Although exceptions do exist a 2(i) or equivalent is a minimum entrance qualifications for most UK PhD studentships. Rules on admissions are complicated. You will not be classed as a UK student unless you have been 'ordinarily resident' in the UK, for purposes other than full time education, for 3 years. Studentships marked on this site as available to European students may not be available to all Europeans, they may only be available to members of EU countries or those in the http://www.esf.org target=_blank>European Science Foundation