Funding and Eligibility

Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded an NRPDTP studentship, which covers tuition fees, stipend (£18,622 for 2023/24)  and research funding. 

With effect from 2021/22, international applicants (as defined by UKRI via their International Eligibility criteria for UKRI funded studentships (Annex B)) are eligible to apply for fully-funded NRPDTP studentships (please see details below). UKRI will normally limit the proportion of international students appointed each year through individual doctoral training programmes to 30% of the total intake.

The NRPDTP values diverse and inclusive work environments that are positive and supportive. We are committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of our operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation or transgender status.

Funding

NRPDTP studentships are funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the NRPDTP Partners. Studentships are funded for 4 years.

• University of East Anglia (UEA) tuition fees paid directly to the University
• A student stipend to cover living expenses for each year of study* at the UKRI national minimum rate (2023/24 stipend is £18,622)
• A Research Training Support Grant (£5,000 per annum)*
• PIPS or CASE placement costs

For information on University fees and funding relating to postgraduate research degrees please visit the UEA website.

*Some CASE studentships may offer an enhanced stipend and/or RTSG from the Non-Academic Partner associated with the project.

All successful NRPDTP-funded PhD students starting in 2023/24 (UK, EU, International) will be eligible for a full NRPDTP studentship award – both the stipend to support living costs, and University of East Anglia tuition fees.

For NRPDTP research students starting 2023/24, the NRPDTP will contribute up to a maximum of £3,500 per student for visa application costs and immigration health surcharge costs where applicable. Funds will be paid on submission of appropriate evidence once the student enrols and registers on the course. These contributions are only available for a student’s individual costs and will not be paid for costs relating to any accompanying dependents.

Academic Eligibility requirements

Candidates for academic admission to a doctoral degree at UEA and for entry to the NRPDTP programme must have obtained (or be about to obtain), a First or Upper Second-class UK Honours degree, or qualifications gained outside the UK that are considered to be equivalent. Applicants with a Lower Second-class degree will be considered if they also have a Master’s degree, or have significant research or non-academic experience relevant to the proposed field of research. Studentships awarded based on predicted grades will be conditional upon final results.

Before admission candidates must also meet the University’s minimum English language requirements. Details of English Language requirements for candidates for research degrees can be found on the UEA website.

If you have any queries regarding the NRPDTP programme, your potential eligibility, projects or application process, please contact us.