hi, I am currently in the US. Its not easy for international students to get places at top universities without good toefl and really good GRE scores. Some unis ask for subject tests but most dont. I would advise you to figure out which unis you want to apply to, start contacting potential advisors via email and ask their admissions committees or graduate advisors what kind of funding their departments offer.They may offer teaching assistantships or research assistantships.

look for what specific programmes you are interested in doing and then see which universities are ranked the best in your field or second tier universities for that program. You should get results with a simple internet search.

in terms of the funding in the US, try and get a teaching assistantship or a research assistantship. Get in touch with the Admissions committees or graduate advisors at the Universities of your choice and ask them what funding their departments offer.

Thanks for the advice, I will look into those options.

I realise that it does sound kind of annoying for people to ask about funding. I have done my research, I know its very difficult to obtain. I guess what Im really looking for is advice from international students who have gotten funding successfully. Ive heard that research assistants are sometimes able to get funding for a PhD. Has anyone managed to do that?

I am an international student currently undertaking a Masters in biology/physiology in the US. I did my undergraduate at Cardiff University in the UK. I really want to do my PhD in the UK because some of my family members live there and the duration of a PhD in the UK is half that of a PhD in the US. Can anyone offer any advice on how to obtain funding if you are an international student (funding from my country, Kenya is not an option, its facing an economic disaster).Ive heard that the new terrorism laws may also negatively impact international students seeking PhDs in science in the UK. I have decent qualifications a 2.1 for undergrad and a 4.0 GPA for my masters.Is there any advice anyone can offer? Im quite desperate at this point.