Doctoral fees and 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.

Doctoral training partnership in the science of the environment

The SCENARIO NERC Doctoral Training Partnership is a joint collaboration between the University of Surrey and the University of Reading.

As a SCENARIO PhD student based at the University of Surrey you will have the opportunity to participate in our leading research.

Research Councils

UK Research Councils distribute public money to train new PhD students at UK universities. This funding is referred to as a 'Research Council studentship'. It has two components: a scholarship paid to the university up to the value of a student's PhD fees and a separate bursary paid directly to the student for living costs during their doctorate, also referred to as a stipend. Some studentships include both components. Others are 'fees-only', with no additional living allowance.

Although the studentship is allocated by the Research Council, you do not apply to the respective Research Council, but to the University.

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).