The United Kingdom boasts some of the world’s most prestigious universities and research institutions, including Oxford University, Cambridge University, and Imperial College London. However, it’s essential to recognize that PhD salaries in the UK can vary significantly based on the institution and funding source. In this post, we provide an in-depth exploration of PhD salaries in the United Kingdom, encompassing stipends and scholarships. Towards the end of this article, you’ll find a comprehensive list of UK PhD scholarships.

Average Salary for PhD and Postdoc Positions in the UK

When discussing salaries, we focus on fully-funded PhD positions. It’s crucial to note that self-funded PhD students typically do not receive a salary. An exception exists for students who secure funding from their home countries or other institutions. The salary information presented here pertains to PhD students remunerated by British institutes for their doctoral studies.

It’s important to highlight that the salary (stipend) is not a fixed value and varies based on the funding source and host university. According to the Research Council UK, the minimum Doctoral stipend is £15,285 per annum. Importantly, stipends are tax-free. However, international students requiring a visa to study in the UK must also account for health insurance, as mandated by the UK government. This requirement applies to individuals who:

  • Are nationals of countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA)
  • Are applying for a visa to work, study, or join family in the UK for more than six months (excluding permanent residence)

Healthcare Surcharge (Health Insurance) for PhD Students

The healthcare surcharge is a fixed annual fee. As per the UK government, this fee amounts to £400 per year. Consequently, for a 3.5-year PhD program, you’ll pay £1,400 as a lump sum when applying for your visa. Additionally, a £348 visa fee applies. Therefore, the total cost when applying for a visa and healthcare surcharge comes to £1,748. This payment ensures full coverage by the National Health System (NHS) during your study period in the UK.

After graduating, you can extend your visa for two years to seek employment in the UK. The UK government has introduced a new initiative enabling eligible students to work in any career or position for two years post-completion of their studies.

Salary of PhD Positions Funded by Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher

Returning to the topic of salaries, PhD positions funded by Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher (ITN PhD positions) offer significantly higher pay than other positions. A Marie Curie Early Stage Researcher in the UK can expect an annual salary ranging from £30,000 to £35,000. This is double the typical stipend in the UK. For further insights into the Marie-Curie Program, please refer to our dedicated post.

Average Salary for Graduates Holding a PhD in the UK

A PhD in the UK opens doors to higher salaries, enhanced opportunities, and increased employability. On average, graduates with a PhD in the UK earn annual salaries ranging from £33,000 to £55,000, based on data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

While pursuing a PhD in the UK can be a significant financial investment, the potential benefits are substantial, especially for those aspiring to work in academia or engage in research and development.

Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc Opportunities in the UK

Fastepo provides a dedicated section for Fully Funded PhD and Postdoc opportunities in the UK, featuring:

Fully Funded PhD Positions with Salary

Fastepo Team will update all types of academic positions (the latest ones) when they become available. Moreover, be sure to follow our Facebook page to stay up-to-date on new positions. We have PhD and Postdoc related videos on our Youtube channel if you don’t like reading text.