Hi, I am in the year one stage of a PhD at a UK university. I didn't get any fund from the school or outside when I accepted the offer. The University only held a small amount of funding which was available for domestic students. I just supported my study by relying on my personal savings and some bits of help from my parents. But the cost of doing a PhD for international students in the UK is very high because we need to deal with high tuition fees plus living cost in the UK. The school cannot provide enough financial support for my outside research in China, the US and some other places. Just a few days ago, I knew that my father was in the financial risk of his company. My young brother told me secretly because my parents did not want to let me know as they felt like that I could focus on my own study. I have to say I cannot do it without support from my parents if I want to finish my PhD. In my back of my mind, however, it is unfair for my father to continue to support my study now, especially during this special time. So, I need to shoot for funding which could cover my research costs and the university fees at least. But I have no ideas about how to talk with my current supervisor who is so kind to help me to improve my research proposal for year one. I am wondering if I do this inappropriately that will screw up our relationship. That is not what I want to see happening in my life. Also, should I contact any new potential supervisors from other institution without telling my current supervisor? I assume that if I quit my current place but fail to get an offer from other institutions, which means I will not have plan B.

Thanks.

I would just be honest and say you no longer have the money to self-fund due to matters outside of your control, but that you really appreciate the opportunity and would welcome any ideas on how to stay (applying for funding with your supervisor etc).

Thanks for suggesting, when I was applying this PhD, my supervisor said there were no funds. Also, I know, many new international PhD students enrolled last year, were self-funded. But just like you said, I have to consider to find a new one due to the matters outside my control. It may be telling the truth and expressing my dilemma will be the best options right now.

I would be honest too, it sounds like you have a good relationship with your supervisor and going behind his/her back will jeopardize that and might limit your options further.

Thanks for suggesting. I agree with you, I am ready to sit down and talk face to face with my supervisor for this issue.