Fund your research degree or PhD
From self-finance to loans, scholarships to sponsorship, we explain ways to pay for your doctoral research.
Funding options
Ways to fund your research degree
If you’re thinking about doing a research degree, you need to consider how you’ll pay for it.
There’s more to think about than just course fees. Depending on the subject, you may also have additional project costs related to your research, such as for laboratory or studio time.
And you still have to cover your living costs - to pay for your accommodation, food and other bills.
When you make your decision about how to pay for your degree, understanding all the costs and sources of support will help you make the right choice.
You have four main options:
- self-funding
- sponsorship
- scholarships
- loans
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Self-funding
Many postgraduates choose to pay for their studies with their own money.
If you are considering self-funding, think about:
- whether sources of financial support are available, including scholarships and loans
- how long your qualification will take
- the option to study part-time so you can work while completing your research
Working while you study is quite common. But it’s important to be realistic about how much work you can do while carrying out challenging research.
If you’re proposing your own research project, check with your prospective supervisor whether scholarships are likely to be available
Other support and information
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Sponsorship
If you are currently working, your employer may sponsor your studies.
There may also be sponsorship opportunities available from charities, trusts and other groups.
Other support and information
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Scholarships and funded projects
Scholarships - sometimes called studentships - are available from the University and external organisations, such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
If you are proposing your own research project, you may be able to apply for a scholarship to UKRI or a doctoral training partnership.
Ask your prospective supervisor whether scholarships may be available.
You could also get a scholarship by applying to join a funded research project.
Run by our academics, these projects either provide scholarships which either cover just research fees, or also include a contribution to your living costs.
Other support and information
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Doctoral loan
A postgraduate doctoral loan can help with course fees and living costs while you study a doctoral course such as a PhD.
Like other student loans, the money is provided by a government-backed company and you only start to repay it when your income is over a certain amount.
Other support and information
International students
Your eligibility for funding will often depend on your citizenship.
European Union
If you are an EU citizen, you may be eligible to apply to the same agencies as UK students. The grants awarded will normally only cover tuition fees.
You can get details of available funding from the relevant board or council for your chosen subject.
Non-EU
If you are an international student who is a citizen of a non-EU country, start by checking with your own government’s ministry or department of education. In most countries, they will be able to tell you what funding you are eligible for.
The British Council also publishes information about funding international students can apply for.
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![Student reading a book in the All Saints library on campus]()
Doctoral loans
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Doctoral training partnerships
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Postgraduate research opportunities
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Doctoral scholarships
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