Fees and funding
There are two main costs for postgraduate students: fees and living expenses.
Tuition fee details for postgraduate research degrees can be found at the following webpage: PhD tuition fees
The cost of living in London will depend on your lifestyle but, typically, postgraduates need at least £12,000 to cover food, accommodation, travel, books for a full year (i.e. 52 weeks).
Whether you are self-funding or are applying for funding, you should ensure that you have a realistic plan to secure sufficient funding to complete the research and writing-up process within the normal time period. This is usually three to four years for full-time programmes, and six to seven years for part-time programmes.
Postgraduate Research Studentships
Check our Current PhD Projects page for details of our PhD projects for each Centre.
We currently have an open call for several funded PhD projects starting in Autumn 2025:
| Project Title | Supervisor | Funding | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Next-Generation Gravitational Wave Tests for Fundamental Physics | Dr Michalis Agathos | QMUL S&E New Talent Research Enabling Scheme | 30 November 2025 (further applications accepted until the position is filled) |
The main sources of PhD studentship funding opportunities:
China Scholarship Council (CSC) 2026-27: The deadline for applications to Queen Mary is 28th January 2026, 16:00 GMT.
S&E Doctoral Research Studentships for Underrepresented Groups 2025/26: The Queen Mary Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Doctoral College is inviting applications for Doctoral Research Studentships from UK candidates from underrepresented groups (e.g., Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) in research in the UK.
Up to 3 PhD studentships will be awarded on the basis of the excellence of the applicant. Awards are tenable for up to 3.5 years, and cover tuition fees and a maintenance stipend at the QMUL rate (c.£21,874 p.a. full-time, £10,937 part-time for 2025/26; 2026-27 rates tbc).
You must be a UK permanent resident from an underrepresented group in research, e.g., Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic, with the priority for this round given to those from Black origin, and eligible to pay home student fees. Further details can be found here: SE UnderRep studentships 2026-27 [PDF 37KB]. Expected start date: 21 September 2026. Deadline for applying is 28 January 2026 17:00 GMT.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) studentships 2026/27: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) studentships 2025/26: Studentships include the waiver of Home tuition fees only and tax-free stipend at the UKRI London rate (c. £22,780 p.a. full-time, £11,390 part-time; 2026/27 rates tbc) for 3.5 years.
Students of all nationalities are welcome to apply; however please note that successful students with Overseas fees status are expected to cover the difference between Oversees and Home fees (approx. £20K per year). Please contact potential supervisor to discuss potential project. Expected start date: 21 September 2026. Deadline for applying is 28 January 2026 17:00 GMT.
You may wish to explore alternative funding sources, e.g. in the form of grants from charities.
International PhD Scholarships
- China Scholarship Council (CSC)
- Commonwealth PhD Scholarships
- CONACyT (Mexico)
- Egyptian Bureau for Cultural & Educational Affairs
- Higher Education Commission, Pakistan
- Islamic Development Bank Scholarships
Please see the International PhD scholarships database for full details of Queen Mary’s international funding partners, including other schemes not listed here.
Self-funded students
Applications from candidates intending to self-fund their PhD are also accepted. Self-funding students must ensure they are able to cover the costs of a PhD outlined above.
UK or EU nationals may also apply for a doctoral loan to contribute towards the cost of their PhD.
Self-funding applicants should follow the guidelines outlined in our usual application process to identify a potential supervisor and secure their agreement to consider your application further before formally applying online.
Enquiries and Further Information
For any general enquiries regarding PhD applications and PhD studentships, please contact Wen Yao (PGR Officer): maths-phd@qmul.ac.uk.
Dr Reem Yassawi, is the Director of Graduate Studies and Professor Primoz Skraba, the Deputy Director of Graduate Studies.
If you have already secured funding for your PhD studies and therefore do not wish your application to be considered within the studentship competition please state this on the appropriate part of your application form.
Our Advice and Counselling Service have produced a detailed online funding guide for postgraduate research students.