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Funding your Postgraduate Research

There are many ways to finance your research degree; from scholarships and studentships to loans and partial funding from other sources. There are 2 main routes to fund your PhD:

  1. Apply for a PhD that already has funding attached. 

    These are most common in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) subjects, but they can sometimes be available for pre-defined research projects in the arts, humanities or social sciences. These may be advertised as fully funded (with fees and a stipend) or competition funded, meaning the projects compete against other projects at each institution.

  2. Self-fund, or search for funding or a studentship once you have an offer.

    You devise your own PhD topic, find a supervisor, write a research proposal and apply to the relevant programme. If you’re offered a place at Birmingham, you can then apply for studentships or funding from various sources. Our Postgraduate Scholarships and Funding database lists all available funding.

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    The Doctoral Loan

    If you’re a UK national who normally lives in England, this government loan allows you to borrow up to £27,892 to help with course fees and living costs. Full-time or part-time, the loan is divided into equal payments for each year of your course, which can last from three to eight academic years.

    The Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

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    Funding from Research Councils

    You may be able to get financial support from a government-funded research council. They’re known jointly as UKRI (United Kingdom Research and Innovation). Full UKRI awards cover the cost of tuition fees and also provide a maintenance grant to support you during your studies.

    Research Council Funding

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    How much does it cost?

    The University charges an annual tuition fee which covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and membership to the Guild of Students. Tuition fees are payable at the start of your programme of study and at the beginning of each subsequent academic year.

    Explore your fees