Doctoral Loan
What you'll get
You can get up to:
- £28,673 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2023
- £27,892 if your course started between 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023
- £27,265 if your course started between 1 August 2021 and 31 July 2022
The amount you’ll get is not based on you or your family’s income.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) may take account of the loan when working out any benefits you receive.
The loan is paid directly to you. You can use it for your course fees and living costs.
The loan will be divided equally across each year of your course.
If you apply after your first year
You can apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan in any year of your course. But if you apply after your first year, you might not get the maximum amount.
You can get up to:
- £12,167 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2023
- £11,836 if your course started between 1 August 2022 and 31 July 2023
- £11,570 if your course started between 1 August 2021 and 31 July 2022
When you’re paid
You get the first payment after your course start date, once your university or college confirms that you’ve registered.
The loan will be paid in 3 instalments of 33%, 33% and 34% each year. After your application has been approved you’ll be sent a letter with your payment dates or you can check them in your online account.