Skip to main content
Postgraduate Research

Frequently Asked Questions

Increases to the UKRI minimum stipend for Postgraduate Research Students

How much is the new minimum stipend?

From 1 October 2022, the minimum UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) stipend is £17,668 p.a. The University normally pays stipends in four equal quarterly instalments, equating to £4,417 per quarter.

When will I receive the new minimum stipend?

The University only received the announcement of the new stipend level on 2 September, but we will try to implement the increased stipend in the payment to students for the fourth quarter of 2022. Where we have bank details for students, we will endeavour to make these payments to student bank accounts in the first week of October.

Who does the minimum stipend apply to?

The minimum stipend applies to all students who receive their stipend from Durham University regardless of the ultimate source of the funding. It includes:

  • students whose stipends are fully or partially funded by UKRI, including students in DTPs and CDTs;
  • students whose stipends are fully or partially funded by Durham University, including Durham Doctoral Scholarships;
  • students whose stipends are fully or partially funded by external partners but where the stipend is paid by the University.

My stipend is paid by Durham University but the funding comes from industry. Does the new minimum stipend apply to me?

Yes. Where Durham receives funding for the stipend from an external party (such as industry or a charity), Durham will pay the increase in the minimum stipend and seek to recover the additional costs from the external party.

I receive an enhanced stipend above the UKRI minimum, does the 10% increase apply to the whole of my stipend?

The UKRI announcement relates to the minimum stipend. If you receive an enhancement above the minimum stipend, the increase only applies to the minimum stipend, not to any additional payment.

I receive my stipend directly from an external funder. Does the new minimum stipend apply to me?

You will need to contact your funder yourself to ask them whether they intend to increase the level of the stipend paid to you. Some funders, such as the Leverhulme Trust, have already announced that they will implement an increase in the stipends that they pay.

I am self-funded but I am struggling to make ends meet due to the cost-of-living crisis. What should I do?

The University has a Student Support Fund to assist students who find themselves in unanticipated financial difficulties. See the Student Support Fund page for eligibility for support and how to apply. 

What do I do if I think I am eligible for an increased stipend but I do not receive the increase in my Q1 payment?

The University will seek to implement the new payments for all students in time for the Q1 payment in the first week of October. If we have difficulty doing this, we will inform students in advance. If you are expecting an increase and do not receive it, please contact the Student Immigration and Funding Service (SIFS) who will investigate the reason.

If your query is not covered by the FAQs above, please contact SIFS. We will periodically update the FAQs.