Funding a PhD

You can fund a PhD using studentships, scholarships, loans, grants or bursaries. They all perform the same function — helping you pay for your PhD and for yourself during your PhD – but they come in all sizes and formats. This page is where you’ll find all our detailed guides to the different kinds of PhD funding.

Finding funding for a PhD can seem challenging, but it may not be as hard as you think. You could say it’s something like making yourself a ham sandwich or looking for your keys in a very full bag (It’ll make sense if you read our detailed funding and university scholarships guides, we promise).

There are a wide range of options available: from Research Council studentships and doctoral student loans to funding from universities and independent charities, as well as a wide range of other PhD scholarships.

A Simple Introduction to PhD Funding

Funding

Who funds PhDs? And how do scholarships and studentships actually work? If you're new to PhD funding, start with this simple guide.

PhD Loans – A Guide for 2026

United Kingdom Student Loans Funding

You may be able to get a PhD loan of up to £31,122 for a UK doctorate from Student Finance. Our guide explains eligibility, applications and repayments.

PhD Scholarships: Funding Your PhD and Application Tips – A Guide for 2026

Funding

A range of scholarships may be available to help you fund a PhD. Our guide explains the different types of award with tips for making a successful funding application.

Introduction to the UKRI PhD Studentships and Stipends

United Kingdom UKRI Funding

UKRI studentships provide funding for PhD students in the UK. This includes a tax-free living cost stipend set at £20,780 per year. This guide talks you through what they are and how to apply.

PhD Funding from Universities - Scholarships, Studentships & Bursaries

United Kingdom Funding

Universities often have funding available for their PhD students, with support ranging from full studentships to fee waivers, small grants and other partial funding. Our guide explains the kinds of award an institution might offer and shows you where to start looking for them.