phd students working hours uk

Is PhD for me

Can you work while doing a PhD in UK?

In a nutshell, as an international PhD student in the UK under a tier-4 visa, you are allowed to work part-time. However, you need to confirm that your university, funding body, and your prospective PhD supervisor agree on a part-time work option. Further, the number of hours you work part-time as well as the kind of work you do highly depends on the rules and regulations proposed by each of these concerned bodies.

The UK is one of the most attractive destinations for international PhD students. However, considering the overall UK is an expensive place to live in, especially if you are thinking about a PhD in London.

Most international PhD students cannot afford to self-fund their PhD in the UK and are looking for any funding opportunities . Apart from this, they are also interested in the kind of part-time work they can do to make some extra money and survive during their PhD years.

There are many concerns of international PhD students who want to pursue a PhD in the UK. One of these concerns is part-time work opportunities during their PhD. So, let’s discuss these concerns and questions one by one.

1. Can international PhD students work part-time in the UK?

Yes, an international PhD student is allowed to work 20 hours a week in the UK . These 20 hours are counted from Monday to Sunday, thus, every week’s hours are considered separately.

You are only allowed to do the works that PhD students are doing part-time for decades. This means you cannot do any online gigs that come under self-employed or business activity.

Also, you can work full-time during the term gap and vacation period during your PhD in the UK. I will discuss it later.

2. Can international PhD students who are fully funded work part-time in the UK?

If you are a fully-funded international student in the UK then the part-time work conditions for you are very different from someone doing a PhD with partial funding.

• You are expected to give all your time to your studies. You may or may not be allowed to do any part-time work because financial support is available for you to focus on your studies.
• Few work hours. The work hours to do part-time work may differ, however, often the grant providers only allow for 6 hours per week.
• No off-campus work. The type of work you can do vary from one funding body to another. However, most PhD stipend providers may not let you work off-campus entirely.
• More permissions for Work. To work part-time you must get approval from all concerned parties. This means you should get permission for any kind of part-time work from your supervisor, university, and the funding body e.g., research councils, commonwealth or university funding, etc.

Check the Research Council Studentship Guidance on PhD Part-Time Work if you are seeking research council (UKRI) funding for your PhD in the UK and need further details regarding PhD studentship terms and conditions when considering part-time work opportunities.

3. Can an international PhD student do a Part-time PhD and work full-time in UK?

No, an international PhD student who is pursuing a Part-time PhD under a tier-4 visa is not allowed to work in the UK . There are numerous challenges in pursuing a part-time PhD and these challenges worsen for international PhD students.

As an international part-time PhD student,

• you are not allowed to bring any dependents.
• you cannot work under a Tier-4 part-time PhD student permit.
• you can only work full-time with a part-time PhD if you are granted a full-time work visa.
• your PhD stipend or any other grant you secure for a part-time PhD won’t be considered income. Instead, you need to prove your full-time job income sufficiency to support you in the UK.

A part-time PhD already comes with several other challenges and these might worsen for you as an international PhD student.

4. Work Conditions for PhD students during term gap and vacation time

As an international PhD student under a Tier-4 visa, you are allowed to work full-time during term gaps and vacations. However, you should note that

• Your university or department may not grant a term gap to postgraduate research students so there can be no full-time work opportunity for international PhD students.
• The term gap and vacation time granted to postgraduate research students may differ from the undergraduate schedules.
• Your supervisor may not allow you to work even during vacations.
• Your grant provider e.g., research councils, commonwealth, etc. may not allow you to work during vacation time.

5. Internships for international PhD students

It is no secret that all PhD students are not being employed in academia . Also, more and more PhD graduates are switching to industry. Therefore internships may be on your mind to get an industry experience during your PhD .

An internship can benefit a PhD student both in terms of exposure to the industry as well as networking opportunity outside of academia. This may help you get an industry job after your PhD in the UK.

However, you should keep in mind the following things when considering a full or part-time internship during your PhD.

• If your internship is relevant to your PhD studies, you may be able to do the internship on your student visa .
• If your internship is not relevant (or integral) to your PhD studies, then your student visa is curtailed for a while and you may need to apply for other types of visa.
• Your scholarship may be paused if the internship is not relevant to your PhD. You can ask your funding provider for more details.
• you should get approval from the university before the internship.

Your university affairs for an international student can guide you on any other complexities and restrictions. You can ask the international students office of your university for any other conditions you may need to fullfill to pursue an internship during your PhD.

6. Can you work full-time after submitting PhD thesis in the UK?

Overall, there are three stages after you submit your PhD thesis.

• First, when you are expecting your viva date. Some universities consider this a “vacation period” and some don’t. If your university considers this as the vacation period then you are usually allowed to work until the PhD viva date.
• Second, when you are working on thesis corrections and resubmission. During this period you are expected to work on the thesis correction and resubmission so only part-time or even lesser working hours may be allowed to you.
• Third, when you have submitted the thesis finally after corrections. This is considered as completion of your PhD. Therefore, you may be allowed to work for 3-4 months full-time before your tier-4 student visa expires.

Further Reading: If a PhD student finishes their course earlier than expected, can they still work full-time after they have completed their studies until their Tier 4 visa expires?

7. What kind of work you can do part-time while pursuing a PhD in the UK?

As an international PhD student, you are allowed to do part-time jobs that pay you against your time.

Can you work for a non-UK employer if you are an international PhD student in the UK?

Yes, you can work for a non-UK employer. The visa and immigration policies do not say explicitly that you cannot be employed by a foreign employer on a Tier-4 student permit. However, the limitations of working hours will be the same as working for a UK employer.

Does the number of employers matter or we can work with multiple employers within 20 hour work week?

No, the number of employers does not matter. As an international PhD student, you just need to make sure that you are reporting the exact hours you work within a week. These work hours should not cross the 20 hours limit.

What if I receive tips and bonuses at work?

There is no limit on what you are paid by the hour. Only the number of work hours matters.

Is stock trading considered work?

Regular buying of stocks, shares, or currency is assumed to be a business activity. Please note that the gap between buying and selling interval may not matter, however, the pattern of buying and selling may be considered by law as business activity . Business activity is not allowed to a PhD student under a tier-4 student visa.

What if I take a remote work?

You can take a remote job unless you are not exceeding the 20 hours work limit. A paid work online or offline where you are trading your time for money should come under a 20-hour work limit.

What type of jobs, in general, I cannot do as a PhD student in the UK?

In short, you are not allowed to do anything that falls under

• Self-employed: Any work (online or offline) that is independent and involves no direct employer is prohibited under a Tier-4 student visa. This means you cannot monetize anything created by you.
• Business activity: Anything that is being bought and sold with regularity or repetition can be considered a business activity. You are not allowed to engage in any business activity under a Tier-4 student visa.
• Professional Work: Any work that requires a particular license may not be allowed on a PhD student visa in the UK. You can ask your grant provider for more information regarding any professional work.

Further reading: Student route caseworker guidance- Working Conditions

What’s the most accurate way to know whether I am allowed to work in the UK or as a PhD student or not?

• First, as an international student who is on some kind of financial support you should ask your funding body/ the grant provider/ studentship provider about the number of hours you are allowed to work.
• Second, you should contact the graduate support office and international student office of your university to know more about any nuances.

Also Read: What kinds of work international students can do in the UK?

FAQs regarding work while doing a PhD in the UK?

Are international phd students allowed to work in the uk.

In a nutshell, international PhD students are allowed to work for 20 hours a week in the UK. However, if you are getting some kind of funding for your PhD , the additional restrictions on part-time work for you may apply. Some grants for international PhD students prohibit any kind of work and some allow only academic work but for fewer hours (usually 6 hours a week).

Can I do a part-time job while doing a PhD in the UK?

Yes, according to UK visa and immigration, you can take part-time work along with your PhD studies in the UK. However, other concerned organizations such as your university, funding institution, or your PhD advisor may restrict your ability to do part-time work in the UK.

Can I work part-time while doing a PhD in the UK if I am funded by a studentship?

No, usually as a fully-funded PhD student in the UK you are not allowed to work part-time. This highly depends on who is funding your PhD. If you are funded by a research council, a commonwealth scholarship, or any other you should ask them about part-time work permission during your PhD.

Can an international student do a part-time PhD in the UK?

Yes, you can pursue a part-time PhD as an international PhD student. However, there are many restrictions for part-time PhD students in the UK.

How many hours can international PhD student work in the UK?

An international PhD student if not fully funded can work for 20 hours a week. A funded PhD student is usually allowed to work 6 hours a week or less.

How many hours can a part-time PhD student work in the UK?

A part-time international PhD student is not allowed to work in the UK. An international student who wishes to pursue a part-time PhD in the UK must be working full-time on a work visa in the UK.

Can PhD students work full-time in the UK?

PhD students are allowed to work full time only during the vacation period and after the submission of their thesis. I discuss this in detail in this blog post.

Can a PhD student work more than 40 hours in summer break in the UK?

Yes, you can work more than 40 hours a week during summer break. This is because there is no hours per week limit during the term gap and vacation time for international PhD students in the UK.

Can I work full-time during my PhD dissertation in the UK?

No, you cannot work full-time while doing your PhD thesis. As a full-time international PhD student in the UK, you are expected to work full-time on your dissertation. Therefore, only part-time work is allowed during your PhD dissertation.

How do international PhD students make money UK?

Usually, international PhD students are provided some kind of financial support to do their PhD. Apart from this financial support, they are also allowed to work part-time to make some extra money.

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Frequently asked questions.

In short, yes, you can work while studying for your PhD.

The hard part to juggle is finding the time to do both. You may find that part-time study is more flexible for you but it takes longer to complete. An excellent way to combine work and study is to get a job within the university you are studying at.

Check out other sources of support for PhD Students .

There are several benefits to both full time and part time PhD study. It can be extremely difficult to juggle a full time postgraduate position alongside working. It’s not called full-time for nothing! This is intensive but you can complete a full time PhD faster than it’s part-time equivalent.

Studying for a PhD is a big commitment, either full time for 3-4 years or part-time for generally 6-7 years. If you want, or need, to be working and studying for PhD this could have an impact on your study: here are some of the things you may find it helpful to think about before starting your PhD.

Is funding for a PhD in the UK enough to live on?

If you are fortunate enough to have full funding for your PhD, your studentship should cover both fees and living expenses and be tax-free. The stipend levels for students studying for a PhD in the UK is set by UK research councils for their own studentships, and this is followed by Universities for their own studentships. These will provide enough to live on and not to have to be working and studying for a PhD.

If you are looking for PhD Funding, you can search for your ideal studentship from the many opportunities we have listed on Postgraduate Studentships. We have a section for Charities and Trusts who are set up to support students looking to get additional financial help with their studies.

How much work is included in a Graduate Teaching Assistantship?

Some PhD studentships are called Graduate Teaching Assistantships – this means that you will be teaching for a certain number of hours in each academic year and this is part of the conditions of the studentship. It is advisable to find out exactly how this works with the University advertising the opportunity. Will you receive separate payments or is this part of the studentship? How many hours will it involve and how will that relate to your PhD? Will you receive training?

If you are considering an academic career, there may be some advantage in getting some initial experience. However you may also struggle with working and studying for a PhD at the same time.

Should I study my PhD full-time or part-time if I need to work?

If you need to work and study, it’s important to think about how you will manage that. Can you study full-time and work at the same time and if so how much work can you do? A full-time PhD is regarded as a full-time commitment. So anything other than a supplementary job for a few hours per week is challenging. Some students start with a full-time PhD and then move to studying the PhD part-time. So you would need to discuss this with your university first.

Planning to study a part-time PhD takes longer overall but it may also give you the time to do your PhD and to make the money you need. If you do decide to study part-time you may already have a job that will allow you to have flexible hours. Think also about part time work in a field that relates to your study. If you need to look for a job that will help you do your PhD, your University is likely to have temporary or part-time jobs that students can apply for on campus – most universities have a database of these jobs for students so you can find out in advance what the pay rates are and if that would be enough.

Universities also have a range of part-time jobs which may be administrative or involve working in labs. If you apply for one of these jobs, especially in your own department, it’s important to make sure you work out how you will manage this. This way, you're prepared for when you are working on your PhD and when you are working on your job.

What if I am an International Student?

If you are an international student in the UK there will be restrictions on how many hours you can work. The UK Government has made some improvements to this. There are more opportunities now to study and work in the UK .

Talking to your University about your options

Your university wants you to succeed at your PhD. It has experienced students working whilst studying and works and what doesn’t. If you are planning to work whilst studying it’s a good idea to talk to your department. These questions may form part of your application process because your Supervisor will want to make sure you have the means to conduct your research as well as support yourself.

Many students study for a PhD and work for at least part of the time and complete their PhD successfully. If you look at the options beforehand, you can plan what works best for you. This way you can get the most from your PhD whilst working at the same time.

Looking for PhD Funding? There are a wide range of study funding opportunities for intending PhD students on PostgraduateStudentships

Receive Email Updates of the latest PhD and Masters opportunities and funding from PostgraduateStudentships and MastersCompare .

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Working in the UK during your studies

Whether you can work during your studies depends on what type of immigration permission you have. Your immigration documents, entry clearance/BRP or digital status, will state what work conditions apply to you.

If you are a European national with settled or pre-settled status in the UK, you can work freely. Please read the UKCISA guidance for more information. If you have Student immigration permission the information below will apply to you.

After reading all the guidance from us and UKCISA, if you are unsure what conditions you have been given or do not understand the wording on your entry clearance sticker/BRP, please call UKCISA’s Student Advice line for advice.

Student work conditions

Those with student immigration permission to study with us will usually be given a condition that allows you to work whilst you are in the UK studying. You can work in line with the work condition stated on your entry clearance vignette, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or digital status, provided you have not stopped studying before completing your course. If the passport your visa is in has expired and you do not have a BRP, you will have to apply to transfer your visa to a Biometric Residence Permit if you want to work.

The hours you can work and type of work you can do are restricted and breaching your conditions is a criminal offence. We highly recommend you read the UKCISA information including the UKCISA blog for more information about the types of work you can or can’t do before you seek employment.

You should not need to rely on income from working to pay your living expenses or tuition fees as the Student Immigration Rules require you to have adequate funds to live and study in the UK. If you withdraw, intermit or take a leave of absence from your course, your permission to work will expire on the new date that your leave will expire following curtailment. Curtailment can be with immediate effect or take effect 60 days from the date you are notified that your leave was curtailed.

What type of work am I allowed to do?

The type of work you can do for the whole duration of your Student immigration permission is restricted, including as a work placement (unless it is specifically allowed for within the Student Immigration Rules and guidance).

The Home Office Student route guidance states “Where you are permitted to work, the intention is that this should be to supplement your income whilst studying (in most cases we expect this to be taking a part-time role for an established business/organisation (for example, a customer service role at a retailer) or as part of a work placement provided it is an integral and assessed part of your course)."

You must not do the following types of work:

• be self-employed or engage in business activity
• be employed as a professional sportsperson, including as a sports coach
• be employed as a professional entertainer
• take a permanent full-time job (except as an elected SU sabbatical officer)
• work as a doctor or dentist in training, unless you are on the foundation programme

Before you start work, please read the UKCISA information including their blog for more information on the types of work you can or can’t do and call their student advice line if you need to.

Volunteering

You might want to be a volunteer during your time in the UK. There is a difference between unpaid employment (voluntary work) and volunteering, and you should always check with the organisation that offers you a volunteering opportunity whether it can be regarded as unpaid employment. This is because time you spend doing unpaid employment counts towards your maximum number of hours of work a week.

The Government has produced information about the difference between voluntary work and volunteering with some useful examples. Read the UKCISA guidance for more information.

How many hours can I work per week while I'm studying?

Essex students with Student Immigration permission should have a condition allowing the following hours of work per week in term time:

• Degree and above students – 20 hours
• Below degree level students – 10 hours

You must only work the hours stated on your immigration documents. You cannot exceed the hours in any individual week. A ‘week’ is defined in the Immigration Rules as 7 days starting on a Monday. In your vacations you can work longer hours but must check what term time means for you and when you have official vacations. If you work more hours than you should, you will be in breach of your immigration conditions which is a criminal offence .

If you are an elected SU Sabbatical Officer, you can work up to the restricted hours stated on your immigration permission in other employment. This is in addition to the full-time Sabbatical Officer post.

If you are on an integral and assessed work placement as part of your course you can work full time in the work placement. In addition, you can do other allowed part-time work within the weekly limit stated on your visa.

If your student immigration permission shows a different number of hours per week than stated above or states "no work" this could be an error. Please contact our International Services team and we will check it for you and advise you how to have it amended by the Home Office if it is incorrect.

Work is a valuable experience, but your studies come first so, even if you are allowed to work 20 hours a week the University recommends you do less than this.

How do I find out what my term and vacation dates are?

The term times and vacations published on the university website apply to standard undergraduate courses only. If you want to work more hours in your vacations, you must check the exact term dates that apply to your course. Your employer will require written confirmation of your term and vacation dates, which you will need to request from the Student Information Team . As a guide only:

Below degree level courses

Your term and vacation dates will vary depending on the course you are studying.

Undergraduate courses

• No work placement and started in the autumn term: The standard Christmas, Easter and summer vacations usually apply.
• With work placement: Your term and vacation dates will vary depending on the course you are studying.
• Started in the spring term: Your term and vacation dates will vary depending on the course you are studying.

Postgraduate courses

• 1 year Masters started in the autumn term: The standard Christmas and Easter vacations usually apply, no summer vacation.
• 1 year Masters started in the spring term: Your vacations will vary depending on the course you are studying.
• Other Masters: Your vacations will vary depending on the course you are studying.
• PhD: You do not have vacations and should only ever work part-time until you have been awarded your PhD and uploaded your final thesis to our Research Repository.

After the course end date on your CAS, you can work full-time until your visa expires provided you have finished all elements of your course and have no further study. However, the type of work you can do is still restricted as per the Student Immigration Rules until your visa expiry date and you must make sure you do not take a job that means you would be in breach of your work conditions. For instance, you cannot work in a full-time permanent position.

When you have found a job, you will be able to request confirmation of your term and vacation dates, read the section below about requesting confirmation of dates.

Work placements

Work placements part of your course.

You may be able to undertake a work placement that is an assessed and integral part of your course. The University must check the work placement meets the requirements of the Student Immigration Rules and report the work placement to the Home Office. For Essex degree level students, it must not form more than 50% of your course duration (as stated on your CAS), unless exceptions apply within the Student Immigration Rules and guidance. Work placements can be paid or unpaid.

In addition to an integral and assessed work placement you can also take other allowed types of employment up to the weekly hourly limit stated on your student immigration permission.

The working restrictions regarding the type of work you are allowed to do also apply to a work placement unless there is a specific exception in the Student Immigration Rules and guidance.

Work placements/internships alongside your course

If you undertake a work placement alongside your study that is not integral, assessed and agreed by the University, you must count the hours within your weekly limit.

Read the UKCISA guidance for more information about work placements.

Breaching your working conditions - type of work and hours

If you undertake any work that is not allowed or work more hours than you should, you will be considered to be in breach of your immigration conditions. This is a criminal offence and can have very serious consequences for you and for the University’s Student Sponsor licence.

If you are concerned that you may have broken your conditions please seek urgent advice from SU Advice , an independent, confidential Students' Union service.

I've finished my course, when can I work full-time?

If you have finished all elements of your course, you will be able to work full time hours after the course end date on your CAS, until your student immigration permission expires. However, the type of work you can do is still restricted under the Student Immigration Rules until the date your student immigration permission expires, you must make sure you do not take a job that means you would be in breach of your work conditions as this is a criminal offence. For instance, you cannot work in a full-time permanent position.

PhD students can work full-time, after you have been awarded your PhD and uploaded your final thesis to our Research Repository. If the duration of your course increases, you must continue to work part-time hours.

Your CAS will show your course end date, this is the date we are sponsoring you to study full-time until, we will not consider you to have finished your course before this date unless you have been awarded the qualification early and we are able to report this to the Home Office in line with the Student Sponsor guidance.

If you withdraw, intermit or take a leave of absence from your course, your permission to work will expire on the new date that your leave will expire following curtailment. Curtailment can be with immediate effect or take effect 60 days from the date you are notified that your leave was curtailed.

If you have applied for permission to stay in the UK under the Graduate route , your Student immigration work conditions apply until you have been granted Graduate route permission to stay. For more information about the Graduate and other work routes, read the UKCISA guidance on working after studies and contact their student advice line or your employer if you have any questions, our advisers are not able to offer advice about work immigration routes.

We highly recommend you read the UKCISA information including their blog for more information about the types of work you can or can’t do with a student immigration permission, before you take a job.

Requesting written confirmation of your term dates and vacations from us

If you have student immigration permission your employer will require details of your term and vacation dates from the University. Dates that apply will depend on your course and the standard dates published on the University website may not apply to you. The request must come from you, not your employer.

For vacation work

If you require confirmation of your term dates for your employer, please use your Certificate of Registration from Gradintel which includes a link to the course specific term dates for the current academic year.

For placement students

If you require confirmation of your term dates for your work placement as authorised by the University’s Work Based Learning Team, please email [email protected] with your PRID and confirming the start and end dates for your placement year, the request must come from the student. When we receive your request, we will carry out various checks before we can confirm the term and vacation dates for your course in writing.

You must be a fully registered Essex student who is studying inside the UK with valid student immigration permission and must have completed your in person right to study check on campus. Once our checks are completed, we will send an email to your @essex.ac.uk address, confirming your term and vacation dates that you can forward to your employer. It usually takes up to 5 working days for this to be produced but can take longer at busy times of year. We will not confirm your term or vacation dates in any other format as this is not a Home Office requirement.

Your employer should refer to the Home Office's publication for employers, An employer's guide to right to work checks and Home Office caseworker guidance, Student and Child Student . If your employer has any questions about your work conditions, they will need to contact the Home Office, we will not be able to advise them.

Working at the University

If you will be working for the University and have any questions about the right to work documents, please email People and Culture at  [email protected] .

National Insurance and Income Tax

Information about Income Tax and National Insurance is available from HM Revenue and Customs . We can’t answer questions about National Insurance and Income Tax, you’ll need to refer to the HMRC website to find out who you can contact.

Finding work

Our Student Services Hub can help you find work and provide information about employment rights.

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International students: PhD/doctoral study in the UK at the University of Brighton

Brighton is a vibrant and creative seaside city on the South-East coast of the United Kingdom. By train it is 60 minutes south from London and only 30 minutes from London's major international Gatwick airport.

The University of Brighton is a contemporary, forward-thinking university with world-leading and internationally excellent research recognised in the latest national research assessment (REF2021) . Most importantly, we put our students at the heart of everything we do.

Find out more about your opportunities to join the University of Brighton as an international research student.

Our Frequently Asked Questions from International applicants  (FAQs) below will give you a sense of:

• Brighton as a city and the University of Brighton as a place to study
• Entry requirements
• Visas / CAS / ATAS
• Working during and after study
• Costs and funding
• How to apply
• Support when coming to the UK

There are further, general PhD applicant FAQs to explore, as well as our International pages on the university website , and you can contact our Doctoral College if you have further questions.

Find your PhD discipline area using key terms or browse through our lists .

Application to the University of Brighton should generally be made after a preliminary approach to a chosen lead supervisor.

When you are ready, apply through our application portal.

FAQs: Brighton as a city and the University of Brighton as a place to study

Where is Brighton located in the UK?

Brighton is a vibrant and creative seaside city on the South-East coast of the United Kingdom.

By train, Brighton is only one hour away from London, 30 minutes away from London's Gatwick Airport and 90 minutes away from London's Heathrow Airport.

Being close to London and within easy reach of international transport, Brighton attracts visitors and students to a growing international population. The city is famously accepting of new people and different ways of living. Its progressive attitudes mean it has led the way in arts, creative technology, modern notions of sexuality and gender, as well as environmental and sustainable education and policy.

There are opportunities to build on your studies by getting involved in city as well as university life. We have campuses in the heart of Brighton, close to the seafront and on the outskirts near the South Downs National Park, all in a city that is in the top 10 most visited towns in the UK by overseas visitors.

Is Brighton a diverse place to study? 

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Brighton is one of the  liveliest and most diverse places in the UK  to live and study.

According to Brighton and Hove Council,16 per cent of our population is born outside the UK. With a mix of cultures, nationalities and religions, you’ll soon feel at home here no matter what country or background you’re from.

It is an authentic student city, too. Around 500 PhD students study at the University of Brighton and a quarter are international students. The diversity of students has always been evident at the Summer Graduation Ceremonies with 83 countries recently represented among our 3,000 graduates from all levels. 

Inclusivity is one of our four core values at the University alongside sustainability, creativity, and partnership. 

The University of Brighton is committed to providing a fair environment that embodies and promotes equality of opportunity. We value the different contributions and experiences of all who make up our community, promoting mutual respect and understanding as well as freedom of thought and expression.

For more information visit our university page on  Equality, diversity and inclusion .

What type of university is the University of Brighton?

The University of Brighton is a modern, forward-thinking university.

Our identity hinges on our belief in developing knowledge and sharing it in places where it can make a difference to other people’s lives.

Our oldest departments trace their history over 160 years, while we embrace the modern and progressive values of a contemporary and rapidly changing world. 

We foster world-leading research across traditional and more recently-established disciplines that include: health and medicine, computer science, engineering, geography and environmental studies, business and management studies, social studies, education, sport and exercise sciences, art, design and architecture, cultural and media studies. 

Ninety-eight per cent of our research was rated as world-leading, internationally excellent or internationally recognised in the most recent national research assessment (Research Excellence Framework, REF2021). 

The university's campuses are all convenient for the city. Outside of your studies, Brighton offers festivals, galleries, museums, street art, nightlife, sports facilities, and a huge range of independent shops, cafés and entertainment venues. 

Is PhD in UK better than US?

Research in any English language environment gives you an opportunity for maximum outreach and impact from your work.

There are some differences between the PhD offers from the different English-language-speaking countries. Each of them do however provide support for students’ research towards new knowledge and the production and defence of a thesis detailing the research.

Some special features of a doctorate in the UK:

• There are very few, if any, taught course elements in most UK PhD degrees
• Typically, the doctorate in the UK can be completed in three years as a full-time student
• In the UK, the student is a researcher right from the start and dedicates most of their time to their own research work and written thesis.

In the UK, doctoral students are usually supported by two or three expert supervisors from the start of their programme. Wider support is developed through PhD discussion groups and research communities.

Whichever option you choose, research in an English language environment will give you the fluent writing and spoken English skills that will take you a long way in your research career. 

How will I learn at doctorate level? What teaching, supervision and academic support will I get?

All our postgraduate research students are part of a dynamic, enthusiastic, and creative research community. From research plan to viva, our workshops and specialist staff guide doctoral students through the major milestones of their PhD.

You will have the support of two or three supervisors at the University of Brighton, who will help you to pursue your research passion. Our doctoral training programme and vibrant research environment will nurture and liberate your talent. 

If you need support with your academic English language , we offer developmental courses and one-to-one tutorials specifically for students at doctoral level. 

The teaching, learning environment and educational outcomes we provide for our students consistently exceed rigorous national requirements for all UK higher education providers.

To meet fellow students and the wider PhD community there are plenty of events organised by the university, the Doctoral College, your school and the research centres you belong to.

For further information on supervision and support,  see our general FAQ page .

How will I build a relationship with my supervisor?  This film was made by the University of Brighton for UKRI and features University of Brighton students and academics as well as those from other partner universities.

FAQs: PhD entry, funding, visas and language requirements  

What are the entry requirements for a PhD in the UK?

The application process requires documentation that demonstrates the suitability of you and your topic of study for a timely completion of the PhD programme.

These will include references and a research proposal as well as evidence of eligibility to study in the form of language level and relevant visa.

Find out more on our application pages

Is it possible to do a PhD after bachelor's degree in the UK?

The University of Brighton will consider applications from those without masters degrees but would normally expect an undergraduate degree with evidence of suitably high performance. A master's degree is considered stronger evidence that you are able to study at higher levels and that you have a strong theoretical background in your subject.

What are the English language requirements to study for a doctorate in the UK?

For subjects in medicine and laboratory sciences, including engineering, requirements are usually an IELTS score 6.5 overall, no component below 6.0.

For subjects with an extensive text-based research and writing element, a 7.0 overall, 7.0 for writing, with no component below 6.5 is required.

These are the overall requirements at the University of Brighton. Where there are any differences, the requirements for your area of research will be found on the relevant PhD Programme Page .

Will I need a visa to study for PhD in the UK?

How do I apply for a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number?

Once you have been made an unconditional offer, you will be able to complete a visa questionnaire. Our visa compliance team will review your eligibility and issue a CAS number, as appropriate. More information is available on the university's general  international pages .

Will I need to pay a deposit to progress with visa application?

If you are self-funded, we cannot issue you with a CAS until you have paid your tuition fee deposit. We would advise that you pay this as soon as possible so that you are able to make your visa application in plenty of time. More information about the tuition fee deposit and how to pay the deposit is available on our  confirmation of acceptance for studies page .

If you are a funded student, you will need to provide proof of your sponsorship before the tuition fee deposit can be waived.

See more information on  visa applications

Will I need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) number for PhD study?

Depending on which country you are from, you may need to obtain an ATAS certificate every time you make a Student Visa application, if you are studying or going to study one of the following research degree programmes:

Pharmacy; Biomedical Sciences; Healthcare Professions; Physiotherapy; Occupational Therapy; Engineering; Environment; Civil Engineering: Built Environment; Computing; Mathematical and Information Sciences; or Information Technology.

PhD students should apply through the student route, not the researcher route.

Where an ATAS statement is required, the process of how to apply for this will be provided in your offer letter, so do read your offer letter carefully.

For details about the scheme and how to apply for your ATAS certificate, visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) information about ATAS.

Can I work in the UK during and after my PhD?

There are opportunities to undertake work in the UK while studying.

However, the full-time course and the nature of PhD study does not easily allow for work hours and this should not be seen as a means to fund your studies.

Teaching at the university, while possible, is not guaranteed and opportunities to teach would have to be discussed with your supervisor and relevant school leaders while undertaking the course. 

Working in the UK on a Student Visa as a PhD research student

It is likely that you will be able to work in the UK based on your Student Visa, although some types of employment are prohibited.

Where you are on a Student Visa, your eligibility to work will be outlined on your visa vignette or BRP card, and in your visa decision letter.

During your full-time PhD programme at the University of Brighton, you can work up to 20 hours per week in paid employment.

Working in the UK after graduation with a PhD research degree

• You can work unlimited hours once you have submitted your final thesis after corrections, but not in a permanent role.
• You are likely to be eligible for a  Graduate Visa  on completion of your studies and can work for a further three years.

How much does a doctorate cost in the UK for international students?

Tuition fees and other costs..

The tuition fees for each discipline are located on our  Programme pages .

It is important to recognise possible costs beyond the tuition fees. Research can involve costs for, for example, travel to conference venues, archives or libraries; copyrighted imagery payments and so on. Fees are also likely to incur a small inflation rise each year of a research programme.

You will also need to fund normal living costs in the UK during your studies. 

Is there funding for PhD in the UK?

There are many opportunities for partial and complete funding of PhD studies in the UK, with funders offering stipends for living costs as well as tuition fees. There are also opportunities for ongoing funds to help aspects of a project such as travel for conference or library access.

Find out more advice on funding as well as our latest offers from the University of Brighton.

How do I apply for a PhD in the UK?

To apply for a PhD, you will need to provide a research proposal along with academic references and documentation to show that you are eligible for study in the UK.

We recommend you do this with the assistance and cooperation of a possible supervisor. When ready, your documents must be submitted through the application portal available from our  Programme pages . 

For full information on the application process, see our  Apply for your PhD page . 

Who can be my PhD referees?

You will need to ask two people to provide references for you. They should be able to detail your fitness for academic study and research. At least one of your referees should be from your most recent period of study.

You can provide your referees’ contact details as part of the application process and we will contact them on your behalf. Alternatively, you can approach your referees directly to provide a reference. All references should have been written within the last 12 months and need to be signed, dated and stamped with the organisation's stamp. 

Can I study part time for PhD in the UK?

Can you study for a phd part-time as an international student.

The University of Brighton does  not  normally consider visa sponsorship for international students to undertake study wholly on a part-time basis.

However, where there are significant personal or other extenuating circumstances, visa sponsorship of postgraduate students wholly on a part-time basis will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please  contact the Doctoral College  for further information.

Can you do a PhD by distance learning UK?

We do not offer enrolment specifically as a distance learning student and, usually, international students are expected to live within a commutable distance from the university. This brings a fuller experience with better chances of success.

However , if you’re a promising PhD candidate with home commitments and employment and would struggle to attend university full time in the UK for the whole period of study, we may be able to register you for a PhD and agree a mode of attendance. 

If you would like more information on studying for a PhD without fully relocating to the UK, please contact the  Doctoral College  for further guidance before applying.

I speak English / have studied in the UK: Do I still need to provide IELTS for PhD?

If you are from the UK, have studied in the UK within the last three years, or are from one of the countries approved by the  UK Visa and Immigration Authority  (UKVI), you may not need to provide results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT).

If your UK study was more than three years ago, or you are not from one of the UKVI listed countries, you will be required to provide further evidence of your English Language in the form of one of the  accepted English tests for research study .

If you already have a SELT certificate, like IELTS for UKVI, please note that this is valid for two years from the test date. The results must be valid on your course start date.

What support do you offer students who are moving to the UK?

We know that moving to a new country can be daunting. That's why we offer our international students lots of support and advice, to help you settle in, gain new academic skills and get the most out of your time here.

Detailed help and guidance is available on our  preparing for university page  for students at all levels.

Accommodation for PhD students

The university has an accommodation service who can help you find somewhere to live. Once you have accepted your offer with us, we advise you to contact the accommodation service who will be happy to help you. You can contact them via  [email protected]

More information about living in Brighton and the surrounding areas can be found on the university's general  accommodation and location pages

Registering with a doctor

We recommend that you register with a university doctor or local doctor as soon as possible when you arrive at university.

If you are not registered with a local doctor, you will have difficulty getting an appointment, and crucial time could be wasted in an emergency.

For more information, visit our  register with a doctor page

Can my family move to the UK with me as a PhD student?

Yes, they can. For those studying for a PhD or other doctorate (RQF level 8) or a research-based higher degree, you are entitled to bring dependents with you to the UK.

Further information can be found on  relevant government websites for student visas pertaining to families and children .

Find your PhD research discipline and apply

Find your disciplinary home through our search or A–Z listings. Our disciplinary programme areas will help you find a supervisor and focus your application.

PhD funding opportunities and studentships

Find out more about the funding available for postgraduate research/PhD doctoral study at the University of Brighton.

How to apply for your PhD

Details of our application process and frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the PhD journey.

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Overview of University's work restrictions during studies

Undergraduate students are expected not to work during term-time.

Advanced Diploma students are expected not to work during term-time.

Masters students undertaking a course of less than twelve months are expected not to work during term-time. Students should consult their Faculty / Department for confirmation of official vacation dates as these can vary between courses. Any time between the end of Full Easter Term and the dissertation or other submission deadline should not be considered as vacation. In addition, students on a student visa should be aware that the official course end date is stated in the CAS used to support the visa application.  

For postgraduate research students undertaking a course of more than twelve months, the University recommends limiting work to 6 - 10 hours per week but students should read the further guidance outlined on the working while you study webpage . It should be noted that the academic year for postgraduate research students is continuous throughout the year, from 1 October to 30 September. It is therefore not possible, for example, for a postgraduate research student to undertake full-time work during the summer period. Whilst breaks for holidays are permitted, at times agreed with your supervisor, these are not periods that would permit full-time work. Students should never in any case exceed a maximum of 20 hours work each week, which includes both paid and unpaid work, in terms of both the University's restrictions and visa restrictions for those students on a student visa.  

Whether you can work after submission of your thesis for examination varies depending on the stage of the process as outlined in the information below. 

Working on a Student/Tier 4 visa at Cambridge

Students on a Tier 4/Student visa should ensure they read the full guidance about the working conditions of their visa . This include restrictions on the type of work that can be undertaken. A student visa does not permit self-employment, engaging in business activity, and certain other types of work. It is essential that students on a Student/Tier 4 visa obtain a formal worker's agreement or employment contract before undertaking any work, including undergraduate supervisions or other work within the Collegiate University. 

Working after submission of PhD thesis for examination

• The period between submission of thesis for examination and official notification of viva outcome is considered to be 'vacation' and you can work full time.
• students who are not studying on a Tier 4/Student visa can continue to work full-time during this period unless the viva outcome is ‘revise and resubmit', in which case the University's 20 working hour restriction applies. 
• students on a Tier 4/Student visa can only work for up to 20 hours a week in accordance with the conditions of their visa.

Please note that extensions to the deadline for submitting corrections on the grounds of employment would not be approved.

Students on a Tier 4/Student visa should ensure they are familiar with the  restrictions on the type of work permitted .

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Camille Bou

August 25th, 2021, working during your phd: opportunities to look out for.

2 comments | 4 shares

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

If you’re finding yourself a bit short on your stipend at the end of each term, you may be looking for a part-time (PT) job to earn some extra income. Or perhaps you are seeking to broaden your horizons, gain some work and research experience outside of what is offered from the pursuit of your doctoral project. Whatever the reason may be, there is a range of opportunities available for PhD students:

• Occasional Research Assistantships (ORA) : LSE has a number of research centres that occasionally advertise for Research Assistants to help Principal Investigators with projects. For instance, the Centre for Economic Performance (CEP) has a call for Occasional Research Assistants and also advertises for summer placements. Faculty in your Department may also send the word out that they are looking for an ORA to help with a project; so keep your eyes peeled for internal communications.
• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA) : Some Departments (e.g. Economics, International History, Methodology) have a large number of Undergraduate and Master courses for which they need Graduate Teaching Assistants. If you’re not from the Department that is hiring, it is still worth applying!
• Professional Service Staff roles (PSS) : The different divisions of the LSE (e.g. Student Housing, Research and Innovation, Eden Centre, Library, LSE Careers, Volunteer Centre, etc) may advertise for part-time roles. These are great opportunities to understand what it takes to keep the LSE running smoothly
• Working with the Student Union (LSESU) : at times, the LSESU advertises administrative, communication, or governance-based roles in their different teams.
• Leading an LSE Changemaker project : this collaborative programme between LSE and the LSESU provides students with 80 hours of funding to conduct an independent research project seeking to investigate and improve particular aspects of the LSE.
• Affiliated internship schemes : The PhD Academy is continuously building partnerships to offer more opportunities to PhD students, which they advertise in their newsletter. For instance, the Academy recently launched a micro-internship scheme , allowing PhDs to use their analytical skills for startups.
• Parliamentary Internships where you can assist an MP and gain some valuable experience working in UK politics.
• Working outside of the LSE if you’re looking to branch out: check out LSE Careers and LinkedIn for advertised roles, or work your network to find out if they are hiring!

In the PhD handbook, full-time PhD students are recommended to work no more than two days per week (or the equivalent) to ensure they can still finish their doctoral projects by their planned timeframe. Moreover, certain students will have Visa restrictions on how many hours they can work. Therefore, always check your capacity to work before applying for positions. It is advised you discuss your job applications with your supervisors so they can support you.

About the author

I'm Camille, a PhD student in the Department of Health Policy. I'm interested in how context shapes the experiences of young informal carers in the United Kingdom. When I'm not analysing data, I enjoy listening to music and podcasts, catching up on TV series, walking in London's abundant green spaces, and exploring the city’s diverse art, food, and drinks scene!

I am interested in part-time paid research opportunities in Social Sciences.

Hi Adedeji! If you are interested in research opportunities, please feel free to get in touch with the department of interest to see what’s available: https://www.lse.ac.uk/study-at-lse/meet-visit-and-discover-LSE/experience-lse/meet-our-departments

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Working in the UK during studies

Working while you are studying, how many hours you can work and the visa restrictions on working.

The webinar below presented by our IAG Team and Careers Team discusses working during your studies:

Normally working in the UK during your studies is permitted but there are restrictions on the type of work you can do. This includes how many hours per week you can work, depending on your level and mode of study.

You must check your visa to find out if you can work.

If your visa was issued outside the UK and states 'Work (and any changes) must be authorised' or a variation of this, then you have permission to work.

If you have extended your visa in the UK and have an ID card (a BRP), you may work if it states 'Restricted Work. P/T term time. F/T vacations' or a variation of this.

Visa restrictions on working

If you are studying full-time at degree level, during term-time you may not work more than 20 hours per week.

If you work more than 20 hours in any one week you will be breaching your visa and this could prevent you from obtaining a new visa in the future or completing your studies.

Your focus should be on your studies. The University of Liverpool recommends that all students work only 15 hours per week during term time.

During vacation time you are allowed to work full time.

You are not allowed to set up a business, be self-employed, provide services as a professional sportsperson or entertainer, or pursue a career by fulfilling a permanent full-time vacancy.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs has written a blog regarding working during studies, what is defined as 'self-employed' or an entertainer. It clarifies rules regarding being 'on call', private selling, income from digital and 'influencers', ad-hoc work such as couriering, amongst many other forms of income generation.

Taking a degree with a year in industry

If you are taking a degree that includes a year in industry placement, the placement can be full time as it is an integral and assessed part of your degree, therefore, considered study. The 20-hour work permission is in addition to the year in industry placement. You will remain on a student visa sponsored by the University for your year in industry.

Your school will provide a letter to your industry placement provider to confirm it forms part of the degree, see 'How can I prove my right to work?' for further details. 

What is classed as 'a week'?

UK Visas and Immigration define a week as 'any seven day period starting on a Monday'. Therefore, you cannot work more than 20 hours in any one Monday to Sunday period otherwise you would be in breach of the conditions of your visa.

If you are unsure if you might be in breach of this or have a general query, please contact us before undertaking the work .

What is term-time?

Term-time is any period in which you are regarded by the University as undertaking academic work, for example, attending classes, revising, researching or writing coursework, writing a dissertation or thesis.

Undergraduates and Postgraduate Taught students will have their vacation time  set by the University. Masters students should note that their vacation periods are the winter and spring vacations only (held over the Christmas and Easter period), as during the summer they are required to be completing their dissertations. Masters students course end date is as stipulated on the CAS and student record and are therefore in 'term-time' until this date, therefore, you must not work more than 20 hours per week until your official course end date.  

PhD and other research students must agree a vacation time with their supervisor in advance. 

Students repeating studies are still limited to 20 hours per week during term time.

How can I prove my right to work?

From the 6 th April 2022, when proving your right to work to an employer in the UK, all Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) holders will be required to generate a  sharecode online. Physically showing your BRP card to an employer is no longer accepted.

If you started employment before this date you do not need to show your right to work again as showing the physical BRP card was accepted at the time, however, your employer may request this if they are re-checking right to work or are being cautious with the new requirement.

A right to work check is simply the employer’s legal responsibility to check that those who are working for them have the legal right to do so and what the conditions to that work are e.g. that student visa holders can work but are limited to 20 hours per week during term time.

For more information click on the Employer's guide to right to work checks

In order to demonstrate your right to work please use the following link to get set up on the online portal and to generate a sharecode which you can give to employers. They can then use this to see your right to work in the UK - Prove your right to work to an employer - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The university does not produce letters to students to confirm your right to work as it is a requirement of your employer to satisfy themselves of your entitlement and the UK government provide lots of information for employers to help them to do this.

We would advise you to obtain an  Enrolment Status letter  so your employer has evidence that you are still enrolled on a course of full time study. This along with your sharecode and a print out from the website confirming your  term dates are all an employer needs to see. 

The only situation where the University should provide a formal letter to your employer is where your employment forms part of a work placement which is an official part of your course. This is confirmed on page 47 of the employers guide above.  This would be produced by your School or department. Each School has a member of staff responsible for co-ordinating placements and we would recommend asking them for further guidance. 

National Insurance (NI) number

If you intend to work, or soon after you get a job, you will need a National Insurance (NI) number.

If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP) , you might have a National Insurance (NI) number already - it will be printed on the back of your BRP if you do.

You cannot be paid until you have an NI number.

For information about National Insurance numbers, please visit the UK Government's website .

How to apply

You can apply for a National Insurance number online by visiting the UK government website here . You will need to prove your identity when you apply. 

National Insurance number application line: Telephone: 0800 141 2075 Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm

After you apply, it can take up to eight weeks to get your National Insurance number.

You will not need to have a face-to-face interview at the moment because of coronavirus.

Finding a job

Jobs are advertised in a number of places. You can find information about looking for employment and current vacancies as well as how our Careers Service can help you on the Careers and Employability Service website .

Employment rights

All employers must pay their employees a  minimum wage which has been set by the UK Government.

Do not accept money paid to you directly in cash, also known as 'cash in hand'. Wages should normally be paid directly into your bank account and you should always receive a proper payslip containing information about tax and National Insurance contributions.

For more information on your rights and the responsibilities your employer owes you, please visit the Careers and Employability Service website .

Working after you've finished your studies

On completing your studies you may work full time but only until your visa expires, provided this is not more than four months from the end of your course.

The same conditions apply, and so you cannot accept a permanent, full-time vacancy during this time.

If your visa expiry date is more than four months from the end date of your course, please contact us for advice.

If you wish to continue working in the UK beyond these four months, you must change your visa to one of those in the employment categories .

For PhD students, you are not deemed to have finished your studies until you have submitted your final thesis (this means that you have completed your viva and any necessary corrections). You therefore cannot work full-time after your initial submission whilst waiting for a viva date. 

Speak to a International Advice and Guidance advisor

If you are unable to find an answer to your query on our web pages email [email protected] or book an online confidential one-one appointment.

• Work during study

Working in the UK during your studies

Depending on your immigration status in the UK you may have restrictions on employment. The following information will let you know your working rights in the UK.

If you hold a Tier 4/Student visa, there will be restrictions on the amount and type of work you do in the UK.

The main purpose of your Student visa is to allow you to study in the UK, not work. If you hold a Tier 4/Student visa, you must adhere to the working restrictions attached to it. These conditions will be on your BRP and stated in your visa application decision letter.

On this page you can find information about:

EEA and Swiss nationals

Undergraduate students.

• Postgraduate taught students
• Postgraduate research students
• Below degree level students

Volunteering

Proving your right to work, work placements.

• Other visa types
• Looking for work

Working for an employer outside the UK

Working for a uk employer remotely.

If you are an EEA or Swiss national who has been granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you can work in the UK during and after your studies and you do not need the permission of UK Visas and Immigration to do so.

Tier 4/Student visa holders

• It will be stated on your visa if you can work and the amount of hours you are allowed to work per week.
• The maximum per week limit is defined by UKVI as Monday to Sunday. 
• If your visa says “no work allowed” or “work prohibited” you are not allowed to work.
• If you leave your programme early or take a break from your studies you should not undertake any work whilst you are still in the UK. This is because your visa rights rely on you being in full-time study. 
• If you think you have the incorrect working rights on your visa please contact the Student Immigration Advice Team by using the  contact form  for further assistance.

There are some restrictions on the types of employment you can undertake as a Tier 4/Student visa student. You cannot do any of the following:

• This includes freelancing and ‘gig-economy’ work, such as Deliveroo or Uber drivers.

Any work or trading as a freelancer, contractor or consultant is highly likely to be considered self-employment, which is not permitted under the Tier 4/Student visa work conditions.

• Take a permanent full-time job
• Be employed as a professional sportsperson including as a sports coach
• Be employed as an entertainer
• Work as a doctor or dentist in training, unless you are on the foundation programme.

*Please note that you are not permitted to set up your own business in the UK, including where you are not the controlling shareholder. This additional restriction will affect you if you applied for your Tier 4/Student visa on or after 6 April 2016.

If you require further guidance on how many hours you are permitted to work, please contact the Student Immigration Compliance Team. To contact the team, please open an enquiry via askUCL.

UK government Employment status website

• Undergraduate students are only permitted to work (paid or unpaid) up to 20 hours during term time. 
• You are permitted to work full-time during University vacations only; students should refer to the vacation periods as stated on the UCL term dates website .
• Once the course end date on your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) has passed, you are permitted to work full-time until your visa expiry date, but cannot fill a permanent vacancy.

Postgraduate Taught students

• Postgraduate Taught Masters (PGT) students are only permitted to work (paid or unpaid) up to 20 hours during term time.
• PGT students have official vacation periods during Christmas and Easter only*. This means that students will only be permitted to work full-time during the Christmas and Easter vacation periods ( see UCL official term dates ).
• PGT students are expected to be studying during the summer whilst they write their dissertation. This period is considered to be term-time,and therefore students will only be permitted to work 20 hours per week during this time.
• Following the course end date stated on the CAS you are permitted to work full-time until your visa expiry date, but cannot fill a permanent vacancy.

* If you are enrolled on a 2-year PGT programme (e.g. MFA), you may have a summer vacation period between Year 1 and Year 2.  Please check with your academic department to confirm the specific vacation dates for your programme. 

Postgraduate Research students

• Postgraduate Research (PGR) students are required to be in continuous attendance as the standard University term dates do not apply to them.
• PGR students do not have any designated vacation periods. You are in term time all year unless you have written permission from your supervisor and academic department to take a period of annual leave.
• Your supervisor must agree and confirm the dates for the annual leave in writing to your academic department. You can work full-time during the agreed annual leave period.  Details of PGR annual leave can be found in the UCL Academic Manual (Chapter 5, section 2.6).  Should your employer require confirmation of your annual leave period, please refer them to your academic department. 
• Once you have completed all academic work and submitted your final thesis including corrections, you will be permitted to work full-time until your visa expiry date, but cannot fill a permanent vacancy.

Studying below degree level

Please note if the programme of study is below degree level you will be permitted to work 10 hours per week during term time and full-time during vacations. Please check your BRP for your permitted working hours. 

You can volunteer while you are studying. Volunteering is different from Voluntary Work (unpaid employment) and does not count towards your weekly working hours limit. Volunteers will normally help a registered charity or voluntary or public sector organisation.  

If you are volunteering with an organisation, you must not: 

• have a contract of employment 
• take the place of an employee 
• receive payment for your contribution, including payment in kind 

You are permitted to undertake Voluntary Work in the UK however you must be aware that Voluntary Work counts towards your maximum number of hours of work during a week. 

As a voluntary worker you: 

• are usually paid in some form 
• often have a contract with an employer 

If you are unsure, you should check with the organisation whether what you are doing can be regarded as Voluntary Work. 

UKCISA advice on volunteering  

If your employer requires additional evidence of your term dates so they know when you may be allowed to work more hours than the restriction stated on your visa, you can provide:  

• a printout from UCL website confirming term dates
• a UCL student status letter (letter self-service options are available on Portico where students can print off a statement of student status (current students) or statement of award (alumni))
• Postgraduate research students are able to obtain confirmation of their annual leave period from their academic department.

If you are a Student visa holder, you are only permitted to undertake a work placement in the following circumstances:

The work placement must:

• be an integral and assessed part of your programme
• take up no more than 50% of the total time that you spend on your programme

If your work placement meets the above requirements, you will be permitted to work (paid or unpaid) for more than 20 hours per week.  However, you must not be self-employed, or employed as a professional or semi-professional sportsperson, or an entertainer.

As your visa sponsor, UCL will report the details of your work placement to UK Visas and Immigration.  This applies whether your work placement takes in place on the work placement premises, remotely or abroad. 

PGR students who wish to undertake a work placement must obtain confirmation from their supervisor that the placement is an integral part of their PhD research.  It is only in these circumstances that we will be able to continue to sponsor your student visa.

If you have any questions about undertaking a work placement as part of your programme, you should seek guidance from both your academic department and the Student Immigration Compliance Team .

Other visa holders

If you are a non-EEA national in the UK on a visa type other than Tier 4/Student visa you should check that you have the right to work before seeking employment. Normally this will be stated on your visa. If not, or if you are unclear about this, you can contact the Student Immigration Advice Team by using the  contact form  for further assistance.

Please note: all types of visitor visa, including the Short-term study visa, do not allow work in the UK.

Finding work in the UK

London has more part-time work opportunities than anywhere else in the country, whether you are looking for paid or voluntary work, the  UCL Career Services website  is a good place to start your search.

Volunteering during your studies is very popular in the UK and is a fantastic way to develop your skills, meet new people and improve your chances of getting paid work. You can find more information about the benefits of volunteering and the current roles on offer on the website of the  Volunteering Services Unit  (VSU) .

If you are physically outside the UK, your Tier 4/Student visa work conditions are irrelevant.  You need to check what your work rights in the specific country where you are working.  However any work you do when you are physically in the UK, for example working for a non-UK employer remotely or doing a "virtual internship" with them counts towards your weekly 10 or 20 hours maximum.  This is because the work restriction has no specific exception to not count work undertaken remotely for an employer who is outside the UK.

Tier 4/Student visa holders undertaking a work placement or internship remotely from outside the UK are not limited to the weekly 10 or 20 hours work maximum as they are not in the UK and therefore are not subject to Student visa work conditions.

In addition, a UK visa is not required for a person who is overseas to work remotely for a UK employer.

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Combining work and study

Understand the regulations about working alongside completing your studies

It’s important to ensure that you achieve a balance between your academic work and other activities. As a student, the maximum number of hours which can be worked during term-time is 20 hours per week.

Term time dates and allowances differ between level of study so ensure you check these before carrying out any work. The table below outlines the University’s policy regarding work and study for full-time students. Please note, term dates do not apply to all students - please see the table below. 

University term dates.

Tier 4/student visa Guidelines

At the University students with a Tier 4/student visa generally have a right to work while studying. Work permissions and restrictions are stated on your student visa/Biometric Residence Permit.  There are limits on the type of work and length of employment permitted. These restrictions depend on the type of programme the visa is issued for. The table above states the legal restrictions on your right to work in the UK. The restriction on the number of hours you can work includes any voluntary work you are undertaking. For more information on the type of work prohibited, please check the Home Office Student route caseworker guidance . Working Restrictions for International Students (on Student Visas)

Working rights and limits during studies - Tier 4/student

UK or 'Home' Students

During the summer term undergraduate students who have completed all of their exams and have no other university work to do, may be able to work up to full time for the remainder of the term at the discretion of their Academic Tutor. If working through  Campus Jobs  an email will be required confirming this from the relevant tutor.

PhD students

UK or 'Home' students who have submitted their thesis and are waiting for their viva may work more than 20 hours per week, with permission from their PhD Supervisor. If working through  Campus Jobs  an email from the relevant PhD Supervisor will be required to confirm this.

Due to Home Office regulations, this policy does not apply to PhD students holding a student visa.

Part-time students (UK & Home students only)

Part-time students are entitled to work more than 20 hours per week during term-time, if they wish.

Working Time Regulations

If you are entitled to work full-time during vacation periods, you must not work more than 48 hours in one week.  Further information about working time regulations .

The employment of PhD graduates in the UK: what do we know?

• 17 February 2020
• By Sally Hancock

This blog was kindly contributed by Dr Sally Hancock, Lecturer in Education at the University of York. This blog features some of her research supported by a Society for Higher Education Newer Researcher Award (reference: NR201609). The dataset was prepared for analysis by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

In recent decades, the number of PhDs awarded by universities has steadily and in some countries rapidly increased. Across the world, governments have invested in PhD education as part of a broader strategy to develop knowledge-based economies. This agenda, supported by organisations such as the OECD and World Bank, states that future national prosperity requires both the creation, application and dissemination of knowledge, and a supply of highly skilled workers.

In the UK, PhD holders are similarly valued for their ‘ vital contribution to British industrial performance and improved economic productivity ’. There has been considerable investment both in skills training to prepare PhDs for employment outside of academia and more recently, through the introduction of loans to attract more individuals to doctoral study. If the government is to achieve its ambition of increasing expenditure on research and development to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2027, it is estimated that a further 25,000 PhD students will need to be recruited.

The expansion in doctoral education has not been viewed positively by all. Some question whether there are already too many PhDs and ask whether there are sufficient employment opportunities outside of the academic sector. Several studies suggest that many PhD students continue to prefer academic employment , leading to harsh competition in the academic sector and frustrated ambitions. The mismatch between PhDs’ career expectations and realities has been cited as one of the factors underpinning the relatively poor mental health and wellbeing of this group.

The existing evidence on PhD employment is, however, relatively limited, as PhDs have historically received far less attention than undergraduates. Research suggests that PhD graduates enjoy both higher earnings and higher rates of skilled employment, but this varies significantly by field of study and national context. Developing a reliable evidence base for the UK context is therefore particularly important amid plans for further investment and growth. Over the last decade, reports by Vitae have demonstrated that a diminishing proportion of PhD graduates will secure academic employment. Nonetheless, there is a wealth of qualitative data which suggest the enduring preference of academic careers among PhDs, together with a reluctance to consider ‘alternative’ careers.

In an effort to better understand the outcomes of PhDs, and especially what happens to those who leave the academic sector, this new study made use of the best available data on PhD employment in the UK. These data are collected through the Destinations of Leavers of Higher Education Longitudinal Survey (Long DLHE) which records activity three-and-a-half years after graduation. While HESA does not regularly publish findings on PhD employment, DLHE data have been analysed for this purpose before, most notably by Vitae.

The dataset analysed for this study, however, was different in that it incorporated additional information on PhD holders’ academic and demographic characteristics, linked from the Student Record. Put simply, this allows PhD employment outcomes to be examined in relation to factors such as PhD subject and institution, prior qualifications, age, gender and ethnicity. In total, the dataset includes just under 5,000 UK PhD holders, who graduated in 2008/9 or 2010/11 (a response rate of 39.5 per cent)

Considering first the promises of the knowledge economy, the Long DLHE offers some optimistic indicators. PhD holders’ report higher average earnings than those with a first degree or Master’s only. However, there are notable variations in earnings by the subject, with Arts and Humanities PhD holders earning significantly less than all other subject areas. PhD graduates also report higher rates of skilled employment, though we should note that definitions of ‘skilled work’, and what counts as PhD-level skilled work in particular are highly contested.

Employment outcomes by sector

Turning to consider employment outcomes by sector, figure 1 demonstrates that the vast majority of UK PhD holders (70.1 per cent) have left the academic sector three-and-a-half years after graduation. Of those who remain in academia, one-third are undertaking research, while two-thirds occupy the role ‘higher education teaching professional’. This distinction is admittedly problematic in that it conflates those employed with teaching-only contracts with those in more conventional academic positions (combining teaching, research and administrative duties). Unfortunately, the Long DLHE data cannot generate a more detailed insight into the roles PhD holders are undertaking in academia.

Of those who have left academia, just over half (53.8 per cent) report that they are still engaged in research, with the rest (46.2 per cent) stating that they no longer undertake or work with research. Logistic regressions conducted to predict which PhD holders secure research roles outside academia suggest that PhDs from Russell Group institutions, scientific subject areas (biological sciences; biomedical sciences; physical sciences and engineering), and male PhD holders are significantly more likely to secure research employment. This suggests that while there is evidence of a science-focused knowledge economy in the UK, the recognition of Arts and Humanities and Social Science PhDs – and their research skills – across non-academic sectors is less clear. These findings also suggest that gender and institutional prestige are associated with forging a research career outside of the academy.

While the Long DLHE affords broad insights into the employment destinations of PhD holders, it ultimately provokes more questions than it can answer. Critically, the Long DLHE imparts very little on decision-making or other circumstantial factors that may explain why a particular career pathway unfolds as it does. Perhaps the observation that PhD graduates who are no longer employed in research, whether in academia or beyond, report significantly lower career satisfaction is evidence enough that withdrawing from research is not the intention for many.

If doctoral expansion and the policy promises underpinning this continues, it is vital for the UK to develop better methods to capture the contributions of PhD holders. Following the initiatives of other nations , stakeholders of the UK doctorate ought to prioritise longitudinal methods of data collection, which are rich on demographic and decision-making information.

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Appreciate the initiative and the mental wellbeing of the researchers.

This seems to be valuable as well as interesting research.

Does it imply that fewer people doing PhD’s in Arts subjects would be a good thing?

To be honest, if you look at the UK, having a PhD – unless you have one in the hard sciences – does not lead to higher earning potential. Experience counts the most and to give an example, my friends who did not always have degrees own houses etc. What is not factored in is the loss of 5 years earning potential at Masters to PhD level when other people are gaining experience. You have to be in a fairly decent position to get a house or have a partner earning a good salary (which you didn’t have to have in the past). Young academics are in their 30s, yet degree holders have had a decade to get promoted by the same point.

Although I left the country for a few years, my PhD was respected abroad (Social Sciences) but if you look at the data, a hell of a lot go into teaching. I find the Social PhD is so specialised, that not enough of the skills acquired are transferable. Also, the cost has to be factored in and I would say unless you are funded, it is not worth undertaking a PhD for any kind of financial gain. But I went in knowing this to some extent.

Work is being done to make PhD holders employable but depending on where you live, the jobs market may not cope with higher qualifications. I feel that unlike other countries, we do not celebrate the PhD because if it is not matched by a higher salary, your family will not respect you anymore so for having one.

Having worked with doctoral level students for some years in enterprise, they have tremendous potential but are typically located in highly academic environments where this is often not recognised. Add to this the very nature of a PhD, they often miss the opportunities to build and grow a business, or contribute to the growth of a small business. Entrepreneurial people, for example, have to make pressured decisions with incomplete evidence.

Thus joining the dots of a researcher’s competencies and aligning them to the interdisciplinary environments where team working is essential, has thus far demonstrated significant interest.

Sadly, I can count on one hand the people I know who are capable of doing this well.

I’m about to finish my PhD in STEM. As an international student and not having a good reason to stay in the UK like family, the only reason to stay here would be to find a decent research job. Is there any in the UK? Not the traditional tenure track role, but only doing research. Looking at the research job market in Germany for example, MPI or other research institutes offer so much that the UK has nothing to offer compared to them. I like staying but it look like the UK doesn’t have much to offer!

I’m from a working-class background born in the North West of England. I joined the British Army aged 16 without any school qualifications. During my active service career in the Parachute Regiment [serving two intense tours of Northern Ireland], I started taking photographs and began working as a unit photographer. After six years of military service, I left the British army to further my education and enrolled at the University of Brighton getting a 2:1 in editorial photography. Since graduating in the mid-1990s, I worked continually as a freelance photographer, working for national newspapers and magazines, at home and abroad In 2015, I took on a Ph.D. scholarship to better my life and yes, I did expect to get work or at least get on the ladder within an academic institution. I’ve applied for many posts since obtaining my Doctorate and have not got a single interview. The more rejections I get, the more it impacts my mental health and wellbeing. Only recently I applied for an associate lecturers position, at a London university where I have exhibited my photographs, even given lectures on my “professional practice” as a photographer in the past, and know many of the staff working at this university [of which I have contributed my photographs for there book publications]. What is most peculiar, is that I was given a job back in 2018 [when I was finishing my Ph.D. with minor corrections] as an associate lecturer at this very London university. They informed me months later that I was to be placed in the “talent pool”. Although after what seemed like treading water in this imaginary London university “talent pool” for months on end, I was not even called in for a lecture to students. But having a mostly stoic attitude to life, I, therefore, applied again for the same job as an “associate lecture” position at the very same London university. The most recent time I have been rejected, which was less than a few weeks ago [3 November 2021] weeks ago, the person whom I know at the photography department at this very London university kindly emailed me back [as I was slightly disgruntled from not even being asked in for an interview (yet again), but also given any feedback as to why I was not even given an interview despite having my all-singing Doctorate. This was their response: “We had almost 100 applications, all of which go to each of the six Course Leaders to shortlist, and that shortlist is dependent upon applicant’s skills but also have to marry to the Course needs for that year. I am not involved at that stage as it is at Course Level. When they have selected their shortlist according to their needs I do a quick check to make sure there are no conflict of interest or any anomalies – there were not – and then the interview processes begin. As you can see, it isn’t wholly on best qualified in general, rather who on that list is appropriately qualified and who directly fits the Course need. We only feedback in detail to those that were shortlisted – I know that is tricky for all other applicants – but that is the norm and with nigh on 100 applicants, you can see why. In terms of your own trajectory, the Ph.D. when shortlisting for established, rather than hourly-paid staff, is the gold standard. So it is worthwhile and I am sure worthwhile beyond the wholly instrumental. But I get the pragmatics and the frustrations. I do think being hourly-paid brings its own frustrations too… there are no hours guarantee and that can also lead to people understandably feeling undervalued. Some of our hourly paid will do only 15-20 hours across an entire year – that can be tough.”

In all honesty, I have to ask myself tirelessly, was six years of my life working on a Ph.D. to better my life, really worth it? Obviously, it’s marvelous that you can use “Dr” before your name, although many ignorant people [and there are many in the world] who unless you are a clinical Doctor, being a Doctor of Philosophy means nada. Which is a great shame and is a reflection of British society [I work for a veterans charity in the UK, who are clearly confused by all Doctors of Philosophy, and indeed philosophy in general terms, dare I even put it before my name, is a general feeling here].

Therefore I conclude: was doing a Ph.D. really worth it? Fineanchly no. My “scholarship” was 15 K a year. I don’t know why I put my own family through such heartache and pain. I even had to leave my home in England and move to Northern Ireland for the first year, which really impacted my young family. And to think that after all this heartache and struggling, I am struggling even more. I have to be both mindful & truthful here: the Jury is still out…

As a former Merchant Navy Officer and 12 years as a Bomber Command Navigator. I then worked as a Professional Navigator for Irish, and South African Airways. I finally Matriculated as a mature student at Oxford University in September 1979 and obtained a PHD in Astrophysics from Oxford in 1984. I then worked at the University of London Observatory at Mill Hill where I wrote the software for the Tycho project carried on the Hipparchos satellite of the European Space Agency. I also spent some time in industry as Principal Engineer in the advanced system study group at Racal Avionics, returning to lecture in aeronautics at London Guildhall University. As a Professional Navigator both at sea and in the air I am now a Member of The Royal Institute of Navigation. Publications: D Phil Thesis. (Including various astronomical papers.)

‘Some Aspects of Extra-Galactic Astrophysics’ Oxford University. 1983. Brasenose College.

The Numinous Legacy. Modern Cosmology and Religion. 2002. (see Amazon Books.)

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Studentships and doctoral training

Get a studentship to fund your doctorate.

UKRI studentships offer funding for doctoral research. They also offer you access to training, networking and development opportunities to help you build a research and innovation career.

Our expectations for research organisations, supervisors and students are set out in the statement of expectations for doctoral training .

You could get:

• a minimum stipend of £19,237 per year for your living costs, which is paid to you in regular instalments
• support for your tuition fees (minimum £4,786 per year)

The stipend is usually non-taxable and does not need to be paid back. Some research organisations may offer more if you study in London, or they or one of their collaborators might decide to top up the payment. This will be outlined in the studentship advert from the research organisation.

We normally pay the support for tuition fees directly to your research organisation.

The levels given here are for the academic year 2024 to 2025. UKRI’s approach to doctoral stipend and fee levels will be reviewed through the  new deal for postgraduate research .

Additional support for your doctoral studies

As a UKRI-funded doctoral student, you may be able to access additional funding to cover the cost of other related training and development opportunities.

This could include:

• conference attendance
• language training
• overseas research visits
• internships or placements with a non-academic partner

The availability of support will depend on the research organisation and the training grants they have on offer. You should contact the research organisation you are interested in applying to, to find out what you could get.

Extra support if you have a disability

If you have a disability, you may be entitled to a Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) on top of your studentship.

You should speak to your research organisation’s disability advisor to assess your needs. They can help put the right support in place, including a DSA application if necessary. You cannot claim DSA directly from UKRI.

DSA helps to cover the cost of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result of a disability, mental health problem or specific learning difficulty.

The allowance covers:

• non-medical personal assistance
• specialist equipment
• extra travel costs
• general expenses

Find out more about DSA in our framework .

If you are a research organisation you can download claim forms and guidance for DSA .

Who can apply

Any prospective doctoral student wishing to study at a UK research organisation, including prospective international students, can apply for a UKRI studentship.

All UKRI-funded doctoral students will be eligible for the full award, both the stipend to support living costs, and home-level fees at the UK research organisation rate.

How to find opportunities

Many UK research organisations offer some form of studentship funding from UKRI. These opportunities will depend on the subject you want to study and will normally be advertised by the research organisations.

Research organisations may have additional opportunities that do not involve UKRI. UKRI supports around 20% of all UK-based postgraduate researchers. You should speak to the research organisation you are interested in to find out what studentships are available.

You could also consider using a specialist website like   FindaPhD  to look for opportunities.

When to apply

Research organisations set their own deadlines for applications.

Many open for applications early in the academic year and close in January or February. This is not a hard and fast rule. It is important that you check the deadlines for the research organisation where you want to study.

How to apply

You cannot apply to UKRI for a studentship. You must contact the research organisation you are interested in studying with and use their application process.

For doctoral students who are already studying with a studentship, there are opportunities to get additional funding to support placements that are separate from your doctorate.  Find training and development opportunities .

Last updated: 14 February 2024

This is the website for UKRI: our seven research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Let us know if you have feedback or would like to help improve our online products and services .

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I’m an international student, can I work while I’m studying?

Working part-time as a student can help you to develop a number of useful skills, alongside studying for your degree. If you are on a Student visa, you must follow certain rules if you wish to work throughout your studies, depending on your level of study.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students doing a full-time degree , can  work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time , and c an work full-time during University vacation periods.

Masters students

Masters students on a Student visa can work a maximum of 20 hours during the summer period  as this time is when you should be completing your dissertation, so it doesn't count as vacation time. This means you're limited to the 20 hours per week during the summer period and up until after the end date listed on your CAS (even if you've already handed in your dissertation before this date). If you're on a Student visa, there are reasons why the standard end date of 30 September benefits you:

• It means that your course at King’s covers 12 calendar months. As a result, you get a 4-month “wrap-up” period at the end of your visa. This allows you to work full-time, and also gives you time to switch to another visa (e.g. the Graduate route). If your course was shorter than 12 months, you'd only have 2 months to “wrap-up”.
• The 4-month period that expires at the end of January the following year should also cover the winter graduation ceremony, so you don’t usually need a new visa to attend this.  

You can check the  Academic Calendar for more information on term time dates for each Faculty and Department.

PhD students

As you work throughout the year, term time dates don't apply to you so you're limited to 20 hours per week while you're completing your PhD. You should be entitled to 8 weeks of annual leave, and you can work more than 20 hours during your annual leave periods.

Important to know : annual leave needs to be officially agreed with your supervisor.

Part-time students

Students on a part-time Student visa are not permitted to work in term time, vacations or, on non-work placements.

Students can undertake any sort of work apart from the following:

• Be self-employed or engage in business activity; or
• Work as a professional sportsperson (including as a sports coach); or
• Work as an entertainer; or
• Work in a position that would fill a permanent full-time vacancy
• We can't produce a letter that states your working conditions and when you're able to work full-time. It's your employer's responsibility to check your right to work through the Government's website .
• Through Student Services Online , you can request a letter that states the university's term time dates.

Important to know:

• If you are unsure of how many hours you are able to work during your studies, your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will also state the maximum amount of hours you are able to work while studying.
• You’ll be told what you can and cannot do on a Student visa, once your visa application has been approved.

If your course is longer than 12 months, y our student visa is likely  continue for up to 4 months after your course end date. Your end date will be:

• Undergraduate: the end of the summer term as specified in the Academic Calendar
• Postgraduate taught: the course end date listed on your CAS
• Postgraduate research: the award date of your PhD (as confirmed by the Research Degrees team)

When you reach your course end date, you can start working full-time until your visa expiry date, for a maximum period of 4 months. Therefore, it's important that  before  you reach your visa expiry date/the 4 month period after your course end date, you apply to switch into another immigration category. Otherwise, you'll have to leave the UK. During this 4 month period, you may have the option to switch to another visa which permits you to work in the UK after your Student visa or Tier 4 visa expires. You can see more information on the different options on the UKCISA website .

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Student Services

Working Hours and Eligibility

Information about how many hours you can work each week in term time and vacation periods and working on campus after you graduate

How many hours can I work each week?

Most students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week in term time and a maximum of 48 hours per week outside of term time. The table below shows the weekly maximum working hours for most students, but this can vary depending on your personal circumstances.

How can I check my term dates?

Term dates for standard degree programme are available on the University Regulations web page. Some degree programmes have non-standard term dates such as Medical and Dentistry degree programmes .  Check with your school office for the term dates for your degree programme.  Please note if your vacation period starts on a weekend you will be eligible to work full time from the following Monday.   

Why you may be showing no/reduced available working hours:

You must be registered as a student for the academic year in which the work is planned. Ensure you register on S3P as soon as you can to make sure that you will have available hours in the Manage Student Work app.

You may have existing work assignments booked in the Manage Student Work app which will reduce your hours available.  You should contact your manager or the department you are working for if you wish to change your allocated hours.

If you have withdrawn from your studies you cannot continue to work as a student and working hours will not be available to assign for you in the Manage Student Work app.

If you have checked these details but still have questions about your available hours, please email [email protected]

Working on Student Visa

Your visa status will show if you are allowed to work during your studies and any restrictions. Most visas will allow up to 20 hours per week work in term time, and full time work outside of term time, in line with the university policy for student workers. You cannot work more hours than allowed under your visa conditions  or  beyond the expiry of your visa.

If you have applied for your new visa and still await the outcome, please email  [email protected]   with your Unique Application Reference for advice.  Once you receive your new visa please email  [email protected]

It is your responsibility to ensure that you do not work more than that allowed under your visa conditions, including unpaid work and any work off campus. 

When can I work full time?

Most students can work a maximum of 48 hours per week outside of term time. The table above shows the weekly maximum working hours for most students, but this can vary depending on your personal circumstances.

Undergraduate students can work full time once your student record is updated to show that you have successfully completed.  The app will update to allow full time hours up until 31 October following graduation.

Students without visa restrictions can work full time when their status shows that they have taken an interruption of studies.

Postgraduate Taught students in their final year are in term time during the summer vacation and so can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during this time. Once your student record is updated to show that you have successfully completed the app will update to allow full time hours up until 31 January following graduation. If there is a gap between the student record update and you having handed in your dissertation, then you may be able to work full time. Please contact your school office to ask them to email  [email protected]  with confirmation that your studies are complete.

I am a Postgraduate Research Student...

Student visa holders are limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week until your student record is updated to show that you have successfully completed your degree programme after submission of your hardbound thesis.

Students without visa restrictions, can work full time when their status updates to ‘Under Examination’.

If you are a student without visa restrictions you may be able to work full time if you submit a holiday request which is approved by your school. Holidays are requested by completing a ‘Student Notice of Absence form’ (on S3P) and selecting ‘holiday’ as the reason for absence. You can read the  Policy for Holiday Entitlement for Postgraduate Research Students here .

Under Examination

If you are a Postgraduate Research student who is under examination and want to work on campus, you must be registered for the current academic year before work can be allocated.  You will need to email the Research Student Support team at [email protected] who can check your details and register you for the year (if applicable).

• PhD Salary in UK – Explained
• Funding a PhD

What Are PhD Salaries?

The average cost of undertaking a PhD in the UK is approximately £20,000 per academic year for UK students and £40,000 for international students. To help offset the cost of this, many students question whether undertaking a doctorate comes with a PhD salary.

The salary of a PhD student is governed by three factors: whether they’re assisting in undergraduate teaching, assisting in research, or have secured a PhD with a stipend. Depending on which of the three categories a student falls within, they will receive an income during their studies, however, the amount will differ by a substantial amount.

To help show you how you can fund your postgraduate degree and how much you can expect to earn whilst doing so, carry on reading below.

Types of PhD Salaries

There are three types of PhD degree salaries:

• Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTAs) . In exchange for a salary, you’ll be required to assist in the delivery of one or more courses over a number of years. This includes, but is not limited to, marking student tutorials, supervising lab experiments and providing support to undergraduates during office hours. Besides this, you may have to teach a small section of the course itself. You can discover more about GTAs on King’s College London’s website.
• Research Assistantships (RAs) . In exchange for a salary, you assist a departmental professor with their research. In the ideal scenario, the professor you work with should also be your PhD supervisor and the research you’re asked to support with relates to your own doctoral project.
• Stipend via Studentship: A stipend is a non-repayable grant provided to doctoral students to help support their studies. A studentship covers a student’s tuition fees whilst a stipend covers a PhD student’s living costs. This includes outgoings such as rent, food, bills and basic travel. Unlike Graduate Teaching or Research Assistantships, stipends rarely have duties attached to them. The only expectation of receiving a stipend will be that you maintain continuous progress within your degree.

It’s worth noting these earning opportunities can be also be combined. For example, it’s possible to be a research assistant whilst also committing time to teach undergraduate students.

Average PhD Salary in UK

The average PhD student salary for teaching assistantships will vary depending on the level of responsibility you’re taking. However, to provide figures, past doctoral students have reported receiving approx. £10/hr for marking tutorials, £15/hr for leading laboratory sessions and up to £20/hr for leading undergraduate classes and tutorials.

The actual amount you can earn from teaching assistance will depend on the rate your department offers and the hours you can realistically take on. If you’re on a Graduate Teaching Assistantship programme, they will require you to dedicate a set number of hours per week. If you’re not on a GTA but would still like to earn an income through this scheme, you will likely need to commit several hours per week consistently. Although this can be a great way to earn whilst you study, you need to make sure you manage your time effectively as to not become overwhelmed by taking on an additional commitment.

The average salary for research assistantships will vary depending on the field of the doctoral degree you are enrolled in. Usually, these positions pay between £25,000 to £30,000 per year, however, it’s possible to come across positions which sit slightly outside of this. As a general rule of thumb, STEM assistors are paid more than non-STEM assistors.

In the UK, PhD students can receive a stipend which varies between £15,000 and £18,000 per annum. As part of the studentship your stipend is provided under, your tuition fees will also be paid for. UK tuition fees will vary between universities but are approximately £4,500 per year for doctoral courses starting in 2021/22 as per the UKRI recommendations .

Although £15,000 to £18,000 per year is the typical range for a stipend, some can be far greater than this. For example, Wellcome Trust , a research-charity based in London, offers an annual stipend of up to £23,300 and £26,000 for doctoral students located outside and within London, respectively.

Are PhD Salaries Taxed?

PhD stipends are tax free. Therefore, you don’t need to pay any income tax nor do you need to make any national insurance contributions. This means you’ll keep all the money you receive from an annual stipend. However, this is not the case for Research Assistants.

In the UK, Research Assistants are employed as university staff members and are paid a direct salary as opposed to a stipend. As a result, it will require you to pay tax on your earnings and make national insurance contributions.

To put this into perspective, for the 2019/20 UK tax year, you’re required to pay a 20% tax on any income above £12,500 but less than £50,000. You’re also required to make national insurance contributions of 12% of your weekly earnings over £166 but less than £962. This means that an annual Research Assistantship salary of £30,000 will equate to a take-home salary of £23,938 per year.

How to Get a PhD Stipend

To find research positions which offer stipends, we recommend you search our PhD database and filter by ‘funded’ positions.

Besides this, you can also secure a studentship from UK Research Councils or directly from your university as a scholarship. Independent organisations, such as charities and research trusts, and innovative firms within your industry also offer funding. You can read our PhD studentship guide to see how these work or our Where to find a PhD guide for further ideas.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How to Get a Research Assistantship PhD

Unfortunately, research assistantships opportunities aren’t as common to come across compared to PhD stipends. Besides this, when they are available, they’re predominantly in STEM subjects such as computer science and engineering. The reason for this is these subjects usually have access to greater research grants and have a greater volume of practical work available.

To find a research assistantship, we recommend that you contact the university departments who host the courses you’re interested in directly. This is because research assistantships help professors with their research, and while they may require help, they may not be openly advertising for it. They may, therefore, be able to create a role for you within their department or put you into contact with one of their colleagues who already has an open position.

International Students

It’s worth noting that international students will have a harder time securing a funded PhD position than UK ‘home’ students will. This is largely because there are usually fewer funding opportunities available to international students, which as a result also attract significant competition.

Besides this, if you’re an international student studying in the UK you will most likely than not be on a Tier 4 visa. Although a Tier 4 visa will allow you to work to earn an additional income alongside any studentship you may have, there will be certain restrictions on what you can and can’t do. For example, during term-time, you won’t be allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. For a full list of restrictions, please refer to the government website.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

PhD student James Madeley awarded Internet Society fellowship

Computer Science PhD student James Madeley will spend the next six months working on an exciting project with the Internet Society after being awarded a fellowship.

Computer Science PhD student James Madeley recently celebrated success after being awarded the Pulse Research Fellowship from the Internet Society.

James, who studied his bachelor's degree in Computer Science and is currently in the third year of his doctoral degree, both at Loughborough University, will be working with the Internet Society Pulse Research team to develop his project titled: LocalViz: Measuring and Visualizing Internet Traffic Locality.

Talking about the announcement, James said: "I was thrilled to find out that I was awarded the fellowship. The Internet Society does a lot of great work, so being able to take part in research working towards their 50/50 Vision is an exciting prospect."

James' project will focus on measuring how much internet traffic remains in the country it originates from. He will aim to measure how much traffic a country produces, where this traffic goes, and how the results can be clearly communicated. James explains that this is key because local traffic is cheaper, faster, and leads to improved resilience.

He added: "For example, if you are accessing government or news websites from your own country, it makes sense to go direct to the data, rather than sending the data across expensive international links to end up back in the country you started from. This is easily done in countries with lots of infrastructure but can be very challenging in countries that are less developed. Understanding the current state of traffic is a key step towards increasing locality for countries that need it most."

James said he is excited to be working on a project that aligns with Loughborough's strategic theme of creating 'vibrant and inclusive communities' and its overall strategy of ' Creating Better Futures. Together. '

James explains: "My project fits perfectly within this strategy, aiming to deliver meaningful and impactful research that can go on to provide global benefits. Understanding the current state of traffic on the Internet is crucial to shaping how it develops and, although a six-month fellowship is only a small part of the bigger picture, Loughborough is a fitting place to start such a journey."

James hopes to publish at least one academic paper during his fellowship and will provide updates through blog posts as the project progresses, as well as creating measurement tools and a visualisation platform that can be used by the Internet Society for their longer-term research goals.

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• Education, training and skills
• Funding and finance for students
• Student loans
• Scottish student loans: a guide to terms and conditions

Student loans: a guide to terms and conditions 2024 to 2025

Updated 6 April 2024

Applies to Scotland

© Crown copyright 2024

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/scottish-student-loans-a-guide-to-terms-and-conditions/student-loans-a-guide-to-terms-and-conditions-2024-to-2025

1. What’s this guide about?

This guide is for students who take out a student loan for an undergraduate, postgraduate or Initial Teacher Training course. It explains what you’re committing to when you take out a loan.

It’s important you read this guide carefully as it contains information about the current terms of your loan. Please save a copy.

You’ll find full details of the conditions for getting student loans in the relevant Student Support Regulations.

The conditions for repaying your loan are included in the Repayment of Student Loans (Scotland) Regulations 2000 and the Education (Student Loans) (Repayment) Regulations 2009, as amended.

You can read these regulations online at www.legislation.gov.uk or order them from The Stationery Office by calling 0333 202 5070 or going to www.tsoshop.co.uk

The regulations may change from time to time, which means the terms of your loan may also change. This guide will be updated to reflect any changes, so you should make sure you have the most up-to-date version.

1.1 Further information

If you still have questions about the terms of your loan after reading this guide, go to www.gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan

2. Your loan contract

When you take out a student loan you must agree to repay your loan in line with the regulations that apply at the time the repayments are due, subject to the regulations being amended from time to time.

Your loan contract is with the Scottish Ministers. The Student Loans Company Limited ( SLC ), which is a non-profit government organisation, is acting as an agent on their behalf.

3. Who does what?

3.1 student loans company ( slc ).

SLC is responsible for:

paying the loans for English, Welsh, Northern Irish, Scottish and EU students

managing your account, including adding interest, applying repayments collected through the UK tax system and refunding any over-repayments

collecting repayments from overseas repayers

answering questions about your loan

3.2 HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC )

HMRC collects student loan repayments from employers through the UK tax system. If you’re self-employed, you’ll repay through Self Assessment when you complete your tax return.

3.3 Your employer

Your employer collects student loan repayments on behalf of HMRC directly from your salary at the same time as tax and National Insurance.

If you have any questions about how your repayments are collected through the tax system, you should speak to your employer.

3.4 Sharing information

HMRC can legally give SLC information about your repayments, but they won’t give SLC any information about your tax arrangements, as these are confidential.

Also, neither your employer nor HMRC will receive any details about your student loan, other than that you have a loan.

4. Your responsibilities

4.1 you need to provide complete and correct information.

When you apply for a loan, you must give us complete and accurate information, so that we can collect repayments when they’re due. You must tell SLC about any changes to these details:

during the application process

while you’re at university or college

until you’ve repaid your loan in full

If you don’t give SLC accurate and up-to-date information, you may have to pay a penalty charge or repay the loan and any interest and penalties in one lump sum.

You must also let SLC (if you’re no longer studying) or SAAS (if you’re still studying) know if you:

change your name, phone number or the details of the bank or building society account that your loan is paid into

change your university, college or course

get a bursary, healthcare award or scholarship (for example, a Department of Health bursary)

change any address you have provided

know that the start or end dates of your course have changed

don’t begin to study, leave your course or are expelled

are absent from your course for more than 60 days because of illness

are absent for a period for any reason other than illness

get married

plan to leave the country

change your employment status (for example from employed to self employed)

You must provide your National Insurance number ( NINO ) when you apply. SLC can’t process your application without this, unless you’re a student who doesn’t have a NINO . Students who do have a NINO should provide it when they apply. SLC will confirm the NINO with the Department for Work and Pensions to avoid fraudulent applications.

HMRC will also need these details so that they can collect your repayments. If you don’t have a NINO or you’ve lost it, you should call the National Insurance helpline on 0300 200 3500.

Repayments collected by your employer will be shown on your payslip. You should keep a record of these repayments so you know how much of your loan you’ve paid back.

If you enter into a loan agreement with SLC before you turn 18 years old, you’ll be asked to ‘ratify’ the agreement(s) once you turn 18. To ratify your loan means you will formally declare that you entered into the loan agreement. If you don’t do this, you won’t be able to get any more student finance after you turn 18. Once you’re 18 or over, you’ll ratify any loan agreement that you entered into before you turned 18 when you agree to the terms and conditions for any further student finance.

4.2 You need to repay your loan

By law, you must repay your loan in line with the loan contract and the regulations. For most people, repayments will be collected through the UK tax system by employers taking amounts from their salary through the Pay as You Earn ( PAYE ) system. If you’re self assessed, for example if you’re self-employed, you’ll make repayments through Self Assessment at the same time you pay tax. If you live abroad, you’ll repay your loan directly to SLC . Section 6 describes this process in more detail.

4.3 Loan liabilities

Becoming ‘liable’ for all or part of your loan means that any payments paid to you or to your university or college will be added to your loan balance. This means that when you’ve finished or left your course, you’ll need to start repaying that amount and the interest that has accrued. You’ll be liable for any loan paid to you regardless of whether you finish your course or gain a qualification.

4.4 Living-cost loans

Living-cost loans are paid directly to you in monthly instalments. You’ll become liable for each instalment once it’s paid.

4.5 Tuition Fees

If you’re eligible and studying in Scotland, SAAS will pay your tuition fees to your university or college. If you want to study at a university or college elsewhere in the UK, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan. Your Tuition Fee Loan will be paid directly to your university or college in one instalment, once they’ve confirmed you’ve registered on 1 December. If you withdraw before 1 December, no Tuition Fee Loan will be paid.

If you transfer to a new university or college during term one, your Tuition Fee Loan will be paid to whichever university or college you were attending on 1 December 2024. This date may be different if your course does not start in the autumn.

5. Your repayment plan

If your loan was taken out with SAAS , your plan type is repayment plan 4.

Repayments are based on your income, not what you borrow.

5.1 When you’ll repay

You’ll be due to start repaying your loan the April after you finish or leave your course.

You’ll only start making repayments when your income is over the repayment threshold, which is currently £31,395 a year, £2,616 a month or £604 a week in the UK.

If your income falls below the repayment threshold, repayments will stop and only restart when your income is over the threshold again.

This threshold will be increased in future years.

You can also make additional voluntary repayments to SLC at any time.

5.2 What you’ll repay

You’ll repay 9% of your income over the repayment threshold. If your income changes, either rising or falling, your repayment amounts will automatically change to reflect this.

Repayment plan 4

5.3 repaying if you earn below the threshold.

If you’re employed and your annual income is below the repayment threshold, you could still make student loan repayments if your income goes above the weekly or monthly threshold at any time. For example, if you work extra hours or get a bonus, this could take your pay above the threshold for that week or month.

You can get a refund of these repayments at the end of the tax year, but only if your annual income was less than the annual repayment threshold for your loan. This doesn’t happen automatically, so you’ll need to contact SLC if you’d like a refund.

5.4 Making extra repayments

You can make voluntary repayments at any time.

However, any voluntary repayments you make won’t affect the amount collected through the tax system. So, if you’re employed, your employer will still have to take the usual amount from your salary.

If you’re overseas, making additional voluntary repayments will not affect the amount that you’re required to repay each month.

If you repay through Self Assessment, you’ll still have to repay the amount due based on your income for the year.

You can’t get a refund of any amounts you repay voluntarily, unless you’ve finished paying off your loan and have repaid too much.

Find out how you can make voluntary repayments at www.gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan

5.5 How much interest you’ll be charged

You’ll be charged interest on your loan from the day we make your first payment to you or to your university or college until it’s been repaid in full or cancelled. We calculate the interest daily and apply it to your balance each month – this is known as ‘compound interest’.

The interest rate is based on the Retail Price Index, or RPI, which is a measure of inflation. It measures changes to the cost of living in the UK.

The interest rate will be the RPI of the previous March, or 1% above the highest base rate of a nominated group of banks (Bank Base Rate), whichever is lower.

You can find the most accurate and up-to-date information on interest rates at www.gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan

6. How you’ll repay

Repayments will be collected through the UK tax system if you’re employed or through Self Assessment if you’re self-employed.

6.1 What happens when you’re employed

If you’re an employee paying UK tax, your employer will take repayments from your pay, along with tax and National Insurance. You will see the deductions on your payslip.

SLC will tell HMRC when you’ve finished or left your course and give them details such as your name and National Insurance number. HMRC will check to see if you’re working and if you are, they’ll tell your employer that you have a loan (but not how much you owe).

You should also inform your new employer that you have a student loan.

6.2 How employers know how much to deduct from your pay

HMRC will provide guidance to employers, including the repayment thresholds for each plan type, so they know how much to take from your pay.

If your pay is above the repayment threshold for your loan, your employer will take repayments and pass them to HMRC . HMRC will send this information to SLC , who’ll then update your account.

SLC will make sure the correct amount of interest is charged to your account, so you won’t be charged any extra interest even if your repayment details take some time to reach SLC .

It’s important to understand repayments taken by your employer will be worked out on individual pay periods – not on your total income for a whole year. By pay period, we mean how often you get paid. So if you’re paid monthly, repayments will be calculated and deducted each month. This means that if your income varies each month, you could pay back more some months than others.

6.3 What happens if you change jobs

When you change jobs, your previous employer may give you a P45 with a ‘Y’ in the student loan box. If your income is above the repayment threshold, your new employer will start to make student loan deductions from your pay. If you don’t have a P45, your employer may ask you to fill in a starter checklist, which has a tick box to show that you have a student loan. You must either tick the box or advise your new employer you have a student loan.

If your repayments don’t start when they should, you should let your employer know. If the problem continues, you should contact SLC with your new employer’s details, such as their name and address, their PAYE Reference and your payroll number. This information can be found on your payslip, P60 or by speaking to your payroll department.

If you’re self-employed, HMRC will be able to tell you how you should repay. If you’re working outside the UK for more than 3 months, please see section 6.7 for information on how to make repayments.

6.4 What happens if your employer goes out of business or doesn’t pay your deductions to HMRC

As long as you have evidence that deductions have been taken, such as your payslips, SLC will credit the full amount of the repayments to your account.

6.5 What happens if you’re self-employed

If you’re self-employed, you’ll send HMRC a tax return each year under the Self Assessment ( SA ) system. How much you repay will be taken as part of your SA bill for tax. The student loan repayment will be based on your gross annual income (including things like occupational pensions) over the threshold for your loan.

6.6 If you’re employed and self-employed

If you’re employed and self-employed at the same time, you may have to make some loan repayments when you complete your tax return, as well as those taken by your employer.

You can claim credit in your tax return for any student loan amounts your employer has already taken during the year, so you don’t repay too much.

Like PAYE , the SA system will work out your loan repayments based on your income above the threshold for your loan. Any SA payment will be due on 31 January following the tax year of your assessment. You can find information on how to fill in your SA return in the guidance and booklets provided by HMRC .

If you pay UK tax and you get a Self Assessment tax return, you should use this to declare student loan repayments. You must fill this form in correctly and return it on time. You must also pay your tax and student loan repayment on time.

If you don’t do this, you may have to pay interest and financial penalties. This is because student loans will be treated in the same way as tax for the purposes of this form.

6.7 What happens if you travel or work overseas

If you don’t pay UK tax or you plan to leave the UK for more than 3 months at any point after you finish or leave your course (whether this is temporarily or because you will live in another country), you’ll make repayments directly to SLC . You must let SLC know before you leave the UK. If you don’t, they can charge penalties on your loan and where necessary, ask you to repay the full amount of loan plus interest and penalties in one lump sum.

SLC will ask for details of your income and will work out how much you should repay each month. They’ll change your income into pounds sterling and tell you the amount you need to repay each month in pounds sterling. You’ll be responsible for any costs involved in converting the currency and you’ll have to pay any fees your bank charges to transfer funds to SLC .

As you would in the UK, you’ll repay 9% of your income over the repayment thresholds for plan 1 and plan 2 loans and 6% of your income over the threshold for Postgraduate Loan. But because of differences in living costs, the repayment threshold SLC applies in another country could be different from the UK threshold.

6.8 Fixed repayment rate

If you don’t give SLC details of your income, you may be charged a fixed amount depending on where you live, which may be higher than the repayment amount due based on your actual income. If you don’t repay this amount, SLC may take legal action against you.

6.9 When your loans will be cancelled

There are circumstances where your student loan may be cancelled and you’ll never have to pay it back, such as if you die before you pay the loan off or if you become disabled and permanently unfit for work.

Your loan will also be cancelled after a certain period of time if you’ve not already paid it off in full. The length of time depends on the rules at the time you took out your loan.

If you took out the loan before 1 August 2007, your outstanding loan balance plus any interest will be cancelled when you reach the age of 65, or 30 years after the April when you first became due to start making repayments, whichever is first.

If you took out the loan on or after 1 August 2007, your outstanding loan balance plus any interest will be cancelled 30 years after the April when you first became due to start making repayments.

You must have made all repayments based on your income until that date. If not, in certain circumstances, SLC may recover any amounts you still owe up to that date.

6.10 What happens if you don’t make repayments

By law, you must repay your loan in line with the loan contract and regulations. If you don’t make repayments, SLC have the right to take legal action to recover your debt. This means SLC can get a Court Order to make you repay the total debt plus interest and penalties in a single payment.

This can be enforced through the courts as a civil debt, whether you’re in the UK or living abroad, and you’ll be responsible for all costs, including legal costs.

6.11 Coming to the end of repaying your loan

If you’re within 4 to 23 months of repaying your loan, you should change to repaying by Direct Debit. We recommend changing to Direct Debit so you don’t repay more than you owe and have to get a refund.

You need to keep us up to date with your contact details. This will allow us to contact you about setting up a Direct Debit.

You can update your details online at www.gov.uk/sign-in-to-manage-your-student-loan-balance

6.12 If you’ve paid back too much

We’ll try to contact you if you’ve repaid more than you owe, so it’s important that your contact details are kept up to date.

Make sure your address, email address, and mobile number are correct on your account by logging in at www.gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan

If you have a credit balance when your loan has been repaid in full, interest will be paid at the rate of RPI or 1% above the Bank Base Rate, whichever is lower. Interest will accrue at RPI or 1% above the Bank Base Rate for a maximum of 60 days from the date we let you know about your overpayment. If you’re refunded within this 60 days, interest will stop accruing on the day you’re refunded.

6.13 Getting a refund

If you’re due a refund and you haven’t claimed this, we may try to refund your bank account directly.

7. What to do if you’re not satisfied

7.1 complaints.

If you’re not satisfied with the level of service you’ve received, you should contact SLC to register a complaint. You can do so by:

calling 0300 100 0601

emailing [email protected]

writing to: Customer Relations Unit, Student Loans Company, 10 Clyde Place, Glasgow, G5 8DF

If you’ve used this procedure and are still not satisfied, you can have your complaint reviewed by an Independent Assessor.

7.2 Appeals

If you think a decision we’ve made in relation to your funding application is wrong, you have the right to appeal. An appeal is a formal request to Student Awards Agency Scotland asking us to review our decision on your entitlement to student finance.

If you wish to appeal against our refusal to award you student funding or you disagree with how we’ve calculated your funding, you can appeal by going to www.saas.gov.uk

8. Useful Contacts

If you want more information about repayment, go to www.gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan or call 0300 100 0611.

8.1 If you live in Scotland

You can also get information about applying for loans from the Student Awards Agency Scotland ( SAAS ). You’ll find details for SAAS at www.saas.gov.uk

For general questions, call 0300 555 0505 between 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday.

8.2 If you’re an EU student

You should call SAAS on +44 300 555 0505.

8.3 HM Revenue & Customs

Once you’ve started to repay your loan, if you have any questions about how your repayments are collected through the tax system, you should speak to either your employer or contact HMRC using the numbers listed at www.hmrc.gov.uk/local

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Ghanaian PhD Researcher Ebenezer Yeboah Opens Up About His Achievements At Coventry University In UK

• Ghanaian PhD researcher Ebenezer Akore Yeboah has discussed his remarkable accomplishments in the UK
• His research work at Coventry University garnered commendation from the prestigious Royal College of Nursing (RCN)
• In an exclusive interview with YEN.com.gh, the former T I Ahmadiyya Senior High School-Kumasi and KNUST student expressed profound excitement about his achievements

PAY ATTENTION : Read YEN News now on Facebook Broadcast Channel. Click and follow now!

Ghanaian PhD researcher Ebenezer Akore Yeboah has opened up about recognition from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) for his research work at Coventry University in the UK.

In an exclusive interview with YEN.com.gh , Yeboah disclosed that the university awarded him a fully funded doctoral degree, which led to the RCN commendation.

Yeboah, 27 , said he’s also been nominated as the 2024 Postgraduate Researcher of the Year at Coventry University , adding to his Royal College of Nursing Early Career Researcher of the Year milestone.

Otumfuo: Video of Asantehene's youngest son having fun time with his mates at school pops up

“I researched measures to reduce the waste of single-use plastics, properly sort waste, and reduce power consumption. The research title is Nursing in the Context of Climate Change and Sustainability, and it looks to help healthcare workers reduce their healthcare carbon footprint,” Yeboah told YEN.com.gh .

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How Yeboah feels about his achievements

When asked about how he feels about his achievements and what he thinks of the future, Yeboah said:

“It’s an honour. This is an indication that my research work is internationally and externally recognised. Hopefully, this work will support existing evidence of climate change actions. It will be replicated in other parts of the world so that we can all protect the planet for future generations and finally make me an expert in my research area. I must repeat that it’s been a beautiful journey,” he said.

Ghanaian lecturer buys flight ticket for his TA to travel and study in US

The research work of the Adansi Apagya Roman Catholic Junior High School (JHS) and T I Ahmadiyya Senior High School-Kumasi alumnus earned him recognition and involvement in an international conference from the RCN.

Yeboah bagged a BSc in nursing from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) before pursuing higher education in the UK.

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Minister Miller issues statement on international student allocations for provinces and territories

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement

Ottawa, April 5, 2024— The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, issued the following statement:

“On January 22, I announced a national cap on study permit applications to address the rapid increase of international students in Canada. Provincial and territorial allocations for 2024 have now been finalized. I would like to take this opportunity to share those figures and explain how we made these decisions.

Net zero first year growth model

“The national cap is based on the amount of expiring study permits this year. This means that the number of international students coming to Canada in 2024 should be the same as the number of students whose permits expire this year. For 2024, the target is 485,000 approved study permits.

“About 20% of students apply for an extension each year and remain in the country. Therefore, IRCC subtracted that amount (97,000) from the target of 485,000 and set aside a small buffer to allow for other variations, resulting in a revised target of 364,000 approved study permits in 2024.

“Accordingly, based on the national approval rate of 60% for study permit applications, the target of 364,000 approved study permits translates into a cap of 606,000 study permit applications received for 2024.

“Some international students are exempt from the cap, such as primary and secondary school students and master’s or doctoral degree students. IRCC deducted the estimated volume of these groups (140,000 based on 2023 data) from the 2024 target number of approved study permits. This resulted in a target of 236,000 approved study permits for 2024, which converts to roughly 393,000 study permit applications to be allocated.

Finalizing provincial and territorial allocations

“IRCC distributed the adjusted number of study permit applications, 393,000, based on the population share of each province and territory. Under this model, some provinces and territories would get more students in 2024 than in 2023, while others would see fewer new students.

“For provinces that would receive more international students in 2024 than in 2023 based on population share, we adjusted their allocation to limit growth to 10% compared to 2023.

“For provinces that would receive fewer international students in 2024 than in 2023, we adjusted their allocation to lessen the negative impact in the first year and support broader regional immigration goals.

“IRCC also topped up allocations for provinces whose approval rate was lower than 60%. The top­-ups will help provinces with lower approval rates reach their expected number of approved study permits in 2024.

“As a result, a total of about 552,000 study permit applications have been allocated to provinces and territories under the national cap. These allocations are expected to yield approximately 292,000 approved study permits, representing a 28% reduction from 2023 for the groups included under the cap.

“Many variables may influence the number of new international students who arrive in Canada in 2024, for example

• provinces and territories with room to grow may not end up using their full allocations
• approval rates may change
• in-year adjustments may be required

“These results will help me make decisions on allocations for 2025. I have included the full allocation model below.

“We will continue to work collaboratively with provinces and territories to strengthen the International Student Program and to provide international students with the supports they need to succeed in Canada.”

Allocation model

For further information (media only), please contact:

Bahoz Dara Aziz Press Secretary Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

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