do uk phd students get paid

• PhD Salary in UK – Explained
• Funding a PhD

What Are PhD Salaries?

The average cost of undertaking a PhD in the UK is approximately £20,000 per academic year for UK students and £40,000 for international students. To help offset the cost of this, many students question whether undertaking a doctorate comes with a PhD salary.

The salary of a PhD student is governed by three factors: whether they’re assisting in undergraduate teaching, assisting in research, or have secured a PhD with a stipend. Depending on which of the three categories a student falls within, they will receive an income during their studies, however, the amount will differ by a substantial amount.

To help show you how you can fund your postgraduate degree and how much you can expect to earn whilst doing so, carry on reading below.

Types of PhD Salaries

There are three types of PhD degree salaries:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) . In exchange for a salary, you’ll be required to assist in the delivery of one or more courses over a number of years. This includes, but is not limited to, marking student tutorials, supervising lab experiments and providing support to undergraduates during office hours. Besides this, you may have to teach a small section of the course itself. You can discover more about GTAs on King’s College London’s website.
• Research Assistantships (RAs) . In exchange for a salary, you assist a departmental professor with their research. In the ideal scenario, the professor you work with should also be your PhD supervisor and the research you’re asked to support with relates to your own doctoral project.
• Stipend via Studentship: A stipend is a non-repayable grant provided to doctoral students to help support their studies. A studentship covers a student’s tuition fees whilst a stipend covers a PhD student’s living costs. This includes outgoings such as rent, food, bills and basic travel. Unlike Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships, stipends rarely have duties attached to them. The only expectation of receiving a stipend will be that you maintain continuous progress within your degree.

It’s worth noting these earning opportunities can be also be combined. For example, it’s possible to be a research assistant whilst also committing time to teach undergraduate students.

Average PhD Salary in UK

The average PhD student salary for teaching assistantships will vary depending on the level of responsibility you’re taking. However, to provide figures, past doctoral students have reported receiving approx. £10/hr for marking tutorials, £15/hr for leading laboratory sessions and up to £20/hr for leading undergraduate classes and tutorials.

The actual amount you can earn from teaching assistance will depend on the rate your department offers and the hours you can realistically take on. If you’re on a Graduate Teaching Assistantship programme, they will require you to dedicate a set number of hours per week. If you’re not on a GTA but would still like to earn an income through this scheme, you will likely need to commit several hours per week consistently. Although this can be a great way to earn whilst you study, you need to make sure you manage your time effectively as to not become overwhelmed by taking on an additional commitment.

The average salary for research assistantships will vary depending on the field of the doctoral degree you are enrolled in. Usually, these positions pay between £25,000 to £30,000 per year, however, it’s possible to come across positions which sit slightly outside of this. As a general rule of thumb, STEM assistors are paid more than non-STEM assistors.

In the UK, PhD students 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. UK tuition fees will vary between universities but are approximately £4,500 per year for doctoral courses starting in 2021/22 as per the UKRI recommendations .

Although £15,000 to £18,000 per year is the typical range for a stipend, some can be far greater than this. For example, Wellcome Trust , a research-charity based in London, offers an annual stipend of up to £23,300 and £26,000 for doctoral students located outside and within London, respectively.

Are PhD Salaries Taxed?

PhD stipends are tax free. Therefore, you don’t need to pay any income tax nor do you need to make any national insurance contributions. This means you’ll keep all the money you receive from an annual stipend. However, this is not the case for Research Assistants.

In the UK, Research Assistants are employed as university staff members and are paid a direct salary as opposed to a stipend. As a result, it will require you to pay tax on your earnings and make national insurance contributions.

To put this into perspective, for the 2019/20 UK tax year, you’re required to pay a 20% tax on any income above £12,500 but less than £50,000. You’re also required to make national insurance contributions of 12% of your weekly earnings over £166 but less than £962. This means that an annual Research Assistantship salary of £30,000 will equate to a take-home salary of £23,938 per year.

How to Get a PhD Stipend

To find research positions which offer stipends, we recommend you search our PhD database and filter by ‘funded’ positions.

Besides this, you can also secure a studentship from UK Research Councils or directly from your university as a scholarship. Independent organisations, such as charities and research trusts, and innovative firms within your industry also offer funding. You can read our PhD studentship guide to see how these work or our Where to find a PhD guide for further ideas.

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

How to Get a Research Assistantship PhD

Unfortunately, research assistantships opportunities aren’t as common to come across compared to PhD stipends. Besides this, when they are available, they’re predominantly in STEM subjects such as computer science and engineering. The reason for this is these subjects usually have access to greater research grants and have a greater volume of practical work available.

To find a research assistantship, we recommend that you contact the university departments who host the courses you’re interested in directly. This is because research assistantships help professors with their research, and while they may require help, they may not be openly advertising for it. They may, therefore, be able to create a role for you within their department or put you into contact with one of their colleagues who already has an open position.

International Students

It’s worth noting that international students will have a harder time securing a funded PhD position than UK ‘home’ students will. This is largely because there are usually fewer funding opportunities available to international students, which as a result also attract significant competition.

Besides this, if you’re an international student studying in the UK you will most likely than not be on a Tier 4 visa. Although a Tier 4 visa will allow you to work to earn an additional income alongside any studentship you may have, there will be certain restrictions on what you can and can’t do. For example, during term-time, you won’t be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. For a full list of restrictions, please refer to the government website.

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The employment of PhD graduates in the UK: what do we know?

• 17 February 2020
• By Sally Hancock

This blog was kindly contributed by Dr Sally Hancock, Lecturer in Education at the University of York. This blog features some of her research supported by a Society for Higher Education Newer Researcher Award (reference: NR201609). The dataset was prepared for analysis by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

In recent decades, the number of PhDs awarded by universities has steadily and in some countries rapidly increased. Across the world, governments have invested in PhD education as part of a broader strategy to develop knowledge-based economies. This agenda, supported by organisations such as the OECD and World Bank, states that future national prosperity requires both the creation, application and dissemination of knowledge, and a supply of highly skilled workers.

In the UK, PhD holders are similarly valued for their ‘ vital contribution to British industrial performance and improved economic productivity ’. There has been considerable investment both in skills training to prepare PhDs for employment outside of academia and more recently, through the introduction of loans to attract more individuals to doctoral study. If the government is to achieve its ambition of increasing expenditure on research and development to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027, it is estimated that a further 25,000 PhD students will need to be recruited.

The expansion in doctoral education has not been viewed positively by all. Some question whether there are already too many PhDs and ask whether there are sufficient employment opportunities outside of the academic sector. Several studies suggest that many PhD students continue to prefer academic employment , leading to harsh competition in the academic sector and frustrated ambitions. The mismatch between PhDs’ career expectations and realities has been cited as one of the factors underpinning the relatively poor mental health and wellbeing of this group.

The existing evidence on PhD employment is, however, relatively limited, as PhDs have historically received far less attention than undergraduates. Research suggests that PhD graduates enjoy both higher earnings and higher rates of skilled employment, but this varies significantly by field of study and national context. Developing a reliable evidence base for the UK context is therefore particularly important amid plans for further investment and growth. Over the last decade, reports by Vitae have demonstrated that a diminishing proportion of PhD graduates will secure academic employment. Nonetheless, there is a wealth of qualitative data which suggest the enduring preference of academic careers among PhDs, together with a reluctance to consider ‘alternative’ careers.

In an effort to better understand the outcomes of PhDs, and especially what happens to those who leave the academic sector, this new study made use of the best available data on PhD employment in the UK. These data are collected through the Destinations of Leavers of Higher Education Longitudinal Survey (Long DLHE) which records activity three-and-a-half years after graduation. While HESA does not regularly publish findings on PhD employment, DLHE data have been analysed for this purpose before, most notably by Vitae.

The dataset analysed for this study, however, was different in that it incorporated additional information on PhD holders’ academic and demographic characteristics, linked from the Student Record. Put simply, this allows PhD employment outcomes to be examined in relation to factors such as PhD subject and institution, prior qualifications, age, gender and ethnicity. In total, the dataset includes just under 5,000 UK PhD holders, who graduated in 2008/9 or 2010/11 (a response rate of 39.5 per cent)

Considering first the promises of the knowledge economy, the Long DLHE offers some optimistic indicators. PhD holders’ report higher average earnings than those with a first degree or Master’s only. However, there are notable variations in earnings by the subject, with Arts and Humanities PhD holders earning significantly less than all other subject areas. PhD graduates also report higher rates of skilled employment, though we should note that definitions of ‘skilled work’, and what counts as PhD-level skilled work in particular are highly contested.

Employment outcomes by sector

Turning to consider employment outcomes by sector, figure 1 demonstrates that the vast majority of UK PhD holders (70.1 per cent) have left the academic sector three-and-a-half years after graduation. Of those who remain in academia, one-third are undertaking research, while two-thirds occupy the role ‘higher education teaching professional’. This distinction is admittedly problematic in that it conflates those employed with teaching-only contracts with those in more conventional academic positions (combining teaching, research and administrative duties). Unfortunately, the Long DLHE data cannot generate a more detailed insight into the roles PhD holders are undertaking in academia.

Of those who have left academia, just over half (53.8 per cent) report that they are still engaged in research, with the rest (46.2 per cent) stating that they no longer undertake or work with research. Logistic regressions conducted to predict which PhD holders secure research roles outside academia suggest that PhDs from Russell Group institutions, scientific subject areas (biological sciences; biomedical sciences; physical sciences and engineering), and male PhD holders are significantly more likely to secure research employment. This suggests that while there is evidence of a science-focused knowledge economy in the UK, the recognition of Arts and Humanities and Social Science PhDs – and their research skills – across non-academic sectors is less clear. These findings also suggest that gender and institutional prestige are associated with forging a research career outside of the academy.

While the Long DLHE affords broad insights into the employment destinations of PhD holders, it ultimately provokes more questions than it can answer. Critically, the Long DLHE imparts very little on decision-making or other circumstantial factors that may explain why a particular career pathway unfolds as it does. Perhaps the observation that PhD graduates who are no longer employed in research, whether in academia or beyond, report significantly lower career satisfaction is evidence enough that withdrawing from research is not the intention for many.

If doctoral expansion and the policy promises underpinning this continues, it is vital for the UK to develop better methods to capture the contributions of PhD holders. Following the initiatives of other nations , stakeholders of the UK doctorate ought to prioritise longitudinal methods of data collection, which are rich on demographic and decision-making information.

Appreciate the initiative and the mental wellbeing of the researchers.

This seems to be valuable as well as interesting research.

Does it imply that fewer people doing PhD’s in Arts subjects would be a good thing?

To be honest, if you look at the UK, having a PhD – unless you have one in the hard sciences – does not lead to higher earning potential. Experience counts the most and to give an example, my friends who did not always have degrees own houses etc. What is not factored in is the loss of 5 years earning potential at Masters to PhD level when other people are gaining experience. You have to be in a fairly decent position to get a house or have a partner earning a good salary (which you didn’t have to have in the past). Young academics are in their 30s, yet degree holders have had a decade to get promoted by the same point.

Although I left the country for a few years, my PhD was respected abroad (Social Sciences) but if you look at the data, a hell of a lot go into teaching. I find the Social PhD is so specialised, that not enough of the skills acquired are transferable. Also, the cost has to be factored in and I would say unless you are funded, it is not worth undertaking a PhD for any kind of financial gain. But I went in knowing this to some extent.

Work is being done to make PhD holders employable but depending on where you live, the jobs market may not cope with higher qualifications. I feel that unlike other countries, we do not celebrate the PhD because if it is not matched by a higher salary, your family will not respect you anymore so for having one.

Having worked with doctoral level students for some years in enterprise, they have tremendous potential but are typically located in highly academic environments where this is often not recognised. Add to this the very nature of a PhD, they often miss the opportunities to build and grow a business, or contribute to the growth of a small business. Entrepreneurial people, for example, have to make pressured decisions with incomplete evidence.

Thus joining the dots of a researcher’s competencies and aligning them to the interdisciplinary environments where team working is essential, has thus far demonstrated significant interest.

Sadly, I can count on one hand the people I know who are capable of doing this well.

I’m about to finish my PhD in STEM. As an international student and not having a good reason to stay in the UK like family, the only reason to stay here would be to find a decent research job. Is there any in the UK? Not the traditional tenure track role, but only doing research. Looking at the research job market in Germany for example, MPI or other research institutes offer so much that the UK has nothing to offer compared to them. I like staying but it look like the UK doesn’t have much to offer!

I’m from a working-class background born in the North West of England. I joined the British Army aged 16 without any school qualifications. During my active service career in the Parachute Regiment [serving two intense tours of Northern Ireland], I started taking photographs and began working as a unit photographer. After six years of military service, I left the British army to further my education and enrolled at the University of Brighton getting a 2:1 in editorial photography. Since graduating in the mid-1990s, I worked continually as a freelance photographer, working for national newspapers and magazines, at home and abroad In 2015, I took on a Ph.D. scholarship to better my life and yes, I did expect to get work or at least get on the ladder within an academic institution. I’ve applied for many posts since obtaining my Doctorate and have not got a single interview. The more rejections I get, the more it impacts my mental health and wellbeing. Only recently I applied for an associate lecturers position, at a London university where I have exhibited my photographs, even given lectures on my “professional practice” as a photographer in the past, and know many of the staff working at this university [of which I have contributed my photographs for there book publications]. What is most peculiar, is that I was given a job back in 2018 [when I was finishing my Ph.D. with minor corrections] as an associate lecturer at this very London university. They informed me months later that I was to be placed in the “talent pool”. Although after what seemed like treading water in this imaginary London university “talent pool” for months on end, I was not even called in for a lecture to students. But having a mostly stoic attitude to life, I, therefore, applied again for the same job as an “associate lecture” position at the very same London university. The most recent time I have been rejected, which was less than a few weeks ago [3 November 2021] weeks ago, the person whom I know at the photography department at this very London university kindly emailed me back [as I was slightly disgruntled from not even being asked in for an interview (yet again), but also given any feedback as to why I was not even given an interview despite having my all-singing Doctorate. This was their response: “We had almost 100 applications, all of which go to each of the six Course Leaders to shortlist, and that shortlist is dependent upon applicant’s skills but also have to marry to the Course needs for that year. I am not involved at that stage as it is at Course Level. When they have selected their shortlist according to their needs I do a quick check to make sure there are no conflict of interest or any anomalies – there were not – and then the interview processes begin. As you can see, it isn’t wholly on best qualified in general, rather who on that list is appropriately qualified and who directly fits the Course need. We only feedback in detail to those that were shortlisted – I know that is tricky for all other applicants – but that is the norm and with nigh on 100 applicants, you can see why. In terms of your own trajectory, the Ph.D. when shortlisting for established, rather than hourly-paid staff, is the gold standard. So it is worthwhile and I am sure worthwhile beyond the wholly instrumental. But I get the pragmatics and the frustrations. I do think being hourly-paid brings its own frustrations too… there are no hours guarantee and that can also lead to people understandably feeling undervalued. Some of our hourly paid will do only 15-20 hours across an entire year – that can be tough.”

In all honesty, I have to ask myself tirelessly, was six years of my life working on a Ph.D. to better my life, really worth it? Obviously, it’s marvelous that you can use “Dr” before your name, although many ignorant people [and there are many in the world] who unless you are a clinical Doctor, being a Doctor of Philosophy means nada. Which is a great shame and is a reflection of British society [I work for a veterans charity in the UK, who are clearly confused by all Doctors of Philosophy, and indeed philosophy in general terms, dare I even put it before my name, is a general feeling here].

Therefore I conclude: was doing a Ph.D. really worth it? Fineanchly no. My “scholarship” was 15 K a year. I don’t know why I put my own family through such heartache and pain. I even had to leave my home in England and move to Northern Ireland for the first year, which really impacted my young family. And to think that after all this heartache and struggling, I am struggling even more. I have to be both mindful & truthful here: the Jury is still out…

As a former Merchant Navy Officer and 12 years as a Bomber Command Navigator. I then worked as a Professional Navigator for Irish, and South African Airways. I finally Matriculated as a mature student at Oxford University in September 1979 and obtained a PHD in Astrophysics from Oxford in 1984. I then worked at the University of London Observatory at Mill Hill where I wrote the software for the Tycho project carried on the Hipparchos satellite of the European Space Agency. I also spent some time in industry as Principal Engineer in the advanced system study group at Racal Avionics, returning to lecture in aeronautics at London Guildhall University. As a Professional Navigator both at sea and in the air I am now a Member of The Royal Institute of Navigation. Publications: D Phil Thesis. (Including various astronomical papers.)

‘Some Aspects of Extra-Galactic Astrophysics’ Oxford University. 1983. Brasenose College.

The Numinous Legacy. Modern Cosmology and Religion. 2002. (see Amazon Books.)

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Why a UK PhD is totally worth it for international Students?

Table of contents.

In short, doing a PhD in the UK is totally worth it.

1. International PhD students get paid to do a PhD

There are many options for international students to do a funded PhD in UK . (a) First, the UK research council (UKRI) allow 30% of funds to be allocated to international PhD students. It is a good amount of funding to fund thousands of students. (b) Second, the International PhD students can apply for independent/ third party scholarships like Commonwealth and many others . (c) Third, in some cases PhD students are funded by industry . In such contract an employer in the UK contact the university to hire a PhD student and sponsor him for the for a specific PhD project. 

A PhD in industry is very lucrative because (a) PhD stipend offered by the employers offer a higher PhD stipend than university grant, (b) it helps in getting an industry experience during your PhD, and (c) a PhD in the industry extend your network for post PhD employment opportunities.

2. PhD in UK may take less time

In UK, universities often extend their financial support to international PhD students. Anything that is taking longer than that may put you in a financial struggle.

3. PhD may be easier if you are proactive

In fact a PhD is a kind of training to make you an independent researcher. Keep in mind that academic research is hard no matter what your field is. That said, a PhD in STEM science can be much harder than a PhD in education or history, for example.

4. A UK PhD may turnout useful

Deep Dive: What should I do after doing a PhD in the UK?

Furthermore, UK PhD graduates are usually not welcomed as post-docs in their own university. For their post-doc, they are expected to move to another institution. This might mean they may have to move out of country. This might be an issue for you if you want to settle in UK after your PhD.

Industry Career in UK after PhD. On the other hand, if you intend to join industry after PhD in UK . Your chances to get good work opportunities and eventually a stable academic career are much higher than academia.

Further, a PhD is also positively valued by employers in UK, thus, giving you an edge over other applicants, especially in the case of complex and cognitive work opportunities.

FAQs about is a PhD worth it in UK?

Is phd in uk worth it, is a phd in uk fully funded for international students, does a phd guarantee a job in uk.

  A PhD can boost your chances of getting hired in UK because (a) PhD holders have less employment rate then average industry worker in UK, (b) more and more universities are offering some hybrid form of PhD-including both an academic as well as an industry training component, and (c) UK employers usually do not discriminate PhD holders when hiring.

How competitive are PhD programs UK? 

Can i do phd after masters in uk, what are the benefits of doing phd in uk.

There are many benefits of doing PhD in UK . First, you get the opportunity to pursue your research career in a well-structured and a develop academic system of UK. Second,  you are likely to get an industry experience as a postgraduate student. This may benefit you in getting hired after PhD. Third, your PhD will most likely be funded in UK this means you may not have to worry about your monthly expenses or your tuition fee during PhD years. Lastly, a PhD in UK can benefit you to work and settle in UK. Generous visa options like graduate work visa can help you to look for stable employment and apply for permanent residency.

Is it easy to get a PhD in UK?

Which phds are in most demand in uk, is a 3 year phd from a uk university considered less valuable than a 5-6 year phd from a us university.

Well, this depends on what you consider valuable. A UK PhD is shorter, require a masters qualification from you to start, and provide the opportunity to get into job market quickly. For 3 year PhD graduates, post-doc training is considered as a norm to acquire further research competence. On the other hand, a US/ Canadian PhD is longer (takes 7 years on average to complete), do not require a masters qualification from you and provide you an ample time to explore your research area. This may means entering in job market late or with more expertise in your subject.

Why are PhD students paid so little in UK?

What should i do after phd in uk, is phd losing its value in uk.

No, a PhD is not losing its value in UK. A PhD is a research degree and it is intended for a specific purpose that is to make you and independent researchers. Although fierce competition and low funding in academia may drown PhDs in low-paying and precarious postdoctoral contracts. Still, a UK PhD can be an asset for highly cognitive jobs, research and development roles and consulting in the industry. Despite stereotypes of the ivory tower, more and more hiring managers are realizing the potential of PhD graduates. This means industry in UK is recognizing that PhD holders can survive and thrive in fast pacing industry.

Is doing a PhD tough in UK?

Do You Get Paid to Do a PhD?

Many prospective doctoral students wonder, do you get paid to do a PhD? This post will explain the financial aspects of pursuing a PhD in the UK, including stipends, funding options, and additional financial considerations.

PhD Funding in the UK

In the UK, most PhD students receive some form of funding, which means you do get paid/receive income when doing a PhD. Funding usually comes from scholarships, research councils, or university grants. These funds typically cover tuition fees and provide a stipend to help with living expenses.

Types of PhD Funding

So how do people afford PhDs? Here are some common types of funding available to PhD students in the UK. 

Research Council Funding

UK Research Councils are a significant source of funding. They offer grants that cover tuition fees and provide a stipend. The stipend amount varies, but it is generally sufficient to cover basic living costs.

University Scholarships

Many universities offer scholarships for PhD students. These scholarships often include a tuition fee waiver and a stipend. Each university has its own criteria and application process, so it’s essential to check individual university websites for details.

Project-Based Funding

Some PhD positions are linked to specific research projects. These positions often come with full funding, including tuition and a stipend. Project-based funding can be a great option if your research interests align with funded projects.

Additional Financial Considerations

Teaching and research assistantships.

Many PhD students supplement their income by working as teaching or research assistants. These roles provide valuable experience and additional income, making it easier to manage living expenses.

Part-Time Work

While focusing on your PhD should be your priority, some students take on part-time work to support themselves. Balancing work and study can be challenging, so it’s important to manage your time effectively.

Additional Financial Perks for PhD Students

PhD students in the UK can take advantage of various financial benefits that help reduce living costs. One significant perk is the council tax exemption, which can result in substantial savings, particularly in areas with high council tax rates. Moreover, PhD students often have access to discounts on travel, retail, and entertainment through schemes like the NUS (National Union of Students) card . These savings, while modest individually, can collectively ease the financial pressure of pursuing a PhD. By leveraging these perks, students can better manage their budgets and make their academic journey more affordable.

Does a PhD Salary Increase?

Yes, a PhD salary can increase over time. Typically, stipends for PhD students are reviewed annually and may rise to account for inflation or increased living costs. Additionally, as PhD students progress through their program, they may take on additional responsibilities such as teaching, research assistantships, or securing grants and fellowships, which can further boost their income. In some cases, universities and funding bodies offer incremental increases based on the student’s progress and performance, ensuring that the financial support remains adequate throughout the duration of their studies. Check with your institution to gain an accurate understanding of how likely your income is to increase during your studies. 

Are PhD Salaries Taxed in the UK?

In the UK, most PhD stipends are not considered taxable income. Stipends provided by research councils, universities, and other scholarship bodies are usually tax-free, as they are intended to cover living expenses and support the student’s research activities. However, if a PhD student takes on additional paid work, such as teaching assistantships or part-time jobs, the income from these roles is subject to standard income tax and National Insurance contributions. It’s important for PhD students to understand the tax implications of any additional earnings and manage their finances accordingly. Speak to a tax professional or accountant for tailored advice for your situation. 

Opportunity Costs of a PhD

Pursuing a PhD involves significant opportunity costs, which are the potential benefits and earnings one foregoes when choosing one option over alternatives. In this context, the time and effort dedicated to completing a PhD could have been spent gaining full-time employment, advancing in a career, and earning a steady income. This lost income and professional experience are key components of the opportunity costs associated with a PhD. Additionally, the intensive nature of PhD programs can limit opportunities for industry networking and practical experience, potentially delaying entry into the job market. Prospective PhD students must weigh these opportunity costs against the long-term benefits of advanced research skills, academic credentials, and potential career advancements that a PhD can offer.

Investment in a PhD

Investing in a PhD can be highly worthwhile, as it offers long-term benefits that can significantly outweigh the initial opportunity costs. A PhD not only provides advanced research skills and deep expertise in a specific field but also opens doors to academic, research, and specialised industry positions that often come with higher earning potential and job security. Furthermore, a PhD can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and innovation skills, making graduates valuable assets in various professional settings. The prestige and credibility associated with holding a doctoral degree can also lead to greater professional recognition and opportunities for leadership roles. Thus, despite the initial financial and time investment, the comprehensive skills, knowledge, and career advancements gained from a PhD can make it a highly rewarding endeavour. Before pursuing a PhD, consider the financial implications carefully and consult with professionals to help you make an informed decision. 

So, do you get paid to do a PhD? Yes, in the UK, PhD students typically receive funding through stipends, scholarships, or project-based grants. These funds help cover tuition fees and living expenses, making it financially feasible to pursue advanced research. By exploring various funding options and possibly supplementing your income through assistantships or part-time work, you can manage your finances effectively while working towards your doctoral degree.

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PhD in UK: Fees 2023, Top Colleges, Placement and salaries

The average annual tuition fee for pursuing PhD in UK at the top universities is 20,000 GBP- 50,000 GBP (20-50 Lakh INR) and the average cost of living in UK is around 14,000 GBP (14 lakh INR) per year. The opportunities after studying in UK universities are vast. Almost 87% of the Ph.D. students start working after graduation and earn an average pay of 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (40-60 Lakh INR) per annum.

PhD in UK: Course Highlight

PhD in UK: Top Universities

International students are attracted to the high-quality education offered by the top universities in UK . According to the QS Ranking of 2023, four universities in the UK rank among the top universities across the world. The following table lists some of the top universities offering PhD in UK:

Why study PhD in UK?

• PhD graduates from UK universities have a high employability rate, with 82% of them in employment or further study within six months of graduation, Higher Education Statistics Agency.
• The UK has some of the world's best universities, and many of these institutions are highly ranked for their PhD programs. According to the QS World University Rankings 2023, the UK has four universities in the top ten for graduate employability, and five universities in the top 20 for graduate employability.
• The opportunities after studying in UK universities are vast. Almost 87% of the Ph.D. students start working after graduation and earn an average pay of 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (40-60 Lakh INR) per annum.

Explore : A student guide to UK

Types of PhD in UK

There are majorly five types of PhDs offered by universities in UK : Standard, Integrated, Professional, Distance Learning, and Ph.D. by Publication. Standard Ph.D. is a more common choice than others among international students. All 4 types of Ph.D. in the UK are discussed in brief as follows:

• Standard Ph.D.: It is a 3 to 4-year full-time on-campus degree split into 3 parts. In the first year, students discuss research proposals with supervisors and devise a plan. Gathering data and conducting research is part of the second and third-year curriculum. Finally, in the last year, students write their thesis and submit it for viva.
• Integrated Ph.D.: It combines the 1 year Masters in Research (MRes) with a 3-year Ph.D. in the UK and offered by over 30 universities. The main aim is to combine the taught element of the program with independent research. This helps students in learning different methodologies.
• Professional Ph.D.: This type of Ph.D. is mainly for vocational subjects like medicine, engineering, and education. The focus of the program is to prepare students for future employment. Hence, it involves fewer research thesis and more projects revolving around real-life corporate issues. Common titles include Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Engineering, etc.
• Distance Learning Ph.D.: International students having work or family obligations choose this type of Ph.D. for studying in UK . It is also a preferred option when a selected topic requires the researcher to be present at a specific location. Students remain in touch with their supervisor through phone, email, or skype and attend university for one or two weeks every year. It takes 5 to 6 years to complete.
• Ph.D. by Publication: This Ph.D. is also known as Higher Doctorate and is granted to students having already published original work such as book chapters, journal articles, books. However, most of the universities of the UK accept only their own alumni for Ph.D. by Publication. Students are required to submit five to eight published works and a written supporting statement of 5,000 to 20,000 words.

PhD in UK: Admissions

In UK, getting accepted into a PhD program can be incredibly challenging since many universities receive numerous applications from students all over the world. Depending on the institution and the particular school, the admission requirements for PhD in UK may change, but they typically include academic credentials, English language proficiency, work experience, a personal statement, and references. In the section below the detailed admission requirements for top universities offering PhD in UK are given.

PhD in UK: Eligibility Criteria

Admission requirements for a PhD in UK can vary depending on the university and the area of research. However, there are some general admission requirements that most universities will require from applicants:

• Academic Degree- A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a related field of study. ​ Minimum GPA- The minimum GPA requirement is 3.7 on a scale of 4.0
• English Proficiency Test Score- IELTS: 7.0 or above, TOEFL: 100+.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP) - Applicants are usually required to submit a 5000 word personal statement outlining their academic and professional background, their reasons for applying to the program, and their career aspirations.
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR) - Applicants are usually required to provide at least 2-3 academic or professional references.
• Research Proposal- A 3000 word research proposal needs to be submitted in the area of research you are applying for.

PhD in UK: Admission Requirements

Following table shows the general admission requirements for getting into a Phd program in the UK universities along with their respective academic requirements and additional document requirements:

PhD in UK: Cost of study

The United Kingdom is one of the most pursued and sought out countries in the world for international students. The cost of study in UK will include the cost of living and the tuition fees a student is paying for PhD in UK. And the cost of study in UK can differ from person to person depending on the university of their choice and the tuition fees charged by the university for PhD in UK. The average cost of study in UK ranges from 30,000 GBP to 37,000 GBP (30-37 lakh INR).

PhD in UK: Tuition Fees

A PhD in UK lasts for 3-5 years on a full-time basis depending on the University and the area of research. The following table highlights the annual fees for pursuing PhD in UK universities:

Watch the video below to get answers to all your questions

Cost of Living in UK

The cost of living in UK includes accommodation, food, transportation, healthcare, personal expenses etc. The average cost of living in UK is around 14,000 GBP (14 lakh INR) per year.

Explore : Financing Tips for Students who Wish to Study in UK

PhD in UK: Scholarships

If you are planning to study in UK for a PhD you should know that it can become heavy on your pocket. For that reason UK universities provide different scholarships in UK for international students to lighten their burden. Following are some of the scholarships offered to international students who are applying for PhD in UK.

PhD in UK: Job Opportunities

A PhD graduate earns on an average of 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (30-60 Lakh INR) per year in the UK. Most of them go for an academic job especially in the teaching and education sector. According to Prospects UK, over 50% of graduates having PhD in UK are either education or science professionals working in the science and pharmaceutical industry.

Here are some sectors in the UK where PhD graduates may find job opportunities, along with the percentage of PhD graduates employed in each sector (source: Vitae Researcher Development International):

• Higher Education - 37%
• Business and Industry: 23%
• Government- 16%
• Non-profit Organizations- 10%
• Self Employed- 5%
• Health and Social Care- 5%
• Other Sectors- 4%

Explore : Jobs in UK for International Students

PhD in UK: Degree Comparison

Phd in uk vs in usa.

In conclusion, pursuing a PhD in the UK can be a great opportunity for students who are looking for world-renowned universities, a multicultural environment, generous funding opportunities, and a shorter duration of the program. The UK offers excellent research opportunities, and PhD graduates from UK universities have a high employability rate. After competing your PhD in UK one can work at higher posts in different fields and earn an average annual salary of 40,000 GBP- 60,000 GBP (30-60 Lakh INR). Explore : UK Visa Requirements

Ques. How much does a PhD cost in UK?

The average annual tuition fee for pursuing PhD in UK at the top universities is 20,000 GBP- 50,000 GBP (20-50 Lakh INR) and the average cost of living in UK is around 14,000 GBP (14 lakh INR) per year.

Ques. How long is the PhD in UK?

PhD in UK, also referred to as a doctorate, is a 3-5 years full-time and 5-6 years part-time degree depending on the University of choice and the area of research.

Ques. Do PhD students get paid in UK?

A stipend is awarded to students planning to pursue Ph.D in the UK. The cost of the stipend varies from university to university. Additionally, most PhD students in the UK are able to avail some type of funding such as studentships, scholarships, etc. They provide the tuition fees and maintenance expenses to eligible students.

Ques. What are some of the top universities offering PhD in UK?

University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, University College London, and University of Edinburgh are some of the top universities offering PhD in UK.

Ques. What are the admission requirements for applying to a PhD in UK?

The minimum admission requirement for PhD in UK is to have a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in a related field of study or a masters degree with a minimum of 70%, IELTS score of 7.0 or above or a TOEFL score of 100+ and while applying for a PhD in UK you will need to submit a research proposal in the field you of research you are applying for.

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Do You Get Paid for a PhD?

• Katie Baker
• July 31, 2024

For many students who don’t have the luxury of never worrying about money, one of the main considerations when weighing up if a PhD is the right move is how they will support themselves as they pursue their doctoral title. However, gone are the days when the prestigious academic accolade is only available to the upper classes. Several financial options are available for PhD students in the UK, including tax-free stipends and scholarships and seeking employment opportunities around their part-time or full-time studies. 

It is crucial for prospective PhD students to fully understand the financial landscape while contemplating taking a monumental step in their academic career. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of each available option and provide prospective PhD students with guidance towards fully-funded options, which make academia accessible and viable to all.  

The Complex Landscape of PhD Funding

The funding scenario for PhD programmes in the UK is multifaceted. While some PhD programs come with funding, others do not, leaving students to seek financial support independently. The availability of funding can depend on various factors, including the field of study, the university, and the student’s nationality.

For instance, funding for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects is often more readily available compared to humanities and social sciences. Additionally, UK and EU students typically have more funding opportunities compared to international students from outside the EU. Via websites such as Postgraduate Studentships , it is easy to find fully-funded PhD programs in a variety of fields. Alternatively, prospective PhD students can directly search for funded PhD programs at the universities of their choice.

For students who are unsuccessful with their scholarship or studentship applications, there are also alternative avenues to explore, such as taking out a PhD loan, exploring the possibilities of employer sponsorship, and even crowdfunding your PhD study. 

Stipends: A Primary Source of PhD Support

Stipends are a common form of financial support for PhD students in the UK. These are usually tax-free payments made to students to cover their living expenses while they focus on their studies. The nature of these stipends can vary – some are attached to teaching assistantships or research assistantships, where students are expected to contribute to teaching or research work in their department. This not only provides financial support but also valuable professional experience, which can improve the career prospects of PhD graduates. 

Stipend Amounts and Living Costs

For the academic year 2022/2023, PhD stipends in the UK were set at £16,062 for students outside of London and £18,062 for those within London, reflecting the higher cost of living in the capital. These stipends are typically paid over 3.5 years, the standard duration for a full-time PhD programme. However, some institutions may choose to pay the annual stipend for three or four years. 

Students should be aware that the cost of living can vary significantly across different parts of the UK, and these stipends may not fully cover all expenses, particularly in more expensive cities. Surprisingly, when the most and least affordable university towns and cities in the UK were ranked in 2023, London came behind Edinburgh and Glasgow. Meanwhile, the most affordable cities included Bournemouth, Cardiff, and Lincoln.

Scholarships: A More Generous Funding Option

Scholarships are another key source of funding for PhD students. These are often more substantial than stipends, with many exceeding £21,000. Scholarships can be provided by universities, external organisations, or industry partners and are usually awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, or specific criteria set by the funding body.

For example, the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) offers doctoral training partnerships and studentships that provide generous funding and are highly sought after. For more information on PhD scholarships and to find scholarships which may be suited to you, consult the Find a PhD database. At the time of writing, the database contained over 7,000 PhD projects and scholarships in the UK. 

Employment Opportunities for PhD Students

Despite the availability of stipends and scholarships, some PhD students may find it necessary to seek part-time employment to support themselves financially. The key is to find flexible work that can be balanced with the demanding schedule of a PhD programme.

Options such as freelance work, private tutoring, remote data entry, or part-time roles in a field related to their studies can be ideal. If finding work related to your field of study is difficult or the prospect feels too demanding, there’s no shame in seeking less mentally strenuous and taxing options or creating an income which aligns with other passions and interests.

Universities often provide career services that can help students find suitable part-time work. Furthermore, there are several websites dedicated to helping students find suitable part-time work, such as Jobs.ac.uk.

Additional Financial Perks for PhD Students

PhD students in the UK are eligible for various financial benefits that can help ease the burden of living expenses. These include council tax exemptions, which can lead to significant savings, especially in urban areas with higher council tax rates. Additionally, students can avail of various discounts on travel, retail, and entertainment, often through schemes like the NUS (National Union of Students) card. In the grand scheme of things, these savings and exemptions may not add up to much, but while you are crunching the numbers and assessing the viability of pursuing a PhD, it is certainly something to consider.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while the financial aspect of pursuing a PhD in the UK can seem daunting, numerous options are available to support students through their academic journey. Students can navigate this landscape with careful planning and resourcefulness, from stipends and scholarships to part-time employment.

It’s important for prospective PhD students to thoroughly research and understand the financial support available to them, ensuring they can focus on their academic pursuits without the financial stress of contemplating how they will make ends meet. With the right approach, the financial challenges of a PhD can be managed effectively, paving the way for a successful and rewarding academic career which compensates for years of reduced income. 

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How to Find PhD Funding in the UK

So you’ve decided to pursue a PhD, found a potential supervisor and perhaps even been offered a place. Now you’re likely tasked with what can be the most elusive stage: securing PhD funding. Thankfully there are several routes available for PhD funding in the UK and I’ll walk you through the considerations for each.

Note – This post focusses on fully funding a PhD for the duration of your time at university – living expenses and all. If you’re looking to self-fund a PhD be sure to check out some flexible ways of making money I’ve found whilst pursuing a PhD.

Simply looking for an idea of how much you could get paid as a PhD student? Skip straight down to the bottom of this post .

A High Level View of PhD Funding in the UK

In the UK PhD funding falls into several main categories:

Once you’ve found a project, the best starting point is to discuss funding with your potential supervisor. They’ll be able to advise you of the best funding opportunities specific to your situation. It might be that they even have funding already arranged!

It is worth being aware that there are often differing funding opportunities for home, EU and non-EU students. Additionally, be sure to check that any funding includes your tuition fees.

As of 2022/23, home students fees are often around £4600 per year and rise to about £20,000 for overseas students! The project advert should state what the funding covers and includes any restrictions.

Project Specific PhD Funding

The simplest route, and the one that many prospective students may assume to be the norm, is for your supervisor to have funding in place for a specific project. Funding of this sort almost always has been sourced by successful grant applications to external organisations. Find a project you like the look of and get on well with your potential supervisor? You could be on track for a very simple application!

How to Find Fully Funded PhD Programs in the UK

How do you find fully funded PhD projects? They’re advertised in places such as findaphd.com  and on your potential host department’s website.

PhD Funding From Research Councils & Charities

There are seven Research Councils in the UK, annually funding over £3bn of research .  If you’re in discussions with an academic, there will be a research council that covers your field. The UKRI Research Council’s UK website lists all seven councils and their areas of research :

• Arts & Humanities
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences (BBSRC)
• Economic and Social (ESRC)
• Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPSRC)
• Medical (MRC)
• Natural Environment (NERC)
• Science and Technology Facilities (STFC)

Each council puts out calls for the work they are most eager to fund, here is the EPSRC’s current call .

Charities also provide an additional potential funding avenue. Many well known charities provide PhD funding such as Marie Curie  and Cancer Research UK . Plus ones you won’t find on the high-street like the  Wellcome Trust  and  Leverhulme Trust .

Most of the PhD funding via both routes comes in the form of large research grants, regularly upwards of £1 million. These are managed by senior academics who will act as the “PI” (principal investigator) ensuring that the money is spent appropriately. It is not usually appropriate for potential PhD candidates to apply directly to these funding sources, though this is possible: speak to your supervisor to check.

Academics often include PhD studentships in their grant applications so funding through these routes is common. In these instances the money has to be spent by a certain date so supervisors are motivated to fill spaces for the right candidate!

There is also EU-wide funding, such as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) . As well as nice training and exchange opportunities it pays a staggering stipend of £35,000 – £40,000. I personally wish I’d known about it earlier!

PhD Funding Through Industry Collaboration

Academics regularly collaborate with industry and they may provide PhD project funding. Something to bear in mind is that a company will often be keen to focus the research around a particular product they wish to develop.

As such this may limit opportunities to alter the course of your project if you find other parts of your research more interesting. The upside is that collaboration with industry looks great on your CV. It could also offer job opportunities after you’ve completed the project.

You may now be wondering what happens if you find a supervisor you are keen to work with but they have no funded-projects available. Or if you are not interested in the ones that they have secured funding for. In this instance institution funding will be your best bet.

Student Specific PhD Funding

Universities often offer PhD funding to ambitious students giving you freedom to tailor a project to your own interests. Though of course you do still need a supervisor! Funding can be found at a variety of levels: university-wide scholarships generously donated by alumni, departmental provisions and, for universities running a collegiate system, colleges.

Most universities have a search tool where you can find all of the funding sources available. For example here is The University of Bristol’s .

Departmental Studentships

Many departments offer a small number of fully-funded studentships each year. These are usually widely advertised on their website. Your supervisor will be able to advise you on any internal PhD funding routes they know of and may be responsible for submitting any additionally required documents.

Though applying for a studentship may require some extra legwork, a noteworthy benefit is that these offer the most research freedom.

Often these are again funded by a research council but are not linked to a specific research grant. This is because they are often awarded based on academic merit rather than being tied to any one specific project proposal. This allows you to develop your own ideas with scope to explore whichever topics you and your supervisor agree to pursue.

PhD Scholarships

Scholarships are very similar to departmental studentships but are often university-wide and with this comes more money, prestige and competition. This is my funding source and you can read more about my PhD application experience here .

Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)

CDTs are all funded by one of the UK research councils and often are hosted by more than one university. For example there is this Fusion Energy CDT , involving five partnering universities:

Funding is attached to all offers of admission but as ever check the funding criteria.  There can sometimes be restrictions, especially for overseas students:

Unlike other PhD routes, CDTs are more similar to undergraduate or taught-postgraduate courses in their structure. CDTs begin as a cohort with a year of taught modules and short research projects. It is during this year that that you discuss potential projects with supervisors. Following this are three years of research working towards a PhD.

Read more about CDTs here .

CDTs are great for developing knowledge if you’re carrying out a PhD in an area slightly different to your undergraduate degree. If you’re already pretty set on a certain research topic then some consider the foundation year unnecessary.

Additionally, I have met CDT students stating that sometimes many students in the cohort are aiming for the same project. Since supervisors can only take on a limited number of new students per year (often only one!) you certainly have to be prepared to carry out a PhD on an alternative topic.

Each research council lists the different CDTs available within their remit, for example NERCs are here .

So How Much Will I Get Paid as a PhD Student in the UK?

Ah the crucial question! The bulk of studentships are funded by research councils (including CDTs), charities and departmental funds. UKRI sets out minimum doctoral stipends and it is usually this amount that they award. Most projects are funded for three years and for 2022/23 the UKRI stipend is set at:

Outside London:  £17,668 Inside London: £19,668

PhD funding by industry will often also be at the UKRI levels shown above. Scholarships can pay upwards of £20,000 but this may need to cover your tuition fees.

Before you get put off by the idea of a PhD because the pay is so low, check out my comparison of PhD stipends and grad salaries after accounting for taxes . The difference is much smaller than you might think!

A Word on PhD Stipends

As a funded-PhD candidate your monthly income is called a stipend: which is tax-free. Being a PhD student, you retain your student status. This means that you are exempt from certain  real-world responsibilities such as council tax and student loan repayments. Hence the gap between PhD stipends and grad salaries isn’t quite as large as it first seems.

If you’re interested in learning more about the costs of being a student, you may like to check out my post on affording to live in London as a PhD student . I’ve also written about my favourite ways of making money as a student and how I actually managed to build some savings during my PhD!

Keen to learn how to maximise your chances of securing PhD funding in the UK? You may wish to check out my related posts here:

• How to Write a CV for a PhD Application (with free template!)
• Choosing a PhD Project & Supervisor
• What to expect from a PhD interview

Best of luck with your application!

If you’d like personalised help with your PhD application I am now starting to offer a small number of one-to-one sessions. Please contact me to find out more or click here to book a call.

I hope this has given you a good insight into how it works with PhD Funding in the UK. If you’re interested in learning more about PhDs be sure to subscribe to the mailing list:

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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 .

Do you get paid to do a Ph.D and if so, how much? (In the UK)

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There are many ways to fund your PhD or research degree. Learn about the different routes to secure funding.

You will be charged tuition fees for studying your PhD. Depending on the type of project you want to apply for, there are different routes to fund your research degree.

• funded projects with a living allowance
• funded projects without additional financial support 
• opportunities to explore your own research proposal (you’ll need to source your own funding)

Some projects do not have funding secured until after the project has been advertised and a candidate recruited.

It’s important to know where your funding will come from before applying for a project.

Funded projects

For projects advertised as 'fully funded' or 'competition funded', your university fees will be paid and you will not need to apply for additional funding.

Competition funded projects will go ahead if the funding is awarded by the funding body. You can talk with the lead supervisor to find out more. 

See our current research degree projects

Fees paid plus a living allowance

A funded project will cover your study fees.

Some projects come with an additional sum of money to cover things like accommodation, travel and maintenance expenses. This is tax free.

Fees paid with no living allowance

Some project funding will only cover your university fees. You will need to cover your living expenses yourself. 

If you need help to cover your living costs, UK students can apply for a doctoral loan through Student Finance England. International students can check if they are eligible to receive a scholarship or bursary .

Projects advertised with no funding yet

Some advertised projects do not have funding secured yet. The lead supervisor will usually source funding once they have found a suitable PhD candidate. 

Contact the lead supervisor to find out about the specific funding options if there’s a project you’re interested in.

Doctoral training partnerships and integrated PhDs

Some research degrees are run through doctoral training partnerships and come with guaranteed funding. Check the details in the advertised project for how to apply.

Funding your own project

You should tell your supervisor if you plan to self-fund your research project. You’ll need to say how you intend to pay your fees when you apply. 

You could consider: 

• a postgraduate doctoral loan
• external funding bodies (charities, government and the private sector)
• university scholarships
• your own funds
• combining different funding sources

Take out a doctoral loan

You can apply for a government loan to cover your fees. Doctoral loans are not means tested and you can decide how much you want to borrow.

Find out about doctoral loans on GOV.UK

Apply for funding from a charity

You may be able to win funding from 1 or more organisations to help fund your PhD or research degree.

Learn about charity funding on FindAPhD

Get advice on funding your PhD

You can speak to the supervisor you wish you work with or contact the faculty graduate school. 

Graduate school contacts: 

• Faculty of Arts and Humanities: [email protected]
• Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences: [email protected]
• Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences: [email protected]
• Faculty of Medicine: [email protected]
• Faculty of Social Sciences: [email protected]

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• The Mayflower Studentship: a prestigious fully funded PhD studentship in bioscience
• The calming effect of group living in social fishes
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• Using acoustics to monitor how small cracks develop into bursts in pipelines
• Using machine learning to improve predictions of ocean carbon storage by marine life
• Vulnerability of low-lying coastal transportation networks to natural hazards
• Wideband fibre optical parametric amplifiers for Space Division Multiplexing technology
• Will it stick? Exploring the role of turbulence and biological glues on ocean carbon storage
• X-ray imaging and property characterisation of porous materials
• Postgraduate Taught Diversity Scholarship (Environmental and Life Sciences)
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• CAREER NEWS
• 13 July 2022
• Correction 13 July 2022

UK graduate students demand pay rise from nation’s largest research funder

• Chris Woolston 0

Chris Woolston is a freelance journalist in Billings, Montana.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

An open letter to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the country’s largest public funder of research, is calling for immediate increases in stipends for postgraduate researchers, to keep pace with inflation.

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doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-022-01934-2

Updates & Corrections

Correction 13 July 2022 : PhD student Hannah Franklin works within the Francis Crick Institute in London and is funded by the Medical Research Council. An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that she is funded by the Crick and did not say that she works there.

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We have 108 paid PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

All disciplines

United Kingdom

Institution

All Institutions

All PhD Types

All Funding

paid PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

Large language models in intelligent robotic systems for environment clean up, phd research project.

PhD Research Projects are advertised opportunities to examine a pre-defined topic or answer a stated research question. Some projects may also provide scope for you to propose your own ideas and approaches.

Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)

This research project has funding attached. It is only available to UK citizens or those who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more. Some projects, which are funded by charities or by the universities themselves may have more stringent restrictions.

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe)

Funded phd programme (students worldwide).

Some or all of the PhD opportunities in this programme have funding attached. Applications for this programme are welcome from suitably qualified candidates worldwide. Funding may only be available to a limited set of nationalities and you should read the full programme details for further information.

EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training

EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training conduct research and training in priority areas funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Potential PhD topics are usually defined in advance. Students may receive additional training and development opportunities as part of their programme.

Understanding in-reactor formed oxides on cladding material by X-ray diffraction analysis

Funded phd project (students worldwide).

This project has funding attached, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications for the project are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates, but its funding may be restricted to a limited set of nationalities. You should check the project and department details for more information.

Knowledge-based Design of Dental Surfaces to combat Oral Biofilms

Investigating the local mode of action of anti-perspirants using model systems and advanced probing techniques, understanding the influence of vanadium on the behaviour of zr alloys during irradiation, national institute for health and care research (nihr) patient safety research collaborative (psrc) phd studentships., nihr newcastle biomedical research centre and haleon phd studentship: investigation into the links between periodontal disease and inflammatory bowel disease, investigations into human-llm interaction (sf24/ee/cis/pandallm), self-funded phd students only.

This project does not have funding attached. You will need to have your own means of paying fees and living costs and / or seek separate funding from student finance, charities or trusts.

Visualisable AI (SF24/EE/CIS/PANDAAI)

Phd at the refugee law initiative, humanities research programme.

Humanities Research Programmes present a range of research opportunities, shaped by a university’s particular expertise, facilities and resources. You will usually identify a suitable topic for your PhD and propose your own project. Additional training and development opportunities may also be offered as part of your programme.

Innovative direct air capture and utilisation system for the production of renewable fuel

Design of metallo coiled coil mri contrast agents.

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Filtering Results

PhD student salary – How much cash will you get?

When considering starting a PhD you need to think about how much you will get as a PhD student at a minimum. Ideally, you would be fully funded so that you could focus 100% on your studies.

A PhD student salary ranges from US$17,000 a year (New Zealand) all the way up to US$104,000 a year (Austria). The amount you need depends significantly on the living costs of a particular country. Places like the Netherlands, Finland, Denmark and Sweden have the highest living cost ratio.

Generally speaking, you can expect to receive a modest stipend for living expenses as well as tuition assistance.

In 2007 my PhD stipend was AU$20,000 (approximately US$13,000). At the time, this was enough for me to live comfortably and save a little bit of money as well.

As the cost-of-living increases PhD student salaries are being stretched to their limits.

Here is data for a range of countries ordered by the best living ratio the higher. The living to cost ratio the further the stipend goes. Data was collected from Glassdoor.com and Numeo .

In the US, most PhD students make between $20,000 and $45,000 per year. Some more prestigious programs may offer higher salaries.

Salaries vary by institution and field of study, so you should check with your school’s department to find out what kind of compensation they offer.

Additionally, many universities provide additional funding opportunities such as research grants or teaching assistantships that can help supplement your income. While you may not get rich off of a PhD student salary, it is possible to make enough money to cover basic needs while continuing your studies.

What Are PhD Student Salaries?

PhD students don’t necessarily get “salaries”.

Full-time doctoral students are typically paid a stipend which is usually a fixed amount that covers living expenses as well as tuition.

Other forms of financial support may include fellowships, grants and teaching or research assistantships.

In addition to monetary compensation, PhD students may also receive health insurance and other benefits such as free housing or childcare services. Many universities also offer career counselling services for their PhD students in order to help them find jobs after graduation.

Ultimately, PhD student salaries can vary greatly and it’s important to consider all factors when evaluating PhD offers.

Countries offering Highest PhD stipends in the World

There are a variety of countries that are better at funding PhD students than others. Check out my YouTube video which goes through the countries with the highest PhD stipend and how you can boost yours.

Here is a quick rundown of other benefits if you are considering doing a PhD abroad.

Netherlands

As an international student, you may be considering studying for a PhD in the Netherlands. The Netherlands is home to some of the top universities in Europe and offers a wide range of PhD programs. In addition, the Dutch government offers a number of scholarships and grants for international students.

I’ve done some research and found that the average salary for a PhD student in the Netherlands is around US$74163 per year . This figure is before any additional income from grants or scholarships. So, if you’re planning on studying for a PhD in the Netherlands, it’s important to bear in mind that you’ll need to budget for living costs on top of your tuition.

Switzerland

Every year, the Swiss Confederation and Swiss National Science Foundation award scholarships to international postgraduate researchers who desire to pursue their PhD in Switzerland. It’s home to some of our planet’s most stunning landscapes and among its brightest minds.

Switzerland is known for its degrees in business, is home to some of the best institutes of technology, and is a world leader in finance and banking.

Sweden is a well-developed and prosperous country with a strong tradition of academic excellence.

Swedish universities are consistently ranked highly in international rankings, making it an attractive destination for students from all over the world.

PhD students in Sweden can expect to receive a competitive stipend to help cover living costs during their studies. About USD$42618 per year , according to my research.

In addition, there are a number of scholarships and grants available to help cover the costs of tuition and other expenses.

Denmark is one of the top countries in the world for research and development, making it an attractive prospect for PhD students. The country offers generous stipends to PhD students, with no additional fees for being a student. The average PhD stipend in Denmark is around US$53,436 per year.

Norway is one of the countries offering a high PhD stipend. The average PhD stipend in Norway is around US$50,268 per year . PhD students in Norway also benefit from a high quality of life, as the country is regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in the world.

If you are considering pursuing a PhD, Norway should definitely be on your list of potential countries to study in.

Things to consider for PhD stipends

Before you settle on your PhD there are a few things to consider about your stipend.

Things such as industry top ups can significantly increase your earning potential as a PhD student and looking at the living costs in a particular country as well as the particular terms and conditions for your PhD stipend will mean you do not end up being shortchanged.

Industry Top-ups

One of the best ways that I have seen PhD students earn more money and raise their minimum salary is by looking for industry supported PhD positions and top ups.

For example, while I was on AU$20,000 a year, one of my colleagues in the department was on AU$60,000 a year and was guaranteed a job after their PhD. They had a top up scholarship from an industry partner sponsoring their battery research.

Looking for these opportunities may help you earn significantly more money during your PhD.

Living costs

Quite frankly, PhD living costs vary dramatically from country to country and city to city. European countries may have a relatively high PhD stipend but the living costs are also higher.

The best way to determine the buying power of your PhD scholarship is to consider it in terms of the living costs. The best way to do that is with the living cost index.

Here are the best countries to get a PhD stipend relative to the cost of living. The higher the living ratio the better.

You can see that Austria tops this list and many of the Scandinavian countries also are high on the list. Places like Ireland and New Zealand are one of the worst places to do your PhD if you want your stipend to go a long way.

Length of the PhD

In countries like the United States of America, the PhD system means that you need to do a 5 to 7 year PhD. This significantly increases the amount of time that you will spend in university and, therefore, your earning potential will be limited for a longer amount of time.

I chose to do my PhD in Australia because it would only take me three years as an international student. Choosing a PhD with a shorter timescale from the UK, Australia, New Zealand or European countries may be best for you.

Terms and conditions

Lastly, it is important to scrutinise the terms and conditions of your PhD stipend.

Some stipends do not allow students to get a second job which significantly limits their full-time earning potential. Other places, do not put any restrictions on their PhD students even with a full scholarship.

If you want to know more about earning more money during your PhD check out the two articles below.

• The best PhD student part-time jobs [Full guide]
• Is it possible to earn a PhD while working? The brutal truth

How to Get a PhD Stipend

To get a stipend, you will need to apply for funding through the university or other organizations offering scholarships and grants.

Be sure to carefully read through all requirements of the application process and submit all necessary documents, such as transcripts, essays, recommendation letters and financial aid forms.

You may also need to show proof of academic excellence, such as high grades or awards. For example, I was required to achieve a first class masters before being able to access any funding from a foreign university.

Once accepted, you will usually receive a monthly payment from the organization as well as tuition assistance. Additionally, many universities offer research assistantships which provide students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field while earning money at the same time.

With dedication and hard work, obtaining a PhD stipend can help reduce some of the financial burden associated with higher education.

Wrapping up

This article has been through everything you need to know that PhD student salaries and giving you some real-world numbers on what you can expect in different countries.

The real important value is the living cost ratio to ensure that your PhD stipend goes as far as possible and is not eaten up quickly by rent, food, and other basic necessities.

It is possible for PhD students to not only live comfortably but also put some money aside if you are very careful about choosing a PhD with a full stipend and looking for other opportunities to top up the money with industry partnerships and other grants.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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