Research funding

Funding options for research students, including university‑funded studentships, external funding, and postgraduate loans.

Studentships

Throughout the year, a number of funded studentship opportunities may become available and will be advertised via the Doctoral Academy as well as jobs.ac.uk. Please check regularly to see if there is an opportunity within your research area.

Studentships typically cover the costs of tuition fees for UK students (or up to UK level if an international student) and have a bursary attached to cover living expenses. Please check the terms and conditions of the individual advert for full details.

How does a studentship work?

A studentship will usually cover tuition fees for three years as well as pay the student a stipend for three years, paid monthly. You’ll find more details about what is covered for a studentship on the application page.

Project area

The project area and sometimes the project itself will already be decided.

How to apply

You will need to submit your application by the closing date on the application page. Applications will be shortlisted for interview and following the interview, the successful candidate(s) will be awarded the studentship.

Financial considerations

Being in receipt of a studentship might have tax/benefits implications for you, ensure that you have checked how this may effect your current circumstances.

Self-funded research

If your research area falls outside our advertised positions, you will need to cover the costs of tuition fees, project fees (if applicable) and living expenses personally or arrange for a sponsor or external body (for example an employer or government sponsor) to fund your research project. You will need to clearly state how you intend to fund your studies when making an application.

Self-funded research

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

If you are a prospective UK doctoral student, and you normally live in England, you may be able to apply for a UK government Postgraduate Doctoral Loan to support your postgraduate research degree study.

University funding sources

  • The UWE Bristol Alumni Scholarship offers a discount to PGRs who have completed an eligible programme at UWE Bristol. This discount is only on the first year of study if your course is full time, and only the first two years of study if on a part-time course.
  • The UWE Bristol Fund can provide grants to students facing financial difficulty, support student-led community projects and fund students extra-curricular activities.

College conference funding support for PGRs

If you are a postgraduate research student looking to secure funding for conference attendance, you should contact the Doctoral Academy directly to request the appropriate application form for your specific college.

View all UWE Bristol scholarships and bursaries.

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