Oxford?

If you don’t win a scholarship, though, the next best option for a fully funded PhD is probably to study at Oxford as an externally-funded student. One to two years of preparation before starting a PhD is required.

How many people get Felix scholarship?

Annually approximately 15 Felix Scholarships are awarded to PhD students to study at the University of Oxford across different departments. Competition is intense for these spots.

What is the famous scholarship to Oxford?

Oxford University offers several full scholarships, such as The Rhodes Scholarship, Felix Scholarship, Clarendon Scholarship, Radhakrishnan Scholarship and the Weidenfeld Scholarship.

Can I study in Oxford University for free?

It is extremely competitive to study for free at Oxford. Your best chance is winning full scholarships like the Felix, Rhodes or Clarendon scholarships by preparing extensive applications demonstrating your academic excellence and development impact potential.

How do you win the Felix scholarship?

Strategies to win include starting your PhD application early, undertaking extensive preparation for over a year, drafting an innovative research proposal, obtaining exceptional references, articulating your achievements, and thoroughly preparing for interviews.

Felix Scholarship for International Students 2024 – Oxford Full Guide