Postgraduate researcher funding and finance
If you are a postgraduate student looking for funding or financial help, there are a range of potential sources to consider.
Some are loans you need to repay. But there are also University and external options.
Loans, awards, grants and scholarships
Postgraduate doctoral loan
If you are a UK national starting a doctoral degree you may be able to apply for a postgraduate doctoral loan.
The loan is a contribution towards your study costs like course fees and living costs. It might not cover all tuition and living costs.
Scholarships
For information about scholarships across our schools and subject areas, search the funding section of our research opportunities directory.
Awards
As a PGR, you may be able to access awards from trusts, charities and foundations.
Award amounts vary widely. In some cases you may be able to get a few hundred pounds a year. Some awards may only cover research expenses like travel and field work.
Prospects provides information and guidance about finding UK funding for postgraduate study from:
- public funding bodies
- charities
- trusts
- and foundations.
The government also publishes useful postgraduate funding advice.
The Leeds University Union postgraduate hub is another resource to check.
You can also use reference books such as the Grants Register and the Directory of Grant-Making Trusts to look for funds to apply to. These books are available from the University Library.
The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding is a database of funding opportunities from charities and alternative sources.
Sign up to the Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Research Funding Gateway using your University of Leeds email address.
Prospective students can email the Reasearch Admissions team at rp_applications@adm.leeds.ac.uk for the pin number to access the guide.
Student Ideas Fund
The Student Ideas Fund is a collaboration between the University, Leeds University Union and students.
Funding awards of £500 up to £5000 are available to help bring your idea for improving the University and student experience to life.
British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG)
The BFWG promotes women's opportunities in education and public life. If you are a woman formally studying towards a PHD degree, you may be able to get a British Federation of Women Graduates (BFWG) scholarship in your final year.
Sports scholarships programme
Performance sport offers two sports scholarship programmes to support elite athletes so you can combine academic and sporting excellence during your time at the University.
The Financial Assistance Fund (FAF)
If you are a PGR in financial need, we strongly encourage you to explore eligibility for the University Financial Assistance Fund (FAF).
The Financial Assistance Fund is:
- is means-tested
- factors in all available funding
- can offer more substantial support.
School/faculty funded postgraduate maintenance payments
If you hold a scholarship or a studentship from the University you may receive maintenance payments. This may also be known as a stipend.
Payment process
To get a scholarship or maintenance payment you will need to:
- be a current student
- complete student registration
- have given your UK bank account details.
You cannot get a scholarship payment via the standard payment process if you:
- have withdrawn from your programme
- are suspended
- are under examination
- are studying as an external student.
If you cannot get a payment via the standard process because one of these circumstances applies, you may be able to get a payment another way. Please contact your Graduate School to discuss your circumstances.
Payment dates
Your school/faculty will usually pay postgraduate maintenance payments monthly and in advance.
Monthly payments are always due on the 1st of the month for the month ahead, but often you may get them earlier.
This is because payments will clear on a Friday. If the 1st of the month does not fall on a Friday, payments will clear the Friday before the 1st of the month.
For budgeting purposes you should use the 1st of each month as the date you expect to get your payment. Be mindful of this when you set up any Direct Debits or Standing Orders.
Christmas, Easter and Bank Holidays can impact payment dates. When this happens, we will always make a payment earlier rather than delay it.
UK bank accounts
You will need a UK based bank account to get maintenance payments. How to open a UK bank account.
Get help and advice
If you need to speak to someone about PGR maintenance or scholarship payments, contact the Student Finance (Funding) team.
You can visit the Funding team on campus:
Student Curriculum & Operations
Marjorie and Arnold Ziff Building
University of Leeds
LS2 9JT
You can contact the Funding team via: