Increasing PhD Stipend 2023-2024 in UK

9 January 2024

In the academic year 2023-2024, there will be a notable change in the minimum stipend for PhD students in the UK. This article aims to clarify these changes and their implications for PhD students.

Stipend Increase Announced by UKRI

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced an increase in the PhD stipend for the upcoming academic year. The new PhD stipend is set at £18,622, which is a 5.4% increase from the previous year’s £17,668. However, considering the inflation rate of about 10.1% reported by the ONS, this increase still falls short of the adjusted amount of £19,452, which would have matched the inflation rate.

Additional Funding for Universities

UKRI is not a regulatory body for all UK PhD stipends. Therefore, students not funded by UKRI should inquire directly with their universities or funders for stipend details. To accommodate this increase, UKRI is providing additional funding to universities.

Process for Receiving the Stipend

Students need not take any action to receive the increased stipend. The funding, provided by UKRI to universities, will be reflected in student payments as soon as possible. Any queries regarding payments should be directed to the respective university or research organisation.

London Weighting and Enhanced Stipends

The stipend increase applies to the minimum level set by UKRI. Universities have the discretion to decide how to adjust stipends above this minimum level. Co-funders are expected to account for the annual stipend increase as usual.

Future Stipend Adjustments

UKRI is committed to reviewing the stipend annually as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance postgraduate research training in the UK. This includes addressing broader concerns like flexibility for part-time or distance learners and funding duration.

Campaigners’ Reaction

The increase has been viewed positively by campaigners, but concerns remain for those not funded by UKRI. The stipend rise is seen as a step towards more substantial support for PhD students facing rising living costs.

Consultation on ‘New Deal’

In parallel with the stipend announcement, UKRI published an analysis of its consultation on the ‘new deal’ for postgraduate researchers. This initiative aims to improve the quality of postgraduate research training, addressing issues such as funding flexibility and the classification of students as staff, which could impact their rights and benefits.

In summary, while the stipend increase for 2023-2024 represents a positive development for UKRI-funded doctoral students, there remains a broader conversation about the overall support and conditions for all postgraduate researchers in the UK.

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