Funding
Funding options for Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) can vary significantly depending on your research area and the university you plan to study at. Whether you're supported by a university studentship, receiving a stipend from a UK research council, or self-funding your studies, it's important to remember that additional sources of financial support may be available.
If you're considering a PGR course in the future, one of the key avenues to explore is funding from UK research councils. Each council typically supports specific disciplines, so it's worth identifying the one most relevant to your field and checking their website for current opportunities and application guidance:
Funding bodies offer support to PhD students in a variety of ways. Some may cover tuition fees only, while others provide a more comprehensive package that includes a stipend for living costs, travel expenses, or research-related costs. In some cases, funding may come as a one-off award designed to ease the financial pressures of postgraduate study.
Each funding body also sets its own eligibility criteria. These can include factors such as residency status in the UK, academic background, and in some cases, personal circumstances. While most PhD-level funding is awarded based on academic merit, there are schemes that consider additional criteria—such as financial need, gender, or other underrepresented characteristics. For example, the British Federation of Women Graduates offers awards specifically aimed at supporting women in higher education.
Once you begin your postgraduate research (PGR) course, there may be opportunities to supplement your income through part-time roles such as Graduate Teaching Assistantships or Demonstrator positions. These roles not only provide financial support but also offer valuable teaching and professional experience that can enhance your academic CV.
Many universities also offer Financial Aid Funds or Hardship Grants, which you may be eligible to apply for during your studies. Beyond institutional support, there are external resources worth exploring:
- Turn2us – A UK-based charity that provides a searchable database of hundreds of grants offered by charitable organisations.
- The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding – A comprehensive resource that outlines funding opportunities from charities, trusts, and foundations. It also includes practical tools and guidance to help you write effective grant applications.
- If you are a UK national starting a doctoral degree you may be able to apply for a Government postgraduate doctoral loan. The loan is a contribution towards your study costs like course fees and living costs. It might not cover all tuition and living costs.
- The government also publishes useful postgraduate funding advice.
- Prospects provides information and guidance about finding UK funding for postgraduate study from: public funding bodies, charities, trusts and foundations.
It’s also worth considering joining a professional body or learned society related to your discipline. Many offer small grants or bursaries to support PGR students with costs such as conference fees, travel expenses, or research materials. Speak with your supervisor or departmental colleagues for recommendations on relevant organisations.
Planning Ahead for Financial Stability
Where possible, try to set aside some savings each month. This can provide a financial cushion if your funding or stipend ends before you’ve completed your thesis. Writing up often takes longer than expected, and having some savings can help you stay focused on your research rather than needing to take on additional paid work.
During your ‘thesis pending’ period, you may no longer receive funding, but you should still be registered as a student. This means you’ll typically remain exempt from council tax until your official “end of study” date, as recorded on your university system (e.g., MyCampus). This date usually aligns with your confirmed thesis submission deadline.
Adapted from original source: Tips for PGRs