I did mean the 'best' motivation, but one big motivation. I was actually writing in reponse to Shani's suggestion that I get a job and do it part-time. Hope this clarifies.

Thanks, Shani. Actually I've tried the options you mentioned. Chevening scholarship/Ford foundation are targeted at mid-career professionals,Wenner Gren foundation is for applicants with quals in their home country rather than abroad, IFUW is for women doctoral students in second and subsequent years of study. I want to start the MPhil/PhD this Sept, but it seems all the major funding deadlines have passed. The job I am doing is very tedious, I just hate working from 9am to 6pm 5 days a week. That is a big drive behind my strong desire to complete a phd. Really don't know what to do...Still im limbo

Does anybody know some sources of funding for overseas research students which can cover the entire tuition fee, apart from the British Chevening and Ford foundation which I do not qualify without work experience, ORS which is only a fee waiver? A majority of universities do have their own funding schemes, but they are indeed very competitive and I failed to get one. The application for a place of study and for funding are separate processes, and I am out of odds on the latter. Help!!!!