UK Increases PhD Stipend to £21,805

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has increased the minimum stipend for PhD students it funds by 4.9% for the 2026–27 academic year, raising it from £20,780 to £21,805 starting October 1.

The rise follows an 8% increase implemented for 2025–26, which brought stipends in line with the national living wage and introduced improved conditions, including enhanced medical leave and disability support.

The additional London weighting remains unchanged at £2,000, bringing the minimum stipend for London-based doctoral students to £23,805.

Student groups have previously called for an increase, arguing the allowance has remained fixed since 2006 despite rising living costs.

Experts have welcomed continued increases but raised concerns about whether higher stipends could result in fewer funded doctoral places.

Sector analysts note that while stipend levels are improving, financial pressures remain for both students and universities.

UKRI has also increased the minimum fee universities receive for doctoral training by 4.6% to £5,238 for 2026–27.

However, institutions still face funding shortfalls, with grants covering less than half of doctoral training costs across UK universities.

The UK government is reviewing the sustainability of PhD funding amid concerns over declining participation by domestic students and barriers to doctoral study.