UK UKRI PhD stipend increase from October 2026

The UK’s main public research funder, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will raise the minimum annual PhD stipend for UKRI-funded doctoral students to £21,805 from 1 October 2026, up from £20,780. The change matters for Indian students because many UK university PhD offers—especially UKRI Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs)—benchmark funding against the UKRI minimum rate.

Check: Top PhD universities in UK

What’s changing?

UKRI’s published stipend table shows the updated rates effective from 1 October 2026:

• Minimum stipend: £20,780 → £21,805
• London-weighted stipend: £22,780 → £23,805
• Minimum fee contribution to universities (2026–27): £5,238 (UKRI contribution towards tuition at the “home” fee level)

Independent reporting on the announcement describes it as a 4.9% increase for the 2026–27 academic year, following an 8% rise that took effect in October 2025.

Impact on Indian PhD applicants

For Indian students applying to UK PhD programmes (including those seeking scholarships), this update has practical knock-on effects:

• Funding expectations: If a university advertises a “UKRI-rate” studentship, the baseline living support is now clearer for cohorts starting in the 2026–27 cycle.
• London vs rest of UK: Applicants considering London should factor the London-weighted stipend figure when comparing offers.
• Offer letters and budgeting: Even when you’re not directly funded by UKRI, many universities and funders use the UKRI minimum as a reference point for stipends and budgeting.

If you’re applying for 2026 intake or later, ask the department/scholarship office whether your funding is “UKRI minimum stipend aligned” and whether the Oct 1, 2026 rate will apply to your start date.

• If you have a London-based offer, confirm whether it includes London weighting and from what date it kicks in.
• Recheck the latest UKRI student support page before you accept—universities often update award letters once official rates are confirmed.