Russell Group matches UKRI research stipend uplift for PhDs

Russell Group universities have committed to matching UK Research and Innovation’s uplift of research stipends for PhD students to help them cope with rising living costs.

The pledge represents a “further multimillion-pound commitment” on top of “tens of millions of pounds” worth of ongoing investment in initiatives such as additional hardship funding, bursaries and other financial assistance, the group said, as it called on the government to reciprocate and step up support for students.

In September, UKRI added a further 10 per cent to the stipend, meaning the payment will now be at least £17,668 full-time equivalent for those continuing their studies from 1 October. All 24 Russell Group members have now confirmed that they intend to do the same for research students they fund directly.

The group said its institutions were also providing subsidised food, extending access to campus facilities and looking to create more jobs on campus for students. Efforts were being made to remove “hidden” course or service costs, and activities such as sports were being made cheaper, with discounts offered on university-run transport. Institutions had also stepped up efforts to help students manage their finances by providing access to trained advisers.

Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group, said members were “concerned” about growing financial pressures on students and the impact it was having.

“Universities are stepping up support where possible, committing millions of pounds of additional financial assistance, as well as exploring a wide range of other measures to ease the burden on students,” he added.

“However, additional assistance is urgently needed. Before problems escalate over the winter, we hope the government will extend its own support for students, including through additional hardship funding.”

The rising cost of living has led to fears that more students may drop out of their studies this year and has added to concerns about students’ mental health and well-being. Many do not qualify for government-backed initiatives – such as rebates on energy bills – because they are paid to the householder, often a landlord.

Several institutions – such as the universities of Cambridge, Nottingham and Edinburgh – have increased hardship funds by 50 per cent, while the University of Liverpool has tripled its budget for grants for those in need to £1.5 million.

The University of York said it was giving £150 to the student households finding it most difficult to pay their bills as part of a £6 million package, benefiting about 2,000 homes. Queen’s University Belfast has committed to giving 3,600 students who come from families earning under £25,000 a year a one-off payment of £400 each, with all other students receiving a one-off payment of £150.

Alongside £3.5 million in funding for students from low-income families, the University of Warwick is opening its arts centre to the local community to act as a “community warm bank”, where people can go if they cannot afford to heat their own homes.

The University of Nottingham is offering access to free kitchens, shower facilities, heated study spaces and period products, while the University of Sheffield said that alongside a range of other measures, eligible students can apply for financial support to help cover unpaid placement costs or for funding to buy new interview clothes and IT equipment.

The Russell Group called for the government to extend its own hardship funding and uplift maintenance loans in line with current inflation to provide short-term support to students. In the longer term, it said, ministers should consider the reintroduction of maintenance grants.

tom.williams@timeshighereducation.com