These are our general rules for eligibility of students supported through EPSRC funding. We do not give money directly to students, but fund universities through training grants. If you have questions about eligibility please contact universities directly, and they should advise you on residence requirements and qualifications.

Training grants to universities include funding for fees and stipends (maintenance payments for students).

Residence Requirements

To be eligible to get a stipend from a doctoral training grant, students must demonstrate a relevant connection with the UK, usually established by being ordinarily resident for a period of three years immediately before the date of application for an award. Ordinarily resident means not wholly or mainly resident for the purpose of full-time education.

A relevant connection may be established for a student who is an EU national if the student has been in full-time education in the UK throughout the three years preceeding the start date of their PhD or masters course.

If students have a relevant connection to an EU country other than the UK, they are not eligible for a stipend but a university can pay their fees from a doctoral training grant. 

Nationality

Nationality or country of origin does not affect eligibility.

Academic Qualifications

Students must be able to demonstrate “a capability to undertake and benefit from research training through to completion, to the standard necessary to qualify for a PhD.” This normally requires an upper second class honours degree, or a combination of qualifications and/or experience equivalent to that level. However, universities can use their discretion in deciding whether candidates are suitable for research training.

Background

These eligibility criteria are based on the Education (Fees and Awards) Regulations 1997 and subsequent amendments, covering England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.