How much funding do I get for my PhD?
Your PhD funding lasts 3.5 years and projects are designed to be completed in that time. And consists of:
A tax free stipend for 3.5 years. As a guide, the rate is currently £19,237 p.a. for the academic year 2024/25. The rate for 2025/26 applicable to the first year of these studentships will be announced by UK Research and Innovation early in 2025.
University tuition fees are paid from the studentship for 3.5 years. The rate is currently £4,786 p.a. for the academic year 2024/25. This is the rate for both ‘Home’ and ‘International’ students. If you are an ‘International’ student, you will not have to pay additional tuition fees.
A Research Training Support Grant of £11,000 which can be used for lab and field work costs and other research expenses and conferences.
An individual training grant of £1,000 for you to use for specialist research-related training courses, workshops and travel and accommodation which are not provided in our training programme. You may apply for an additional amount (up to £1,000 more) if a case can be made (e.g. you require additional specialist training).
The DLTP also uses its funding from studentships for a comprehensive in-house training programme, internships and additional support for Doctoral Researchers (e.g. maternity and medical leave).
International students – additional costs which we do not fund
There are some significant costs you need to budget for: for example we DO NOT cover the following costs required to start your PhD in the UK:
Immigration Heath Surcharge
£776 per person, per year of your visa. You will be charged £388 for part of a year under 6 months and £776 for part of a year over 6 months. Use the IHS calculator to estimate how much you will be charged. There are limited circumstance where you will be eligible for a refund, please read the IHS webpage for details. The Immigration Health Surcharge is compulsory and gives you access to the National Health Service.
Student Visa Application fee
Outside UK: £490 (standard)
Inside UK: £490 (standard), £990 (priority)
Additional charges - Biometrics appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre
Outside UK: varies according to country
Inside UK: Free appointments are available at some centres. Charged appointments cost from £139 depending on the location and time of appointment.
The above costs are indicative and taken from University of Exeter Guidance. You will need to check for up-to date costs when you apply.
Other costs you need to budget for
Travel to the UK to join your PhD programme and visits to your home country during your PhD.
More guidance
Check the following pages for more guidance on student visas:
University of Bristol – Apply for a Student Visa
Cardiff University – Visas and immigration
University of Exeter – Student visa - Money
British Council – Student visas
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