Why are there virtually no funding opportunites for PhD overseas students who are studying in the UK. The only ones I have ever found are almost exclusively for students from the USA, which I am not.

I think you are wrong. All programmes I applied to had bursaries/scholarships that were available to both UK and overseas students - some are offered at the department level, others - at the university one.

I had the same problem, Alex. Most grants will cover university fees for foreign students- but won't cover your living costs. So you have to be rich or get lucky and find one of the few positions that are funded by EU grants or similar or secure some additional funding from your home country.
Bill- don't give up just jet. I almost did and then found a position with a maintenance fee for non- british europeans.

well, am in that same situation Bill. try checking for university funding. apart from government or n.g.o funding, that's the only other source of funding for an overseas student- overseas being a non-E.U. student. don't give up, keep trying. eventually something will come up.

Try the ORS awards I did and got it the rest from my supervisor

I am from Malawi and about to start this Phd programme this October desperately need links for funding
Robbie

The only way to get full funding is if you are in a non-arts program. All the money is reserved for faculties such as science, business and law.