Can you get a doctoral loan and a Research Council studentship?

Yes. A postgraduate doctoral loan can be taken alongside UKRI Research Council studentship funding. The student loan is separate from the studentship stipend. Having a studentship does not disqualify you from the loan, but you should declare all income sources for Student Finance England purposes.

Does the doctoral loan affect Universal Credit or benefits?

Postgraduate loan income may be disregarded differently from undergraduate student loans when assessing means-tested benefits. The rules can vary depending on benefit type and whether you are in full-time study. Always check with the relevant benefit authority before assuming the loan will not affect your entitlement.

Doctoral Loan Calculator 2025/26

Q: How does the doctoral loan differ from the Masters loan?

Both loans share the same repayment threshold (£21,000/year), repayment rate (6%), and interest rate (RPI+3%), and both are written off after 30 years. The key difference is the maximum amount — £29,390 for doctoral versus £12,167 for Masters (2025/26). Doctoral study typically spans 3–4 years and requires more funding.

Q: What interest rate is charged on the doctoral loan?

Interest on the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan is charged at RPI plus 3% throughout — both during study and during repayment. For 2025/26 illustrative purposes, this calculator uses 7.3% (RPI of 4.3% plus 3%). The actual rate is set each September based on the March RPI figure.

Q: Is the doctoral loan written off at the same time as a Masters loan?

Each postgraduate loan has its own 30-year write-off clock, starting from the April after repayments first became due for that specific loan. If you complete a Masters and then a PhD, each loan's write-off timer starts from the relevant repayment start date, which may differ by several years.

Q: What is the doctoral loan repayment rate?

You repay 6% of income above £21,000 per year. For example, at £30,000 annual income, you repay 6% of £9,000 = £540 per year, or £45 per month. This rate applies regardless of your loan balance, and continues until either the loan is fully repaid or the 30-year write-off point is reached.

Q: Can I use the doctoral loan to pay tuition fees?

Yes. Unlike undergraduate loans, the postgraduate doctoral loan is not split into separate tuition fee and maintenance components. You receive the full amount directly and can allocate it as you choose between fees, living costs, research expenses, or other purposes.

Doctoral Loan Repayment Calculator

Doctoral loan borrowed £ (max £29,390 for 2025/26)

Also have a Masters loan? Enter balance £ (or 0)

Current salary £/year

Expected salary growth % per year

Repayment start year (April after finishing doctorate)

Monthly repayment (year 1)

Annual repayment (year 1)

Write-off date

Total repaid (doctoral)

Total interest charged (doctoral)

Written-off amount (doctoral)

2025/26 figures. Threshold: £21,000/yr. Rate: 6% above threshold. Interest: 7.3% illustrative (RPI+3%). Write-off: 30 years from April after doctoral study ends. When both loans held, 6% payment is split proportionally by balance.

How the Postgraduate Doctoral Loan Works

The Postgraduate Doctoral Loan supports students undertaking doctoral-level study in England. For 2025/26, the maximum is £29,390 paid in instalments directly to the student. Unlike undergraduate loans, there is no split between fee and maintenance — you use the funds as you choose.

Interest accrues at RPI + 3% from the date of first payment, whether or not you have started repaying. The loan is written off 30 years after the April when repayments first became due.

Concurrent Masters and Doctoral Loans

If you hold both a Postgraduate Masters Loan and a Doctoral Loan, you make a single 6% repayment — not 6% per loan. The total combined payment is split proportionally between the two loan balances. Both loans accrue interest simultaneously, and each has its own 30-year write-off clock running from the relevant repayment start date.

Repayment Rules (2025/26)

Threshold: £21,000/year (same as Masters loan)
Rate: 6% of income above threshold
Interest: RPI + 3% throughout (illustrative: 7.3%)
Write-off: 30 years from April when repayments first due

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum doctoral loan for 2025/26? +

The maximum Postgraduate Doctoral Loan for 2025/26 is £29,390. It is paid directly to the student across the period of study and can be used for tuition fees, living costs, or research expenses.

How does the doctoral loan differ from the Masters loan? +

Both share the same threshold (£21,000), repayment rate (6%), interest rate (RPI+3%), and write-off period (30 years). The main difference is the maximum amount — £29,390 for doctoral versus £12,167 for Masters (2025/26).

What happens if I have both a Masters and a doctoral loan? +

Both are repaid under the same 6% postgraduate repayment plan — not 6% per loan. Your single 6% payment is split proportionally between the two outstanding balances. Each loan has its own 30-year write-off clock.

When do doctoral loan repayments start? +

Repayments start from the April after you finish or leave your doctoral course, provided your income exceeds £21,000 per year. If your income stays below the threshold, you make no repayments and the loan is written off after 30 years.

Can you get a doctoral loan alongside a Research Council studentship? +

Yes. A doctoral loan can be taken alongside UKRI Research Council stipend funding. The student loan is separate from the studentship. Having a studentship does not disqualify you from the loan.

Is the doctoral loan written off at the same time as a Masters loan? +

Each loan has its own 30-year write-off clock, starting from the April after repayments first became due for that loan. If you finish a Masters and then a PhD in different years, the clocks run from different start dates.

What interest rate is charged on the doctoral loan? +

Interest is charged at RPI plus 3% throughout — both during study and during repayment. This calculator uses 7.3% as an illustrative rate. The actual rate is set each September based on the March RPI figure.

How is the combined repayment split between Masters and doctoral loans? +

The single 6% repayment is split proportionally by outstanding balance. If doctoral balance is £20,000 and Masters is £10,000 (total £30,000), then 67% of each payment reduces the doctoral loan and 33% reduces the Masters loan.

Does the doctoral loan affect Universal Credit? +

Postgraduate loan income may be treated differently from undergraduate loans when assessing means-tested benefits. Rules vary by benefit type and whether you are in full-time study. Always check with the relevant benefit authority before assuming the loan will not affect your entitlement.

Can I use the doctoral loan to pay tuition fees? +

Yes. Unlike undergraduate loans, the doctoral loan is not split into tuition fee and maintenance components. You receive the full amount directly and can allocate it as you choose between fees, living costs, or research expenses.

What is the doctoral loan repayment rate? +

You repay 6% of income above £21,000 per year. At £30,000 annual salary, you repay 6% of £9,000 = £540 per year (£45/month). This continues until the loan is repaid in full or written off at 30 years.

Where can I find official doctoral loan information? +

Official guidance is on gov.uk from Student Finance England. The Student Loans Company (SLC) administers the loan. For complex situations involving multiple loans or concurrent funding, the SLC helpline can provide clarification specific to your circumstances.