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Funding and eligibility

To undertake a PhD at NIMR you must be in receipt of funding to cover your living expenses and your university tuition fees for the duration of your PhD. Our students are funded in a variety of ways:

  1. MRC studentships - UK and EU/EEA applicants who satisfy eligibility requirements

    Each year the MRC funds a number of studentships at NIMR. These studentships are in open competition for applicants who satisfy the eligibility requirements and are awarded for up to a period of four years.

    The studentship covers university tuition fees and for those eligible, a stipend of £20,000 per annum (tax free). Students also receive a travel/conference allowance. EU/EEA students not resident in the UK may be eligible for MRC fees only.

  2. Funding for students from the European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA)

    Students from the EU/EEA can normally have their tuition fees paid by the MRC (see above) but do not normally receive an MRC stipend to cover living expenses. However, the NIMR is able to support a limited number of EU/EEA students, and cover living expenses of £20,000 per annum (tax free) for up to a period of four years and a travel/conference allowance.

  3. Project-specific funding

    A number of the projects we advertise are supported by other funding bodies. Details of this type of funding will be attached to the individual projects that apply.

  4. External funding sources

    If you are not eligible for an MRC studentship or a fees only award you may still be considered for postgraduate study at the institute if you can meet the following criteria:

    1. Hold qualifications at the level of, or equivalent to, a first or upper class second honours degree from a UK institution in a subject relevant to NIMR's scientific remit. A less than sufficient first degree may be enhanced to meet the requirements by the acquisition of a Masters degree.
    2. You are able to obtain adequate financial support for the duration of your study:

    5. Possible funding sources:

    • International graduate students
      • As a first port of call we advise all international graduate students to contact grant-awarding bodies in their own country.
    • British Council
      • Your local British Council Office will also be able to provide up-to-date information and advice relating to the funding sources that are available to you.
    • Commonwealth Scholarship Plan
      • The Association of Commonwealth Universities provides a number of scholarships to allow students from the commonwealth and USA to study in the UK.
    • UCL Scholarships and funding for Overseas MPhil/PhD students
      • UCL has a number of scholarships for students liable to pay overseas tuition fees.
    • Dorothy Hodgkin Postgraduate Awards (DHPA)
      • A UK scheme to bring outstanding students from India, China, Hong Kong, South Africa, Brazil, Russia and the developing world to come and study for PhDs in top rated UK research facilities.

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