University of Reading cookie policy

We use cookies on reading.ac.uk to improve your experience, monitor site performance and tailor content to you

Read our cookie policy to find out how to manage your cookie settings

Whether you are planning to start your PhD or professional doctorate, or have already started, then you may be eligible to apply for a government-backed loan of up to £27,892 (2022/23 amount).

Doctoral loans are available for either full-time or part-time study for a duration of three to eight academic years.

To qualify for a doctoral loan, you must be:

  • a UK national ordinarily living in England
  • holding EU settled status or indefinite leave to remain, so there are no restrictions on how long you can stay 
  • under 60 on the first day of the first academic year of your course
  • applying for a doctoral qualification (i.e. a PhD, professional doctorate or DPhil)
  • not receiving funding from a UK research council.

Find out more and apply for a doctoral loan