Postgraduate research student finance

If you’re thinking of studying a doctoral course at the University of Surrey, find out more about the student finance available to you, how to apply and how it’s repaid.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

A Postgraduate Doctoral Loan from the Government can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate doctoral course, such as a PhD.

What you'll get

You can get up to:

  • £27,892 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2022
  • £27,265 if your course started between 1 August 2021 and 31 July 2022
  • £26,445 if your course started between 1 August 2020 and 31 July 2021
  • £25,700 if your course started between 1 August 2019 and 31 July 2020
  • £25,000 if your course started between 1 August 2018 and 31 July 2019

The amount you’ll get is not based on income and the loan is paid directly to you. The loan will also be divided equally across each year of your course.

Find out how much you may receive if you apply after your first year.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you will need to meet a number of eligibility criteria set by the Government including residency, age and course. See the full eligibility criteria.

Repayment

You’ll repay your doctoral loan using a percentage of your income. Once you are earning more than £21,000 a year (or £1,750 a month), you’ll pay six per cent of the amount you earn above the £21,000 threshold.

If you already have a masters loan then you’ll make a combined repayment of six per cent, covering both postgraduate loans.

Get more information on repaying your doctoral loan.

How to apply

The quickest and easiest way to apply is online through the Government's Postgraduate Doctoral Loan website.

Receiving your loan

To receive the first payment of your loan, you’ll need to have fully completed registration with the University.

Your loan will then be paid in three instalments across the academic year:

  • You get the first payment after your course start date, once your university or college confirms that you’ve registered.
  • The loan will be paid in three instalments of 33%, 33% and 34% each year.

After your application has been approved you’ll be sent a letter with your payment dates or you can check them in your online account.

Please be aware this page is a summary correct as of January 2023. For full details, please visit the Government website.