UK to Raise PhD Student Minimum Stipend to £21,805 Starting October 2026
The United Kingdom has announced a significant increase in the minimum stipend for PhD students, effective October 1, 2026. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the country’s primary funding body for research and innovation, confirmed that the new minimum stipend for doctoral researchers will be raised to £21,805 per year. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to support research students financially and ensure that pursuing a PhD in the UK remains sustainable, competitive, and accessible. Currently, many students face financial pressures that can hinder academic progress or force them to seek part-time employment alongside demanding research schedules. According to UKRI, the stipend adjustment reflects the rising cost of living and aims to make the UK a more attractive destination for talented postgraduate researchers worldwide. Institutions receiving UKRI funding will now be required to align their PhD scholarships with the new minimum, providing students with greater f...