Get a studentship to fund your doctorate (2024)

Get a studentship to fund your doctorate

UKRI studentships offer funding for doctoral research. They also offer you access to training, networking and development opportunities to help you build a research and innovation career.

You could get:

a minimum ‘stipend’ of £18,622 per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular instalments
support for your tuition fees (minimum £4,712 per year)

The stipend is usually non-taxable and does not need to be paid back. Some research organisations may offer more if you study in London, or they or one of their collaborators might decide to top up the payment. This will be outlined in the studentship advert from the research organisation.

We normally pay the support for tuition fees directly to your research organisation.

The levels given here are for the academic year 2023 to 2024. UKRI’s approach to doctoral stipend and fee levels will be reviewed through the new deal for postgraduate research.

Additional support for your doctoral studies

As a UKRI-funded doctoral student, you may be able to access additional funding to cover the cost of other related training and development opportunities.

This could include:

Extra support if you have a disability

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.

You should speak to your research organisation’s disability advisor to assess your needs. They can help put the right support in place, including a DSA application if necessary. You cannot claim DSA directly from UKRI.

DSA helps to cover the cost of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result of a disability, mental health problem or specific learning difficulty.

The allowance covers:

non-medical personal assistance
specialist equipment
extra travel costs
general expenses

Find out more about DSA in our framework.

If you are a research organisation you can download claim forms and guidance for DSA.

Who can apply

Any prospective doctoral student wishing to study at a UK research organisation, including prospective international students, can apply for a UKRI studentship.

All UKRI-funded doctoral students will be eligible for the full award, both the stipend to support living costs, and home-level fees at the UK research organisation rate.

How to find opportunities

Many UK research organisations offer some form of studentship funding from UKRI. These opportunities will depend on the subject you want to study and will normally be advertised by the research organisations.

Research organisations may have additional opportunities that do not involve UKRI. UKRI supports around 20% of all UK-based postgraduate researchers. You should speak to the research organisation you are interested in to find out what studentships are available.

You could also consider using a specialist website like  FindaPhD to look for opportunities.

When to apply

Research organisations set their own deadlines for applications.

Many open for applications early in the academic year and close in January or February. This is not a hard and fast rule. It is important that you check the deadlines for the research organisation where you want to study.

How to apply

You cannot apply to UKRI for a studentship. You must contact the research organisation you are interested in studying with and use their application process.

For doctoral students who are already studying with a studentship, there are opportunities to get additional funding to support placements that are separate from your doctorate. Find training and development opportunities.

As an expert in the field of research funding and doctoral studies, I have a comprehensive understanding of the various mechanisms available to support aspiring researchers. With a background in academia and a keen interest in facilitating educational pursuits, I am well-versed in the intricacies of programs like the UKRI studentships.

The UKRI studentships are instrumental in providing essential funding for doctoral research in the United Kingdom. For the academic year 2023 to 2024, prospective students can benefit from a minimum stipend of £18,622 per year, specifically designated for living costs. This stipend, usually non-taxable, is dispensed in regular installments, offering financial stability throughout the research journey.

Furthermore, the UKRI studentships cover tuition fees, with a minimum contribution of £4,712 per year. Notably, these financial provisions are not required to be repaid, providing a robust foundation for pursuing advanced degrees. The stipend amount may vary if studying in London or through collaborations with research organizations, as outlined in the studentship advertisem*nt.

Beyond financial support, UKRI-funded doctoral students gain access to a range of training, networking, and development opportunities crucial for building a successful research and innovation career. Additional funding is available for various aspects of doctoral studies, such as conference attendance, fieldwork, language training, overseas research visits, and internships with non-academic partners. The specific support offered depends on the research organization and the training grants they have available.

It's noteworthy that prospective students with disabilities may be entitled to a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) in addition to their studentship. This allowance covers non-medical personal assistance, specialist equipment, extra travel costs, and general expenses, providing essential support tailored to individual needs.

Eligibility for UKRI studentships extends to all prospective doctoral students, including international applicants. The application process involves contacting the specific research organization of interest, as UKRI does not accept direct applications for studentships. Deadlines for applications vary across research organizations, and prospective students are encouraged to check the specific deadlines for their chosen institution.

For those already enrolled in doctoral studies with a studentship, opportunities exist to secure additional funding for separate placements. Information about available studentships is often advertised by research organizations, and specialized websites like FindaPhD can be valuable resources for identifying opportunities. In summary, UKRI studentships not only provide financial support but also open doors to a wide array of training and development opportunities, making them a vital resource for aspiring researchers in the UK.