Doctoral fees and funding
There are many funding opportunities at Surrey for postgraduate research students. Funding sources include the Doctoral College, academic faculties, industry and Research Council funding.
Funding your research programme
PhD students are expected to have their finances in place before they start their course.
We appreciate that not all of those who want to start a doctoral programme will be able to self-fund their studies. For those who require financial support there are options available to you.
Be aware, that once you are registered as a student at Surrey, there are very few funding opportunities available.
Studentships
We have many funded studentships opportunities at the University of Surrey. Be sure to check the funding information to see whether you are eligible and the application deadlines.
Doctoral College Studentships Awards
Each year the Doctoral College funds a number of generous studentships across a range of disciplines, working with our field-leading researchers.
Employer sponsorship
If you want to do research within your current area of professionalism and believe that your doctorate will improve performance at work, it is worth discussing with your employer whether they may be prepared to help to subsidise or pay your fees. To get guidance on how to approach these conversations, we recommend you read the Prospects employer sponsorship information.
Departments in the University also offer commercial studentships, these programmes are embedded in industry with a sponsoring organisation.
Charities and learned societies grants
Charities and trusts sometimes provide smaller grants, often for students from poorer backgrounds or those who have achieved academic excellence. You can find out more at your local library in publications such as Educational Grants Directory; Charities Digest; Grants Register; and the Directory of Grant Making Trusts. You can also use the Family Action grant search.
Certain societies also offer funding for postdoctoral research. They include:
- British Academy (for humanities and social sciences)
- Cumberland Lodge
- Royal Academy of Engineering (for engineering)
- Royal Society (for science)
Postgraduate research tuition fees
View a full list of our postgraduate research fees.
Bench fees
Some programmes charge a bench fee (also known as a research support fee) in addition to the tuition fee. The bench is charged to cover additional costs incurred by the academic department to support your research, such as consumables, materials, additional specialist training and trips. These costs are not covered by the tuition fee. The bench fee is calculated on a case-by-case basis depending on the nature of the research project and is independent from the tuition fee status of the student.
If you are made an offer of admission to the University of Surrey, you will be notified of any bench fee applicable in your offer letter. Students or sponsors should contact the academic supervisor directly for information on the specific breakdown of what their bench fee covers.