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.
About a 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.
Funding for postgraduate loans is different for students who normally live in Wales, please check the Student Finance Wales for more information.
What you can receive
You can get up to:
- £30,301 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2025
- £29,390 if your course started between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025
- £28,673 if your course started between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024.
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.
Apply through the Government website
Receiving your loan
To receive the first payment of your loan, you’ll need to have fully completed registration here at the University.
Your loan will then be paid in three equal instalments across the academic 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.
Repayment
You’ll start repaying your postgraduate loan once you are earning over a certain threshold. Find out more about when you will start repaying your loan.