UK to Raise Minimum PhD Stipend to £21,805 from October 2026 – Check Your Eligibility

Highlights: UK to hike minimum PhD Stipend to £21,805 

• The UK has announced major news about increased funding for PhD students for the upcoming academic year.
• The minimum annual stipend for PhD students in the UK will increase from £20,780 to £21,805 from October 2026.
• PhD students in London can now avail a higher minimum stipend of £23,805, marking a 4.5% increase.
• The National Research Funders have also announced that they will raise the minimum fee paid to universities for each UKRI-funded student by 4.6%, to £5,238.
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) raised the minimum stipends to provide improved financial support for doctoral studies. 

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UK Increases PhD Stipend from October 2026

The UK is set to raise the minimum PhD stipend for doctoral students. The new stipend for PhD students will take effect on October 1, 2026, and aims to provide extended financial support for doctoral researchers. Given the increase in overall living costs in the UK, UKRI plans to raise stipends to reduce the financial burden on students. 

International students, including Indians planning to pursue PhD programmes in the UK, can benefit from this announcement. With a higher stipend, international researchers will now face reduced financial barriers and greater affordability, making the UK a top choice for doctoral education. 

 

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UK Extends PhD Funding and Welfare Assistance for PhD holders starting in 2026

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has voluntarily announced an increase in PhD stipends to address ongoing issues related to accessibility and affordability of doctoral education in the UK. The high cost of living in top cities like London has made it difficult for PhD students. 

 

Some of the main pointers announced along with the increase in stipends are as follows:

 

• UKRI will now offer above-inflation increases in funding to ensure that the updated stipends keep pace with the national living wage and help cover daily expenses. 
• Doctoral researchers based in London will now receive additional support through higher stipends, given the city's high living costs. 
• The universities in the UK will receive a 4.6% increase in per-student funding, which will improve the quality and sustainability of their research. 
• The updated student welfare policies will now allow for a maximum of 28 weeks of medical leave to further support disabled doctoral researchers.
• The UK government has recognized the current financial obstacles and announced that it will remain committed to actively reviewing and examining international students' participation and access in the country. 

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How will the UK’s PhD Stipend Increase affect Indians planning for Doctoral Studies?

Indians looking to pursue a PhD in the UK can benefit from the updated stipend and funding assistance. These changes will offer financial security and cut down on cost-related difficulties, providing a more accessible pathway to doctoral studies in the UK.  

 

Here are the top 5 ways Indian students can benefit from the UK’s PhD stipend hike:

 

• Higher stipends will help students adjust to the increasing living costs and expenses in the UK, allowing them to focus more on their research rather than finances.
• London-based PhD students will get additional support as the city is known for its high cost of living.
• Increased funding for universities in the UK will directly impact the quality of research facilities and the academic support offered to Indian students.
• The extended medical leave policy will offer a more secure and supportive environment for Indian students.
• The updated policies also aim to offer long-term benefits to international students, including Indian doctoral aspirants.

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FAQs

Who announced the increase in the UK PhD stipend, and when will it take effect?

The increase in the UK PhD stipend was announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the national body responsible for funding research and innovation in the UK. The revised stipend rates will take effect from 1 October 2026, aligning with the start of the new academic year. The decision follows sustained feedback from universities and doctoral researchers seeking improved financial support.

What is the new minimum PhD stipend in the UK from October 2026?

From October 2026, the minimum annual PhD stipend funded by UKRI will increase to £21,805, up from £20,780. The stipend is tax-free and aims to help doctoral students better manage living expenses. This increase is above inflation and brings PhD funding closer to the UK national living wage.

How much will PhD students in London receive under the new stipend rules?

PhD students based in London will receive a higher minimum stipend of £23,805 per year from October 2026. This represents a 4.5% increase compared to the previous London-weighted rate and reflects the higher cost of living in the capital, including accommodation and transport.

Does the stipend increase apply to international and Indian PhD students?

Yes. The revised stipend rates apply to all PhD students funded under UKRI schemes, including international students such as those from India. While not all PhD programmes are UKRI-funded, many universities align their stipends with UKRI benchmarks, meaning the increase may influence funding levels across the UK.

Are UK universities also receiving increased funding under this update?

Yes. UKRI has increased the minimum fee paid to universities per funded PhD student by 4.6%, from £5,006 to £5,238. This additional funding helps universities manage rising costs related to supervision, research infrastructure, and academic resources.

Why did UKRI decide to increase the PhD stipend now?

UKRI made this decision in response to rising living costs and growing concern that PhD study was becoming financially inaccessible. Student unions and universities warned that inadequate funding could limit access to doctoral education, especially in high-cost cities like London. The increase aims to improve affordability and protect diversity in research.

How does this increase compare with previous PhD stipend rises in the UK?

This follows a previous 8% real-terms increase in PhD stipends, one of the largest single-year rises in recent years. The October 2026 increase continues a trend of above-inflation adjustments, signalling a long-term commitment to improving doctoral funding.

What additional welfare measures support PhD students in the UK?

UKRI has introduced welfare reforms allowing up to 28 weeks of medical leave for doctoral researchers. This enables students to pause and extend their studies due to health or personal challenges, creating a more inclusive and supportive research environment.

What has the UK government said about access to PhD education?

The UK government has acknowledged that financial barriers to PhD education remain high. In its Skills White Paper, it committed to reviewing access to doctoral study, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, while recognising the vital role international students play in the UK’s research ecosystem.

Why is this update important for Indian students planning a PhD in the UK?

For Indian students, higher and predictable funding reduces financial pressure when studying abroad. Combined with improved welfare policies and strong research infrastructure, the UK’s updated PhD funding framework makes doctoral study more accessible and financially viable.