1. Studentships
Research councils fund a number of research and master’s studentships (scholarships), covering fees and living costs. The indicative rate for a maintenance stipend in 2021/22 is £15,609. A grant for tuition fees is usually paid in addition to maintenance (£4,500 in 2021/22). Other schemes may be available, and eligibility and residence conditions apply. Additional allowances may also be available if you have dependants, and some research councils fund part-time study.
Research council funding is currently awarded directly to research organisations, and these organisations are responsible for selecting students. Opportunities/studentships are usually advertised on university websites and students should contact the university directly rather than the individual research council. While research fees are not regulated by government policy, institutions should not expect students to pay a fee that is higher than the amount of grant that is available for fees available.
See UK Research and Innovation () for information on studentships. Alternatively, check the various research councils’ websites, which are listed on the UK Research and Innovation website.
The British Academy also offers studentships on a similar basis to research councils. See for details.