phd cost per year uk

• How Much Does a PhD Cost in the UK?
• Funding a PhD

Choosing to dedicate the next few years of your life towards a PhD is no light decision. Not only will it require you to dedicate an extensive amount of your personal time, but you’ll also need to consider how you’ll fund it. This raises the question, how much does a PhD cost in the UK?

The cost of a PhD can be divided into three key areas; tuition fees, living expenses and research expenditures. The combined cost of these are approximately  £20,000 per year  for UK students and can increase to over  £40,000 per year  for international students. A more in-depth breakdown of these costs can be found below. We’ve also compared these costs to other countries and outlined the various methods available to you to fund your PhD studies.

Tuition Fees

For UK ‘home’ students, the tuition fee for a PhD varies between £3,000 to £6,000 per academic year. For 2023/24 programmes, most universities opt for £4,712 per year within this range. Although this number may seem a little odd, it’s commonly adopted due to being the indicative rate set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for UK universities.

International Fees

Unlike for UK applicants, the rates for international students don’t align with the indicative level set by UKRI. Following the implementation of Brexit, EU students now follow the same fee rates as other international students. International students will find that their tuition fees are higher than those of home students. For example, at the time of writing, the average annual PhD tuition charge at the University of Dundee is £4,825 for home students undertaking an Engineering PhD. This same average is £25,305 for international students.

International applicants will also find that the fee for PhDs in STEM subjects are greater than those in non-STEM subjects. For example, at the University of Bristol, a doctorate degree in Mechanical Engineering costs £25,300 per year whilst a doctorate in Medieval Studies costs £20,100 per year.

To summarise, international students can expect a tuition fee of between £16,000 to £25,000 per year, with an average of around £19,600 per academic year. Non-STEM subjects will generally be at the lower end of the range, whilst STEM subjects will be at the higher end of the range.

Part-time Fees

The above fees are based on full-time postgraduate study. If you’re doing a part-time PhD, you can expect the fee to be half of these amounts. Although this may appear to be a cheaper option, keep in mind that the average duration of part-time PhDs are twice that of full-time PhDs. Therefore, the total tuition cost will amount to the same value and the end of both courses.

Other Degree-related Costs

Research support fees.

If your research project requires a high use of consumables, equipment or other resources, you may have to support the cost of these through an additional annual fee. This additional annual fee, often referred to as either a ‘research support’ or ‘bench’ fee, often apply to laboratory-based STEM research projects. Bench fees vary between different projects, even those within the same field. Therefore, it is best to speak to the admissions team on a project-by-project basis to receive anything useful.

Another cost you will need to account for is travelling. As part of your degree, many supervisors will expect you to attend conferences, training workshops, or other collaboration opportunities. As a result, you will often need to travel to various destinations which aren’t always limited to the UK. Although some programmes will cover these costs, it’s not unheard of that some positions will expect you to fund this yourself. It’s impossible to put a value on this, as the extent of travel depends on each project. Therefore, it would be wise to speak with the admissions team and current PhD students. They can provide you with an accurate estimate and let you know whether the university will cover the expenses.

Overtime Period Fee

When you’re enrolled into a PhD programme, you will be given a period to complete your PhD within. This period is known as your ‘registration period’ and is usually 3-4 years for a full-time PhD and 6-7 years for a part-time PhD. If you’re given an extension due to not completing your PhD study within this time, you will need to pay an overtime registration fee. Although the amount depends on each university, the University of Leeds sets theirs as £290 for 2023/24.

Living Costs

From a 2022 survey of over 2,300 university students , the average living cost, covering expenditures such as rent, bills, food and recreation, was £924 per month. This equates to £11,088 per year.

Although this is an average cost, your true cost of living will depend on your location. Living in major cities such as London will draw significantly higher rent and travel costs than living in more rural locations. Although your living situation will in large be driven by the university you undertake your PhD with, you should factor it in when deciding which universities to apply to.

To put this into perspective, the survey average of £11,088 per year uses a rent average of £418 per month. In London, this average increases to £650 a month and can surpass £1,000 if staying in university halls or private student accommodation. This is supported by University College London (UCL) who state you should expect an average rent of £1,028 per month if living in private accommodation around their university.

Tip  – You can use this handy calculator for an estimated average cost of living for any UK university. All you need to do is select the university, and the calculator does all the rest.

If you’re an international student, you should factor in return flights back home. Although this may seem like a small expenditure compared to tuition fees and rent, they can add up quickly depending on the frequency and distance of your trip.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How to Fund Your PhD

Studentships.

A studentship is a form of scholarship for doctoral students. They can either be partially funded, which cover tuition fees only, or fully funded, which also covers living costs through a ‘stipend’.

Studentships can be found in various places. Research Councils (RCUK) and European Social Fund (ESF) make funding available to university departments, who in turn make the funding available to doctoral students. Therefore, you will find that there are many postgraduate funding opportunities available to you, with the best places to look being the RCUK and ESF websites and the university departments themselves. External institutions which focus on research and development such as research trusts and charities would also be a useful place to look for a funded PhD.

Doctoral Loans

If you’re a UK student, you may qualify for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan from Student Finance England. This form of financial aid is available for nearly all postgraduate research degrees undertaken in a higher education setting. They will allow you to borrow up to a total of £28,673 for 2023/24 courses .

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Graduate Teaching Assistantships are a form of studentships which allow you to teach undergraduates as part of your research degree. This not only helps improve your academic skills, but it also enables you to receive a salary whilst you’re studying. As well as teaching assistantships, some departments also provide opportunities for demonstrations, marking papers, and tutorial support. The amount you can earn through these schemes will depend on how many hours you work and what agreements you make with your supervisor or course leader.

Working Whilst You Study – Part-time PhDs

A research student may opt for a part-time PhD as opposed to a full-time one. Although this would double the duration of their studies, it allows them to take on a part-time job to improve their financial situation. For students going down this route, it would be highly beneficial to pick up a part-time role in a position related to your industry. This will help refine your skills and increase your employability within this career role should you choose to pursue it after your degree.

If you’re an international student, keep in mind that you’ll likely be on a study visa. Therefore, there’ll be certain restrictions on what you can and can’t do alongside your study.

How Does This Compare to the Fees in Other Countries?

When considering the tuition fee of PhDs across different countries, the United Kingdom is generally considered as being in the ‘middle-ground‘ region.

A handful of countries offer PhD programmes for free. These include, but are not limited to, Denmark, Greece, Iceland, Norway and Poland.

The middle-ground region comprises countries such as Austria, Spain, Russia and New Zealand where postgraduate fees range from £1,400 to £4,000 per academic year.

The upper-end region comprises countries such as Hong Kong and the United States, where postgraduate tuition fees for a PhD student can go up to £33,000 per year.

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• PhD Tuition fees

PhD tuition fees

Students enrolling on a postgraduate degree programme are charged tuition fees each year by Queen Mary University of London. The rate you will be charged depends on whether you are assessed as a Home or Overseas student .

Tuition fees for Home students are set by UK Research Council (UKRI) and each year UKRI usually increases their fee and stipend levels in line with inflation. Further information can be found on the  UKRI website .

2024-25 Tuition Fees 

Home students beginning their PhD in September 2024 (or later) will be charged the following tuition fees:

• £4,786  for full-time research degrees 
• £2,393 for part-time research degrees 

2023-24 Tuition Fees 

Home students beginning their PhD in September 2023 (or later) will be charged the following tuition fees:

• £4,712 for full-time research degrees 
• £2,356 for part-time research degrees 

Tuition fees for Home students are set by UK Research Council (UKRI) and each year UKRI usually increases their fee and stipend levels in line with inflation. 

For international students (this now includes EU students), the tuition fees for 2023-24 and 2024-25 entry can be downloaded below:

2023-24 PGR Tuition Fees [PDF 436KB]

PGR 2024-25 Tuition Fees [PDF 64KB]

Some postgraduate courses may include an additional charge known as a fee band. This is to cover associated costs including equipment, laboratory consumables, specialist technical support, data processing, training and travel. You will be notified at the point of offer if a fee band is applicable.

Please note that fees are quoted at the full-time/part-time rate for the academic year you’ve applied for.  If you begin your study part-way through the academic year then your first tuition fee payment will be calculated on a pro-rata basis

Payment of tuition fees

Read a detailed description of how to pay your tuition fees .

University fee regulations

Like all other UK universities, Queen Mary is bound by legislation and Government regulations on fees.

Queen Mary's University fee regulations are outlined in this document: University Fee Regulations 2023/24 [PDF 20,281KB]

These regulations are updated every year, you can access a list of   archived and present University Fee Regulations here .

• Postgraduate Research

PhD fees and costs

To study a PhD, you'll need to pay the cost of tuition fees, research support fees (such as materials used in a laboratory) and be able to cover your living expenses

A funded PhD studentship may meet all or part of these costs or you may be able to find funding for your self-funded PhD or research project.  The fees below are for the academic year 2023/24.

The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.

* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.

^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.

Paying fees

The University requires payment of tuition fees at registration for the whole of the coming academic session or for the duration of a programme that is to be completed in less than a year. However, arrangements can be made for self-supporting students to pay their tuition fees in installments.

All instalments must be arranged with the Student Administration and Support Division. If you hold a scholarship or studentship, the awarding body should provide the Student Fees section of the Student Administration and Support Division with an acceptable guarantee of payment.

If you expect to be sponsored please ensure that your sponsors understand fully their responsibilities for your fees and maintenance and that they are prepared to honour them for the duration of your studies in Liverpool.

If your sponsor does not provide an acceptable guarantee of payment, or defaults on their guarantee, you will become responsible for the payment of fees yourself. Unfortunately, the University is not able to provide financial aid or waive fees for students whose arrangements for financial support fail during the period of their studies.

Transfering funds from abroad

International students will need to ensure that they can bring sufficient funds with them for living expenses, as well as for payment of fees, or have sufficient funds sent to them in instalments throughout the year. Students from countries which operate strict foreign exchange controls should make sure that permission can be obtained for the transmission of adequate funds.

Other costs

Research support fees.

Research support fees, also known as 'bench fees', cover the cost of consumable materials used in your study. Some MPhil/PhD and taught programme projects use up large amounts of materials or ‘consumables’. In these cases you may be charged an annual Research Support Fee to help cover the cost of this. Programmes which might incur a Research Support Fee are likely to be those which are laboratory-based. You will be notified of any fee which applies in your offer letter. Research Support Fees are the same for UK, EU and International students.

Study costs

We want to try and help you prepare for the day-to-day costs of studying. These might include things like photocopying in the library, buying textbooks and specialist equipment or going on field classes. We have put together tables of additional costs for guidance, for each subject area, including where departments make contributions towards these costs.

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PhD fee structure

How fees are charged for full-time and part-time PhD programmes, as well as PhDs by publication.

Full-time study

For full-time study, you will pay a total of three or four full-time annual fees (as appropriate) for the period of prescribed study under supervision.

Part-time study

For part-time study, you will pay a total of  six or eight part-time annual fees (as appropriate) for the period of prescribed study under supervision. 

Part-time tuition fees are 50% of the full-time fee applicable for the programme of study in each academic session. 

Submitting your thesis early

If you submit your thesis early, you must pay the remaining years’ fees on submission.

PhD by publication

If you submit for a  PhD  by publication, you will need to pay an examination fee on submission.

PhD programme fees

PhD programme fees for each year of study can be found on our postgraduate research fees page.

Postgraduate research fees

PhD Fees in the UK for International Students

• Maisie Dadswell
• September 6, 2023

PhD fees in the UK for international students vary based on several factors, including your field of study, the university you are doing your doctorate research with and which city the university is in. The cost of a PhD in the UK is generally anywhere from £15,000 to £35,000 for annual PhD tuition fees. To help you budget, this article will cover all the variable factors before covering several potential finance options which can help you to fund your studying in the UK. 

Even if the fees seem steep at first, don’t get disheartened; there are plenty of funding sources for international students – there is a reason why UK universities, including UWS London, are such popular academic destinations for PhD students beyond our high academic standards.

It is also worth bearing in mind that PhD tuition fees tend to increase each year in line with inflation. Always ensure you are budgeting with the most up-to-date PhD tuition fees, and take into account that for self-funded students, tuition fees may be marginally higher in the second and third years. The good news is that whatever your field of study and preferred university, PhDs will be vastly cheaper than undertaking a taught undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the UK as an international student. Along with covering the typical cost of PhD fees, we have also outlined additional expenses and living costs you may have to budget for. Luckily, as a full-time, student you’ll never have to worry about paying council tax.

PhD fees in the UK for international students

For domestic students in the UK, the average cost of PhD tuition fees is around £4,500. However, this can rise to £20,0000 – depending on the subject. The main reason there are vast differences in the price of PhD tuition fees is the resources that research students will require; typically, STEM students pay the highest tuition fees due to resources such as tech support, servicing, and equipment. The PhD students who can expect to pay minimum fees are students looking for a doctorate title in the arts, social sciences or humanities.

Part-Time PhD Fees

If you want to study part-time, you can expect to pay 50% of the full-time fees. However, this can vary, and not all PhDs are available on a part-time basis. If you are looking to be a part-time PhD student around your work or any other responsibilities, always check with the institution where you want to study if this is viable. You will also need to check if your visa restricts part-time PhD study.

Research Support Fees

Research support fees don’t apply to every international PhD student in the UK. However, you may need to pay research support fees, which will go towards covering the cost of any specialist materials you use during your research. For students carrying out their research in a laboratory setting, these support fees are also referred to as bench fees and cover the cost of any consumables used in addition to the facilities where any research and experiments are carried out. 

Some universities will include bench and research fees in the tuition fee, while other institutions will quote them separately. Even if the PhD tuition fees aren’t all-inclusive, universities will always be 100% transparent and upfront about the costs. As the additional tuition fees can vary significantly due to the nature of the research that you are undertaking, bench fees and support fees will usually be discussed during the application process. Other universities prefer to make them available on request. Typically, where applicable, bench fees range between £1,000 – £10,000. You will only pay the higher bench fees if you are using expensive equipment and consumables; most UK universities keep the rates the same for domestic and international students.

How to Enquire about PhD Fees in the UK for International Students

To ensure that you are working with the correct figures when you’re budgeting or applying for funding for your PhD fees and living expenses, always be proactive in your search for accurate information by contacting the UK universities you are keen to study with. 

When you are getting in touch with the university, state if you are an international or EU student, and pose these questions:

• How much are the fees for the programme, and what is included/excluded in the fees?
• Are there any extra-departmental research fees, printing costs or administration fees?
• Does fieldwork incur additional costs?
• Are the bench/research support fees the same for international students?
• Are there any bursaries or scholarships available that I may be eligible for?

PhD Funding for International Students Studying in the UK

International students are eligible for many PhD scholarships in the UK; these scholarships and other funded projects are open to international students of all nationalities. Scholarships and grants can be provided by universities, government bodies and charities.

Funded PhDs for International Students

There are ample options to explore based on your field of research; to make your search for funding easier, many PhDs in the UK are advertised to domestic and international students with funding options attached. This is incredibly common for Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine (STEM) subjects, but it isn’t unheard of for the Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities to offer the same funding options. Applying for a PhD with attached funding options isn’t worlds apart from applying for a job. If you are accepted as a candidate, you will receive a ‘salary’ in the form of tuition fees, research expenses and a grant which will go towards your living costs. If funding isn’t attached to a PhD project, you can use platforms such as FindAPhD to browse all the current projects offering funding to international students. To broaden your search, you can also use the search bar to sift through your different options. At the time of writing, FindAPhD has over 4,000 PhD projects and scholarships in the UK.

Research Council Studentships

Research Council Studentships are also frequently made available to international students in the UK looking for PhD funding. The more than generous financial support comes from UK Research and Innovation. If you receive funding from UK Research and Innovation, you will receive a monthly stipend to cover your living costs and a fee waiver. The waiver will allow you to pay the drastically reduced domestic rate instead of the PhD fees in the UK for international students. Whichever university funding you apply for, bear in mind that most funding is either provided in a bid to support widening participation or based on academic merit.

Government PhD Loans

If you aren’t eligible for a scholarship, grant, or funding from UK Research and Innovation, Government PhD loans are also available to some international students. Usually, to qualify, you will either need to be able to prove you have a settled status in the UK, be an Irish national or be part of the EU settlement scheme. These loans will cover your tuition fees and living expenses; you only need to repay the loan when you earn over the threshold amount.

Living Costs in the UK for PhD Students 

The living costs for international students in the UK will vary greatly depending on your circumstances, lifestyle and where you live. The most expensive city for living costs, excluding rent, is £894 for London, while the cheapest is £577 for Bradford – based on 2022 figures. With rent included in London, it can cost £1,309 per month if you are living off campus, or £1,237 if you are living on campus. 

How Much Does it Cost for a PhD in London?

London is renowned for its vibrant culture, history, and world-class education, making it a top choice for students pursuing higher degrees. However, it’s essential to note that London is also the most expensive city in the UK. The cost of living in the capital can be higher than in other parts of the country. While pursuing a Ph.D. in London offers incredible opportunities and access to prestigious institutions, potential students should be prepared for higher living expenses.

Additional Costs for International Students 

Your PhD fees, rent and living costs will be your greatest expenses as an international PhD student. However, there are additional expenses which you may need to account for:

• Visa Processing Fees – to apply for a visa outside of the UK, it will cost £363. If you are extending your visa or switching to a student visa, the processing fee is £490. 
• University Application Fees – these fees aren’t especially common in the UK; however, they aren’t unheard of.
• Language Tests – if you are studying your PhD in a second language, you will need proof that you possess sufficient language skills. In some instances, you will be required to sit a language test and achieve a certain score.

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PhD Education / Overview

Year of entry: 2024

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• Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and
• Master's degree in a relevant subject - with an overall average of 60% or above, a minimum mark of 60% in your dissertation (or overseas equivalent)

Full entry requirements

Apply online

Please ensure you include all required supporting documents at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Application Deadlines

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by 19 January 2024.

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self-funding, you must submit your application before the below deadline to be considered. You will not be able to apply after this date has passed.

• For September 2024 entry: 30 June 2024

Programme options

Programme overview.

• We're ranked in the top ten universities in the UK for Education (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022).
• Learn with research-active experts in the field of education and work with highly diverse cohorts of students and staff.
• Contribute to improvements in the overall wellbeing of students, their families and communities throughout the world through research.

The University holds regular open days, where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and programmes. On this day, you will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

For more information, see Open days.

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

• PhD (full-time) UK students (per annum): £6,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
• PhD (part-time) UK students (per annum): £3,000 International, including EU, students (per annum): £10,750

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Your fees will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation (excluding graduation robe hire).

Payment of tuition fees will also entitle you to membership of The University of Manchester library, the Students' Union and the Athletic Union.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including School of Environment, Education and Development studentships is 19 January 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

• ESRC North West Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP) PhD Studentships - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Postgraduate Research Studentships 2024 Entry - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• China Scholarship Council - The University of Manchester (CSC-UoM) Joint Scholarship Programme - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• Trudeau Doctoral Scholarships 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (High Income Countries)
• Humanities Doctoral Academy Humanitarian Scholarship 2024 Entry
• Commonwealth PhD Scholarships (Least Developed Countries and Fragile States)
• President's Doctoral Scholar (PDS) Awards - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry
• School of Environment, Education and Development Enhancing Racial Equality (SERE) Studentship - Competition Closed for 2024 Entry

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Programmes in related subject areas.

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

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The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website .

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website .

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Frequently asked questions.

Tuition fees throughout the United Kingdom vary from University to University. However, the typical cost of PhD tuition for home UK and EU students is around £4,500 per year. These costs are calculated by the Research Councils UK.

How much are PhD fees for international students in the UK?

Fees for studying a PhD in the UK for international students are more expensive and again, vary from University to University but range from anywhere between £14,000 and £30,000.

There are more ways to get funding for a PhD than you might realise. For instance funding bodies may contribute to your course fees and come with a stipend while others help to fund travel expenses.

These funding bodies all have their own criteria for deciding who gets funding and what level of PhD funding they are eligible to receive. For instance these bodies can include the Research Councils who invest around £400 million into PhD research each and every year. Other funding bodies come in the shape of academic institutions such as colleges and universities and charities and trusts.

You have to weigh up the benefits of a PhD for yourself. Your career advancement may depend on having the qualification but for most jobs a PhD is unnecessary. However, it should be noted that those with a PhD earn on average around 26% more than those who attend university but have not obtained a PhD.

When you are thinking about studying for a PhD, especially as you will be studying for three or four years, you will be thinking about how much does a PhD cost in the UK and where you could find funding. Below is important information that you should consider before beginning your study.

What does a UK PhD studentship usually cover?

If you are a UK (and sometimes an EU student) you may be able to apply for full funding for your PhD in the form of a PhD studentship which will pay you a tax free sum to cover your fees, and a living stipend. EU students sometimes receive the fees but not the stipend.

You will generally need to be studying full-time to receive a studentship like this. If the PhD studentship comes from University funds it is likely to be for the same or a similar amount. These are tax free sums which pay you enough to live in most parts of the UK – and you also qualify for student discounts.

Some universities also make some PhD funding available for overseas students. If you will only be partly funded, or you cannot get funding, as well as the fees, here are some of the other costs you need to think about, for each of the years of your PhD.

Living costs – including accommodation and family into your over cost of getting a PhD

If you are living at home your costs will be less than if you have to move and find accommodation. If you do have to do this, the university may have postgraduate accommodation that is not too expensive. It may help you find other PhD students you may be able to share with.

If you are hoping to bring your partner or dependents with you whilst you are studying check with the University. They will have policies to see what family accommodation they have available for students.

Most university websites give an indication of the general cost of living, including accommodation, in that area. These costs can be different depending on where you study in the UK.

Your travel costs will be to and from campus, either every day or the days you need to be there. If you are studying away from home these will be additional occasional costs too. If you are travelling by car, you may be able to park for free on campus but they may charge.

Whilst you are studying

As a PhD student, there may well be conferences you either need, or want, to attend whilst you are studying. Student registration costs are less than the Academic cost, but you will still need to travel, and perhaps stay over. Many academic departments have travel funds for PhD students, but the number you can attend may vary. Always check this first before you book if you are likely to want to attend conferences.

Clubs and Societies

Many universities have specific clubs and societies for PhD students. Some social and others that may be related to your subject area. Some that are run to offer general support and to bring PhD students together. Your academic department or by a central graduate school run these. They can be a great opportunity to make friends, but also to look for support and share experiences with other PhD students. They can be a really important part of your time as a PhD student. Some can also help you with networking and development. Some of these clubs and societies will be free, but others may charge a subscription which you will need to take into account.

One good thing about being a student is the discounts you get with your student status – remember to get the right cards and registration from the University when you start and find out about the local shops and services where you can use them to reduce at least some of the costs of doing your PhD.

Although the cost of studying for a PhD may seem daunting, the benefits, both whilst you are studying and in the future for your career and development, can be really important, whether you pursue an academic career or move into industry.

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• Postgraduate study

Find out how much your research degree will cost and our approach to the tuition fee-paying period.

View tuition fees alphabetically by department:

Tuition fees for postgraduate research degrees by department

Tuition fees for the degrees of Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Dental Science are available once you have applied and subject to you having met the admission and eligibility criteria.

In common with other UK universities, the University of Sheffield charges different tuition fees depending on whether students are classed as Home or Overseas for fee purposes.

How we assess your fee status

The tuition fee-paying period

The tuition fee-paying period is the period during which full annual tuition fees are payable. This varies between 3 and 4 years for full-time PhDs (6-8 years for part-time PhDs), depending on the source of funding and scope of the research project. 3.5 years is the recommended tuition fee-paying period for most full-time PhDs.

If you're still working on your project between the end of the tuition fee-paying period and the overall time limit (4 years for full-time PhDs, 8 years for part-time PhDs), you'll be charged a submission pending fee.

PhD projects should be designed from the start to ensure that they can be completed within the tuition fee-paying period, as this is the period during which most students also receive a stipend from their funder to support their living costs. You'll discuss and agree the appropriate tuition-fee paying period for your project with your supervisor during the admissions process. Precise details of both the tuition fee-paying period and the overall time limit for the degree will be included in the offer letter.

You can find more information about fee types and tuition fee-paying periods on our Research, Partnerships and Innovation webpages:

Periods of registration

I simply would not have been able to undertake this PhD without the university's funding and I am very grateful to be able to remain in the UK to continue my studies Krissy Moore, Department of Archaeology Doctoral Academy Award recipient

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Postgraduate fees in the uk.

PLEASE NOTE: As a result of Brexit, from Autumn 2021 postgraduate students from the European Union studying at a UK university will be charged the same tuition fees as international students. Meanwhile, UK students studying their postgraduate course at a European university are also likely to incur higher tuition fees than their EU counterparts. It is advisable to check with the individual universities in the UK and Europe for up-to-date information on tuition fees for all postgraduate programs.

Postgraduate fees in the UK vary massively depending on the type of course, where you are from and a myriad of other factors. Postgraduate qualifications, typically, a Masters Degree , Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate , or a PhD , are a popular choice for many students who want to study a particular subject in greater detail. But with so many options it’s easy to get confused about how much a postgraduate degree will cost, what the course fees include and even how long the fees will take to pay. 

So, here at Postgrad, we’ve condensed all the information you need about average postgraduate fees in the UK down to one page.

Here are four of our most frequently asked questions about postgraduate fees, which hopefully will help you on your way to applying for your postgraduate degree.

1. How much will I pay?

The cost of your postgraduate program depends on two main factors; what sort of course you are doing and what country you come from. Remember to take the length of your degree into account too. 

PhDs and masters programs may seem to have similar or the same costs at first, but a PhD usually lasts three years, so you are paying three times the cost of a masters degree. For the same reason, part-time courses can sometimes work out more expensive.

Funding can come from a variety of sources including postgraduate loans , study bursaries and scholarships . 

How much is a masters degree in the UK?

The typical cost of a masters degree in the UK is £11,000, although fees can range from £3,000 to over £30,000 depending on the university, the subject, and the length of study. 

Non-STEM subjects, such as Arts and Humanities that are classroom-based, tend to be cheaper, and STEM subjects like Science and Healthcare are more expensive. Taught masters also differ in cost from research masters, a taught masters will be more expensive because you are charged for the price of the teaching. Specialised degrees like MBAs also tend to cost more. 

How much does a PhD cost? 

Tuition fees for PhDs vary, but the typical cost is between £3,000 and £6,000 per year for UK students. The average cost in 2021/2022 is around £4,500 per year, as this is the indicative rate set by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) for UK universities. 

EU and International students can expect tuition fees of between £16,000 to £24,000 per year. Non-STEM subjects will generally be at the lower end of the range, whilst STEM subjects will be at the higher end. 

Postgraduate fees

To give you some idea of tuition fees, here is a table examining how most postgraduate fees at Durham University vary according to status and course (prices are per year):

(Source: Durham University)

Durham University is an elite UK university – it is in fact a member of the UK’s highly prestigious Russell Group universities, so their prices tend to lean towards the more expensive side for overseas students.

On average, UK fees for overseas postgraduates are :

• Postgraduate classroom based degree: £16,000 – £20,000 (average £18,000)

• Postgraduate laboratory based degree: £18,500 – £23,000 (average £20,750)

• Postgraduate medical degree: £7,500 – £54,500 (average £31,000)

• MBA £8,500 – £63,000 (average £35,750)

* All figures sourced from the Complete University Guide, Reddin Survey of University Tuition Fees 2021/22. All currency was rounded to the nearest £100. 

How does residency affect postgraduate fees? 

How much you pay in postgraduate tuition fees largely depends on where you are from, as well as what you are studying. As the UK government subsidises part of postgraduate fees through the Higher Education Funding Council, postgraduate fees are slightly lower for British students in British universities. 

From 2021/22, most new entrant EU students will have to pay the same fees as all other international students. Yet there are still some ways for overseas students to escape their overseas premium and pay home student fees. You can find a detailed summary of the conditions here, but the most common exceptions are:

You have been a permanent resident and settled in the UK for at least three years (and the main purpose of this residence was not for education).

You have been granted refugee status.

Those who have applied for asylum (including those not recognised by government legislation, still granted ‘Humanitarian Protection’).

The UK government offers hundreds of scholarships, bursaries and additional financial support to students from several countries. You can visit the UKCISA (UK Council for International Student Affairs ) website to find out if you are eligible for a scholarship. 

Once you’ve used this guide to suss whether you have to pay Home or Overseas fees and have got an idea of the kind of fees you could pay, go to the website and prospectus of the universities you like and find out what their fees are. Almost all universities have their fees displayed on their websites, so have a search and find out! 

Many institutions also offer their own financial assistance, and you can check their websites for more information.

2. What am I paying for?

Charges levelled on you by your university usually cover most of your costs, including tuition and use of university resources. Although details vary between institutions, your money usually goes towards paying your teachers (in the case of taught courses), maintaining resources you will draw upon (such as libraries or laboratories) and other miscellaneous costs.

3. What isn't included in the course fees?

You may be expected to pay additional fees if you study a masters or PhD course that is resource intensive (especially in sciences). Laboratory fees are not uncommon and can come in anywhere from £100 to £1,000 per year. Also, course fees often do not include other necessary items such as textbooks, equipment for fieldwork and other items that add up in price.

4. How will I pay for my masters or postgraduate course fees?

Many undergraduate students in the UK have their fees directly paid by the Student Loans Company, meaning they never actually have to organise paying their tuition fees themselves. At postgraduate level however, you are expected to arrange the transfer of money for your fees yourself (unless any sponsors or scholarship committees have agreed to arrange the transfer).

The first thing to consider is that your university may ask you to make a small deposit (usually of around £500) to help clamp down on people dropping out after agreeing to a place. This may be returned to you upon enrolment or completion or discounted from your payment.

There are usually three ways of paying your fees :

A single payment : if you wish to pay all of your fees up front, then you can usually do so. In fact, it is encouraged or even required by some universities. Choose your method of payment carefully: you may be charged if you pay by credit card.

Termly payments : Many universities allow students to pay termly, so that their payments are spread across the year. This is particularly convenient for students who are reliant on scholarship payments that are spread out across the year.

Monthly payments : Select universities allow students to pay tuition monthly, typically by standing order or direct debit. This method may be the most convenient for you, but it can be costly if you cannot pay by standing order and have to make repeated bank transfers or credit card payments.

Please note that some universities require that you pay them from a UK bank account, and if this is the case you will need to open an account promptly before taking your place at a university. 

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Science and Technology Studies

STS offers degrees at each university level: undergraduate, masters, and PhD

• Funding Your Doctorate

PhD programme: fees and funding

Fees and funding.

Information on tuition fees: UCL Tuition Fees

Part-time fees are pro-rata of full-time fees.

Scholarships

UCL scholarships available to STS applicants

UCL Research Excellence Scholarship

Open to exceptional applicants from any country.  Up to 40 scholarships are awarded across UCL

DEADLINE FOR FUNDING APPLICATIONS: Friday 12th January 2024

If you are applying for UCL RES funding, you must also submit your PhD application by Tuesday 2nd January 2024 23.59 GMT

UCL Research Opportunity Scholarship

UCL's Research Opportunity Scholarship (UCL-ROS) supports BAME postgraduate research degree students.  7 scholarships are awarded across UCL

If you are applying for UCL ROS funding, you must also submit your PhD application by Tuesday 2nd January 2024 23.59 GMT

External scholarships for STS applicants:

London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP)

The  LAHP AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership  funds up to 80 research studentships per year across all subject areas covered by LAHP. Applications for funding should be made directly to LAHP, and opens on 27th November 2023.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS TO FUNDER:   5pm 26th JANUARY 2024

UK students with excellent academic records in history of science or philosophy of science are encouraged to apply. Please note that in order to be eligible for this funding you must have established your supervisor before applying to LAHP for funding. We strongly recommend that interested individuals contact potential supervisors by late November, and you will need to have submitted a standard UCL PhD admissions application complete with references, by the STS January deadline. However you are advised to submit a complete application earlier if possible.

More information can be found on the  London Arts and Humanities Partnership website.

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

The department has ‘+3’ and '1+3' recognition from the ESRC in the category of Science and Technology Studies. Studentships are available to UK and EU applicants intending to pursue a PhD and who have already received a foundation in research training (+3), or who wish to pursue a PhD after completing an ESRC-recognised MSc (including those within the department) (1+3). Applicants with such qualifications who are interested in the areas of public understanding of science, science policy research, social history of science, or the sociology of science and technology are encouraged to discuss the possibility of applying for an ESRC grant with the departmental graduate tutor at the time of their application. See the  ESRC Doctoral Training Programme website  for further details. You can also visit the  main ESRC Website  to find out more about the council itself.

DEADLINE FOR PRELIMINARY  APPLICATIONS    Monday 15th January 2024 23:59 GMT  (Applications open 27th October 2023).

If you are applying for ESRC funding, you must also submit your PhD application by Tuesday 2nd January 2024 23.59 GMT

British Society for the Philosophy of Science

The British Society for the Philosophy of Science offers scholarships for doctoral work in the philosophy of science at a UK university. Scholarships are only available to students applying to degree programmes in philosophy or in philosophy of science. Further details are available from the  BSPS website .

The next scholarship competition will run in 2025

Overseas students are encouraged to apply for Commonwealth and British Council Scholarships in those countries where they are administered.

A list of other scholarships available to students applying to UCL is available via the  UCL Scholarships page.

Register your interest in studying at UCL and receive important information about open days, applications, and more.

Graduate Prospectus 2023/24

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How to Apply

Funding your phd, visiting doctoral students, support for current students: .

Can we help? support for current students  STS PhD Moodle site.

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STS hosts a series of reading groups, run by current PhD students, to discuss interesting, thought provoking material in relevant fields.

STS Research Space

The STS Research Space is an initiative to assist PhD students with a wide range of academic and non-academic problems.

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What is a PhD?

A PhD is a postgraduate degree. It stands for ‘Doctor of Philosophy’ and is one of the highest academic qualifications you can achieve.

Courses involve both research and academic learning where you take on a significant amount of independent work.

For most PhDs, you’ll research for, write and publish an extensive thesis on a specialist subject area.

How long is a PhD? 

PhDs courses usually last between three to four years if you study full-time. Students often extend their thesis deadlines and finish the work in their fourth year. If you study part-time, courses can last six or seven years. 

Courses can begin anytime throughout the year, though most studentships (doctorate scholarships) start in September or October.

What qualifications do you need for a PhD?

You usually need a good second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent. Many courses also ask for a master’s degree. 

When applying, you may need to demonstrate an ability to conduct research. This could be by showing your experience of independently working on a research project. You’ll probably also have to submit a research proposal that outlines what you’ll be studying.

How is a PhD taught?

There’s very little teaching involved in a PhD degree. Your course may begin with five or six hours per week of classes where you learn about research methods and techniques. Aside from this, you’re in control of your studies, though you’ll receive some guidance from an academic tutor.

How is a PhD assessed?

PhD students are assessed mainly by a thesis, and a closed oral examination where examiners ask questions about the thesis. 

Degrees are usually graded as pass or fail.

What skills do you learn during a PhD?

As well as subject-specific skills, you develop transferable skills such as: 

• Organisation 
• Research 
• Work habits 
• Project management 
• Critical thinking 
• Written communication 
• Presentation

How much does a PhD cost? 

Fees vary widely between courses and institutions, but are commonly between £3,000 and £6,000 per year for UK students. International students often pay more. 

Many degrees are partly or fully funded, and lots of students receive scholarships and bursaries. UK Research Councils provide universities with grants of around £4,000 per year for each funded PhD student.

PhD degree facts

Some new PhDs are more vocational and offer practical experiences as well as research. These are designed for those looking to advance their careers. 

When applying for a PhD, you show the university that you’re the right person for an advertised position, or that you’d be suitable to complete your research proposal. 

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Fees for postgraduate research study

Tuition fees for your PhD/MPhil will cover the cost of your study at the University, as well as charges for registration, tuition, supervision, examinations and graduation.

Payment of fees will also entitle you to membership of the Library and Students' Union. For general fee information, including paying your fees if you are self-funded or externally sponsored, visit the University's  postgraduate research fees  pages.

Postgraduate researchers on funded programmes or studentships (i.e. DTPs) will have their tuition fees paid internally.

Fees for PhD, MPhil and MD programmes fall into one of our standard fee bands. Your primary supervisor will determine which is appropriate according to the nature and complexity of your research project and associated activities (such as conference attendance).

The fee band is displayed within the project description on self-funded project adverts, or will be confirmed during the interview/offer stage.

Tuition fees are generally not quoted in adverts where they are covered by a funded studentship.

Some of our programmes attract a non-standard fee and these are displayed on the specific programme pages, for example in dentistry/clinical dentistry. 

Fees for UK students

For the academic year  2023/24  (September 2023, January 2024 and April 2024 start dates), the UK fees are:

• Standard - to be confirmed (set by UKRI)
• Band 1 - £10,000 per year (low cost research project)
• Band 2 - £17,500 per year (medium cost research project)
• Band 3 - £22,500 per year (high cost research project)

For the academic year 2024/25 (September 2024, January 2025 and April 2025 start dates), the UK fees are:

• Standard – to be confirmed (set by UKRI)
• Band 1 - £11,000 per year (low cost research project)
• Band 3 - £23,000 per year (high cost research project)

Fees for international students

For the academic year  2023/24  (September 2023, January 2024 and April 2024 start dates), the international fees are:

• Standard - £26,500
• Band 1 - £27,500 per year (low cost research project)
• Band 2 - £34,500 per year (medium cost research project)
• Band 3 - £39,500 per year (high cost research project)

For the academic year 2024/25 (September 2024, January 2025 and April 2025 start dates), the international fees are:

• Standard - £27,000
• Band 1 - £28,500 per year (low cost research project)
• Band 3 - £40,500 per year (high cost research project)

Confirmation of costs

The annual cost of your programme will be confirmed in your offer letter.

For UK applicants the annual tuition fee will increase slightly each year. For international applicants, tuition fees remain fixed for the duration of your study.

Living costs

If you are a self-funded applicant, you will also need to cover your living expenses for the duration of your programme. You will be required to present evidence of available living cost support if you need to apply for a student visa.

We offer a wide range of fully-funded studentships each year through our prestigious and competitive funded programmes. Some of these are open to international applicants and can cover the full costs of tuition fees.

Should you be awarded a fully funded studentship that covers tuition fees and living costs (paid as a monthly stipend) you must be able to personally meet the costs required to relocate to Manchester as these are not provided by the studentship (i.e. visa costs, health surcharge, relocation, flights).

Browse funding

View our range of fully-funded PhD programmes and funding opportunities.

Funded programmes

Browse our fully funded PhD programmes, including prestigious doctoral training partnerships and industry funded schemes.

Funding opportunities

Find out about the other sources of financial support available including scholarships and awards for UK and international applicants.

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Phd in uk: cost, scholarships, & admission requirements.

Are you considering pursuing a PhD in the UK? Pursuing a PhD in the UK is a great choice if you want to take your education to the highest level and succeed in research and academia. 

How Much Does PhD Cost in UK?

The cost of pursuing a PhD in the UK varies depending on several factors, including the university, program, and whether you are a domestic or international student. Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with pursuing a PhD in the UK:

1. Tuition Fees

• For UK ‘home’ students, the typical tuition fee for a PhD varies between £3,000 to £6,000 per academic year.
• For international students, the cost of tuition fees can range from £15,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on the program and university.

2. Living Expenses

Living expenses can vary depending on the location of the university and the lifestyle of the student. According to the UK Council for International Student Affairs, the average cost of living in the UK for international students is around £1,023 per month, which includes accommodation, food, travel, and other expenses.

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How Many Years is a PhD in UK?

The duration of a PhD program in the UK varies depending on the university and program, but typically lasts for three years full-time and six years part-time.

However, some programs may be closer to four years, and the thesis deadline can be extended by up to four years at the institution’s discretion.

The duration of a PhD program in the UK is shorter than in some other countries, such as the US, where it can take up to seven years to complete a PhD program.

Who is Eligible for PhD in UK? 

To be eligible for a PhD in the UK, you need to meet certain requirements. Here are the eligibility and admission requirements for a PhD in the UK:

• A master’s degree in a related field is the most basic requirement to apply for a PhD in the UK, with academic transcripts for each level of study. Some universities may ask for only a bachelor’s degree, which depends on a case-by-case basis.
• A research proposal is required.
• English proficiency test scores are required, and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 is generally required.
• Additional documents like SOPs, LORs, CV/Resume are required.

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Do you get paid to do a phd uk.

Yes, PhD students in the UK can get paid, but it depends on the funding source and the university. PhD students in the UK can receive a stipend which varies between £15,000 and £18,000 per annum. As part of the studentship, your stipend is provided under, your tuition fees will also be paid for.

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What is top 20 universities in uk.

• University of Oxford
• University College London (UCL)
• University of Cambridge
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Manchester
• University of Bristol
• University of Warwick
• University of Glasgow
• University of Sheffield
• King’s College London
• University of Leeds
• University of Southampton
• University of Nottingham
• University of Birmingham
• University of York
• University of Sussex
• University of Liverpool
• University of St Andrews
• University of Aberdeen
• University of Newcastle

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What is top 20 phd scholarships in uk.

• The Gates Cambridge Scholarship
• The Clarendon Scholarship
• The Commonwealth Scholarships
• The Rhodes Scholarship
• The Marshall Scholarship
• The Fulbright Scholarship
• The Chevening Scholarship
• The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
• The Edinburgh Global Research Scholarship
• The Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarship
• The Imperial College London PhD Scholarship
• The University of Bristol PhD Scholarship
• The University of Stirling PhD Scholarship
• The University of London PhD Scholarship
• The University of Oxford Vicky Noon Educational Foundation Oxford Scholarships
• The University of Sheffield PhD Scholarship
• The University of Glasgow PhD Scholarship
• The University of Edinburgh PhD Scholarship
• The University of Manchester PhD Scholarship
• The University of Nottingham PhD Scholarship  

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How to apply for a phd in the uk.

1. Identify your research interests: Before applying for a PhD, you should identify your research interests and the area you want to specialize in. This will help you narrow down your search to universities that offer PhD programs in your area of interest.

2. Look for relevant PhD projects: Once you have identified your research interests, you can start looking for relevant PhD projects that match your research interests. You can search for PhD projects on university websites, research council websites, and other online databases.

3. Contact supervisors and write proposals: Once you have identified a PhD project that matches your research interests, you can contact the supervisor to discuss your research proposal. This will help you understand if the project is a good fit for you and if the supervisor is the right person to guide you through your research.

4. Apply for PhD funding: The cost of a PhD in the UK can be high, but there are many scholarships and funding opportunities available for PhD students. You can apply for PhD funding from the university, research councils, and other funding bodies. It is important to research the funding options available and apply for funding as early as possible.

5. Apply to the university: Once you have secured funding, you can apply to the university. The application process for a PhD in the UK is different from the process for applying for a first degree. You can apply all year round for research degrees starting in September, January, and May, and the deadlines for applying are usually one month before the course starts.

What is PhD Application materials in UK?

To apply for a PhD in the UK, you will need to prepare the following application materials:

1. Masters Degree and Academic Transcripts: The most basic requirement to apply for a PhD in the UK is to have a master’s degree in a related field, with the academic transcripts for each level of study. Some universities may ask for only a bachelor’s degree, which entirely depends on a case-by-case basis.

2. Research Proposal: A research proposal is a document that outlines your research interests, research questions, research methodology, and expected outcomes. It is an essential part of your PhD application, and you will need to submit it along with your application.

3. English Proficiency Test Scores: English proficiency test scores are required, and a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 is generally required.

4. Additional Documents: Additional documents like SOPs, LORs, and CV/Resume are required.

5. Application Form: You will need to fill out an online application form to apply for a PhD in the UK. The application form will require you to provide personal information, academic qualifications, research interests, and other relevant information.

6. Application Fee: Some universities may charge an application fee, which varies depending on the university and program.

Can I work while doing PhD in UK?

Yes, it is possible to work while doing a PhD in the UK, but it depends on several factors. Here are some things to consider:

1. Funding Source: If you are a fully-funded PhD student, you are usually not allowed to work part-time. However, this highly depends on who is funding your PhD. If you are self-funded or partially funded, you may be able to work part-time.

2. Working Hours: If you are pursuing a full-time PhD in the UK, you may work alongside your project or programme, provided you do not work for more than 20 hours per week, except during any vacations or in the case of an agreed work placement or internship.

3. Type of Work: The most common form of work for PhD students in the UK is teaching. PhD students can take on limited undergraduate teaching duties, if available.

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Updated on 11 March 2024

Fees for PhD and other research postgraduate courses

Tuition fee per year of study (subject to a 3% annual increase for Scottish/Rest of UK students and a 5% annual increase for International students).

Part time study, where available, is charged on a pro-rata basis.

Scottish/Rest of UK fee status annual increase

Each year, UKRI sets a recommended fee and stipend level for Scottish/Rest of UK students, which we use as the basis for fees charged to this group.

UKRI usually increases its fee and stipend levels in line with inflation, based on the Treasury GDP deflator. 

Therefore, the Scottish/Rest of UK fees detailed in this table for 2025/26 (and beyond) can only be estimated according to the typical increase. 

The fee charged to you may differ, though only slightly, from the figure given.

Accounting and Finance PhD tuition fees

Architecture phd tuition fees, anatomy and human identification phd tuition fees, archives and records management phd tuition fees, art and design phd tuition fees, art and design masters by research tuition fees, biomedical engineering phd tuition fees, business, management, and marketing phd tuition fees, computer science phd tuition fees, dentistry phd tuition fees, dentistry masters by research tuition fees.

• Integrated Masters
• MDSc (R) 1 year Non Clinical  

Economic studies PhD tuition fees

Education, social work, and community education phd tuition fees, energy, petroleum and mineral law and policy phd tuition fees, engineering and physics phd tuition fees.

• Civil engineering
• Mechanical engineering and mechatronics

Science and Engineering Masters by Research tuition fees

English and creative writing phd tuition fees, forensic science phd tuition fees, geography and environmental science phd tuition fees, history phd tuition fees, islamic finance phd tuition fees, life sciences phd tuition fees, life sciences masters by research tuition fees, law phd tuition fees, mathematics phd tuition fees.

• Mathematics
• Applied Mathematics

Medicine PhD tuition fees

• MD in Medicine
• Doctoral Research in Medicine

Medicine Masters by Research tuition fees

Nursing and health sciences phd tuition fees, philosophy phd tuition fees, politics and international relations phd tuition fees, psychology phd tuition fees, urban planning phd tuition fees.

Admissions and Applicant Experience

Studentships and doctoral training

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.

Our expectations for research organisations, supervisors and students are set out in the statement of expectations for doctoral training .

You could get:

• a minimum stipend of £19,237 per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular instalments
• support for your tuition fees (minimum £4,786 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 2024 to 2025. 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:

• conference attendance
• language training
• overseas research visits
• internships or placements with a non-academic partner

The availability of support will depend on the research organisation and the training grants they have on offer. You should contact the research organisation you are interested in applying to, to find out what you could get.

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 .

Last updated: 14 February 2024

This is the website for UKRI: our seven research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Let us know if you have feedback or would like to help improve our online products and services .

PhD Handbook

Cost of Studyin...

Cost of Studying PhD in UK for International Students

Pursuing a PhD in the UK is a dream for many international graduate students. It is an excellent opportunity to conduct original and noteworthy research in a specific field or subject and to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

The cost of a PhD in the UK for international students can vary depending on the university and the subject of study. However, international students can expect to pay higher tuition fees than domestic students. The tuition fees for a PhD in the UK typically range from around GBP 18,250 to GBP 35,500 (INR 18,25,000 to INR 35,50,000) per annum at top universities.

However, some of the universities in the UK precisely accept applications from international students having a 4-year bachelor's (Honors) degree. The cost of a Ph.D. can be separated into three key areas; tuition fees, living expenses, and research expenditures. And the combined cost of these is approximately INR 40,56,000 per year for international students. 

Yocket Premium can help you save money on your PhD in the UK. With Yocket Premium, you get access to a team of experts who can help you find the right Ph.D. program for your needs and budget. Yocket Premium also gives you access to a wide range of scholarships and funding opportunities.

So, if you're planning to go for a Ph.D. program in the UK, we have listed below all the needed details of the cost of doing a Ph.D. in the UK and other required information about the same.

Factors Influencing PhD Tuition Fees UK International Students

International students choose to pursue a Ph.D. in the UK due to many reasons including higher ROI and better education quality. Along with the course fees for Ph.D., students have to bear other expenses as well. Some of the important factors that influence the Ph.D. fees in the UK are mentioned below. 

UK universities Ph.D. fees

Studying at UK universities is a dream that most students have. Given the excellent quality of education and program structure, the fees for UK universities are pretty high. Students will have to spend up to INR 30,42,000  per year on Ph.D. costs UK.

Cost of living in the UK

Students who are pursuing a Ph.D. degree in UK will have to bear all expenses for different living conditions such as food, transportation, study resources, etc. 

Pre and Post Arrival costs to study Ph.D. in the UK

The Ph.D. price UK also contains several pre-arrival expenses such as Visa, Application fees, language test fees, etc. Even after arriving in the UK, students will have to bear the program fees for Ph.D. courses as well as the living costs.

Suggested: What can Indian Students Expect While Studying in UK

Pre-Arrival Expenses to Study Ph.D. in UK 

Included in the Ph.D. fees in the UK for Indian students are the pre-arrival costs. Yes, even before entering the UK, students have to go through some expenses. Students need to understand the budget in areas such as Language Test Scores, Student Visas, flight tickets, etc. These are the one-time expenses that students have to incur before arriving in the UK. 

Flight Ticket 

English language proficiency exam fees.

• UK Student Visa Fees
• Health Insurance Fees

Let’s know these pre-arrival costs in detail:

International students traveling from their respective countries to the UK will have to book a flight to the destination airport in the UK. The cost of flight tickets to the UK is somewhere between GBP 415 to GBP 620 (INR 43,092 - INR 64,380) . 

The cost of a Ph.D. in the UK for international students will also include the IELTS and TOEFL exam fees. These English language proficiency tests are a must for international students belonging to non-English speaking countries. The cost for these exams would be around INR 15,200 . 

 UK Student Visa Fees 

International students also have to apply for their UK student visa to continue with their studies in the UK. The UK student visa application fee is around GBP 339 (INR 35,200) for international students. 

Getting a PhD in the UK is a prestigious achievement, but it can also be expensive. 

Yocket Finance makes it easy and affordable to finance your international education, so you can focus on your studies and achieve your goals.

Health Insurance 

For international students planning to study Ph.D. in the UK, it is important to get their health insurance. The health insurance that you get depends on the length of the Ph.D. program. International students can use the National Health Service ( INR 30,400 for 2 years ) if their program duration is more than 6 months. 

Post Arrival Costs to Study Ph.D. in the UK 

Once you have arrived at your destination location in the UK, you can begin your course. But for that, you have to bear two types of post-arrival expenses. 

Ph.D. Program Fee

To pursue a Ph.D. in the UK, an international student has to pay the annual program fee. To the average cost of a Ph.D. in the UK is around INR 40,56,000 for Indian Students.  

Cost of Living

Student accommodation in the UK stands up to around INR 15,21,000 every year. The expenses include the cost of housing, cost of food, transformation, research costs, etc.

Suggested: Best Ways to Fund Studies in UK for International Students

Fee Structure for Top PhD Universities in UK 

The program fee in UK universities with most international students offering Ph.D. courses is one of the main factors that decide the cost of studying in the UK. The Ph.D. course fees UK range from INR 15,21,000 to INR 35,50,000 based on the location and the university of choice. Here we have given a basic overview of the average Ph.D. fee structure in some of the top universities in the UK. 

Suggested: List of Top 10 Universities for PhD in UK for International Students

PhD Programs Fees n the UK

If you are planning to study Ph.D. in the UK, it is important to know the costs associated with each Ph.D. program offered by UK universities. Mentioned below are some details about the different Ph.D. programs and the annual fees that students have to pay.

Suggested: Know How to Apply for PhD in UK from India

Cost of Living in UK for 2024

Apart from the program fees, students who are pursuing a Ph.D. in the UK will also have to bear their living expenses. These expenses include accommodation, personal spending, eating, and other lifestyle costs. So, the cost of living in the UK depends on the lifestyle choices that students make. Here are some factors for living costs in the UK.

Suggested : A Comprehensive Guide To Ph.D. In London For International Students!

Additional Costs

Some other expenses can be included in the total costs for a Ph.D. in the UK. Some of the details for additional costs are mentioned below. 

Suggested : A Complete Guide to Ph.D. in UK for International Students

From the Desk of Yocket

The cost of a PhD in the UK can be a significant investment, but it is also a valuable one. PhD graduates from UK universities are highly sought-after by employers around the world, and they have the opportunity to make a real impact on their field of study.

The following article provided information about Ph.D. tuition fees in the UK for international students. Applying for a Ph.D. program in the UK is pretty simple if you are familiar with the costs and expenses of living and studying in the UK.

However, there are several other factors to consider when applying for a Ph.D. in the UK, such as the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the different types of funding available. Yocket Premium can help you navigate the entire application process and ensure that you are well-prepared for your PhD journey.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cost of Studying PhD in UK

Is it worth it to pursue a Ph.D. in the UK?

Yes, the UK houses some of the most prestigious institutions in the world. So, the options are endless when it comes to Ph.D. universities in the country.

Is a Ph.D. in the UK an expensive program?

When compared to the universities in other countries, the Ph.D. programs in the UK aren't that expensive. On average, a student will have to spend about INR 18,27,000 per year on Ph.D. course fees.

What are the top universities offering Ph.D. courses in UK?

The top universities that offer Ph.D. programs in the UK are: 1) University of Cambridge 2) University of Warwick 3) University of Oxford 4) University of Southampton 5) Newcastle University

Can I get Ph.D. programs in UK for free?

No, there aren’t any free programs available in UK for Ph.D. students. However, UK universities provide scholarships and financial assistance to students who have good academic scores.

Sumeet Jain

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