UKRI-BBSRC funded studentship
Projects advertised during the main SWBio DTP recruitment period (this period will be indicated by an application deadline) are all 4 years fully-funded (subject to being made a studentship offer following the SWBio interview day).
A fully-funded four year SWBio DTP studentship will cover:
- a stipend* (at the standard UKRI rate; £19,237 per annum for 2024-2025)
- research and training costs
- tuition fees **
- additional ring-fenced funds to support your training, including a 3-month placement
A limited number (up to 30%) of UKRI fully-funded studentships are available through the SWBio DTP, that applicants who would be classed as an International student are eligible for. This also means that there are normally no restrictions on applying to any project that is advertised (unless otherwise indicated). Further information about residence criteria >>
* An enhanced stipend is available for students with a recognised veterinary degree qualification (£28,738 per annum for 2024-2025). There may also be enhanced stipends associated with projects that have a CASE partner (CASE projects are highlighted as *CASE in the project lists).
** International students will not be required to cover the difference between home and international tuition fees.
Further funding information
Your PhD stipend:
- As you are under a contract of training for your PhD and not a contract of employment, your stipend is tax-free
- Increases every year with inflation
Your student status:
- You may be exempt or eligible for a discount for your Council Tax
- There are many student discounts that you can take advantage of (e.g. discounts on food, drink, travel, shopping) – to access these, you will often be required to purchase a separate student card
Considerations for international students
IMPORTANT: A UKRI fully-funded studentship will only cover what is listed under the ‘UKRI-BBSRC funded studentship’ section. However there may be other costs that you may encounter and need to take into consideration which will not be covered by the studentship or via the institution. For example, visa fees, healthcare surcharge, relocation costs and guarantor services.
To give you an indication* of costs:
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Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Compulsory, entitles you to access to National Health Service (NHS) |
£776 per person, per year of your visa. You will be charged £388 for part of a year under 6 months and £776 for part of a year over 6 months. Use the IHS calculator to estimate how much you will be charged. There are limited circumstance where you will be eligible for a refund, please read the IHS webpage for details. |
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Application fee: Prices increase for premium applications to receive a quicker decision |
Outside UK: £490 (standard) Inside UK: £490 (standard), £990 (priority), super priority may be available |
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Additional charges: Biometrics appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre |
Outside UK: country specific Inside UK: Free appointments are available at some centres. Charged appointments cost from £139 depending on the location and time of appointment. |
These costs are indications, so please ensure you read the relevant Government websites for the exact costs at the time you are starting your programme.
* Source: University of Exeter’s International Student Support webpage