Funding for PhD study in UK - anyone have any advice?

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I have been invited to submit my PhD research proposal to a potential supervisor at Brunel University, however have been forewarned that funding is pretty scarce. Unfortunately I don't have a lot of money and I am unable to do part time work to help fund my studies so if I can't get enough funding then I won't be able to do a PhD. A Career Devellopment Loan is also out of the question as I don't want to be forced to pay a loan back straight away when chances are I won't be able to afford it

Does anyone here have any experience of doing a PhD, and if so how did you go about obtaining funding? I wondered if any autism or mental health charities might be able to help because I have Aspergers and other mental health problems, or if they would only give funding to those researching autism. It seems to be very difficult to find anything out.

You're on the right track and don't give up. I have completed the 1st year of my PhD already and am now 1/3 of the way there

Funding is a perrenial problem, of course, and you're not alone in your concern. I came from outside the UK and applied for overseas research funding scholarship. There are options and your best to consult with a Brunel University advisor. Bring all your paperwork along. It's all right to ask your potential supervisor whom he/she would recommend for you to consult about scholarship and funding. Check their website and find what is applicable for you as well.

About AS and scholarship funding - ironically, I had the same query (does not hurt to ask). I did not find anything suitable and I asked our University Disabilities Service (DS). Ask your Brunel Uni DS and they will assign you a DS advisor as well.

At most University libraries there's a list of charitable organisations and this *might* be an option but their funds can be quite limited. So it's important to ask a potential advisor first.

There are student loans via your bank (although you posted you'll not do a career devellopment loan - understandable). As I understand, a bank student loan is suitable for PhD students since you're not expected to pay back until you earn your degree - do not disregard this option as you will be earning a gainful income as a post-doc.

Best of luck to you and a PhD is an investment and very worthy. You'll find a way, I know.

You've probably seen these already if you've been looking recently, but if not they're worth a look as they have details of funding for those with phd projects already decided :

PhD Scholarships

findaphd.com

postgraduatestudentships

Sounds a good opportunity - you're halfway there with having the project & you could fund from a variety of sources to top it up to something liveable. It's worth it for doing something you really like, so go for it!