Postgraduate Loan for PhD Students

Funding Your PhD in the UK: What You Need to Know About the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

If you're ready to take the next step in your academic journey and pursue a PhD or other doctoral-level qualification, you may be eligible for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan to help cover the cost of your studies. This funding is designed to support both course fees and living expenses, making your research goals more financially accessible.

How Much Can You Borrow?

For courses starting on or after 1 August 2025, eligible students can borrow up to £30,301 in total. This loan is paid directly to you, not your university. It can be used flexibly — whether for tuition fees, rent, books, or day-to-day living costs. Interest is charged from the day of your first payment, not when you start repaying.

Note: If you normally live in Wales, different funding rules apply. Learn more at Student Finance Wales.

Am I Eligible?

To qualify for the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan, you must meet criteria related to your course, age, and residency status.

• Your course must be a full, standalone doctoral programme (not a top-up)
• Start on or after 1 August 2018
• Last between 3 to 8 academic years
• Be provided by a UK university with degree-awarding powers.

You’re also eligible if the course is delivered partly overseas, as long as the UK university is the lead institution and you spend at least 50% of your time studying in the UK. Examples include traditional research PhDs and Professional doctorates.

If you're doing an integrated doctorate (PhD programmes that include a Master’s qualification), you must register for the full doctoral award. You cannot apply separately for a Master’s Loan.

Personal Criteria:

You can apply if:

• You’re under 60 on the first day of the first academic year
• You’re a UK national, Irish citizen, or have settled status (EU Settlement Scheme or Indefinite Leave to Remain)
• You normally live in England
• You’ve been living in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man for 3 continuous years before the start of your course (excluding temporary absences like holidays)

When You’re Not Eligible

• You won’t qualify if you already have a doctoral-level degree or equivalent
• You’re receiving Research Council funding (e.g., studentships, stipends)
• You're receiving an NHS, social work, or educational psychology bursary
• You're behind on repayments for previous Student Loans Company funding
• You're pursuing a doctorate by publication
• You’re already receiving a Master’s Loan or another doctoral loan

Additional Support

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to extra financial help. Reach out to your university or Student Finance England to explore what’s available.

When to Apply

You must apply within 9 months of the first day of the final academic year of your course. Start early to avoid any delays in payment or registration issues.

Repaying the Loan

Repayments start once you earn over £21,000 per year. You’ll repay 6% of anything you earn above that threshold, and repayments are income-based — not based on how much you borrowed.
The current interest rate is 7.3%, calculated as 3% plus inflation (RPI). Rates are updated each September.

Other Funding Opportunities

Doctoral students may also be eligible for:

• Research Council studentships
• University scholarships– we list many funded PhD projects on this website Postgraduate Studentships
• Charity or trust grants – these are listed in our Alternative Funding section.

Final thoughts

If you're planning to fund your PhD through the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan check your course's eligibility carefully. Speak to your university's funding office and consider combining your loan with scholarships or other support.

And finally — don’t wait until the last minute. Start your application as early as possible to secure your funding in time. Register to receive regular updates from our newsletter.