How we fund studentships
The MRC funds postgraduate research training in two ways: via Doctoral Training Grants and through competitions open to research organisations.
- Doctoral Training Grants (DTGs)
- Competitions open to research organisations
- Prospective students
- Stipend and additional allowances
- Student eligibility requirements
- Postgraduate studentship handbook - A guide to the doctoral training account terms and conditions
- Studentships FAQs
Doctoral Training Grants (DTGs)
DTGs are cash sums awarded annually to research organisations to provide flexibility in funding studentships according to the organisation’s strategic requirements.
DTGs are calculated according to the qualifying institutions’ level of MRC peer-reviewed fellowship and research grant income.
Examples of the flexibility that a research organisation can employ are:
- Increasing the student stipend above the RCUK-set minimum;
- Providing support for up to four years if a studentship project requires it;
- Part-funding awards, for example with industry or other research councils.
Competitions open to research organisations
In addition to DTGs, MRC competitions are designed to build research capability in fields that are of strategic importance to UK medical science.
Each competition is open to all UK-based research organisations regardless of their MRC grant income.
A complete list, including remits and competition dates can be found on the competition page.
Prospective students
The MRC does not provide funding to students directly.
If you are a student looking for funding for a course, please refer to our list of institutions which receive MRC funding; if you wish to apply for any of these opportunities, please contact the relevant university in the first instance.