This is general guidance. It does not apply to Innovate UK grants.
What costs we fund
Each funding opportunity has details of what costs and exceptions are eligible. If you have a research office, contact them with specific questions about what costs to include in your application.
Costing your project
We follow full economic costing (FEC) principles. This means that we’ll usually fund 80% of the full economic cost of your project.
When applying, you’ll need to show 100% of the cost of your project.
Many UK universities use the Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) method. You may not need to follow TRAC if you’re an independent research organisation (IRO) or NHS trust. Check with your organisation.
Costs that are eligible
You should check the specific funding opportunity for full details of what costs are eligible.
Travel and subsistence
This includes costs for journeys, conferences and workshops that are directly related to your research project.
Staff
Staff members working on funded projects can charge up to 100% of their contracted time. This is calculated as a maximum of 37.5 hours a week, 44 weeks a year.
The total salary costs for any individual on all research council grants and fellowships must not exceed 100% full-time equivalent (FTE).
Studentships and doctoral training
Students cannot apply directly to UKRI for funding. You’ll need to contact the research organisation (normally a university) where you wish to be based. Check the specific opportunity for details.
Estates
This includes costs related to buildings and premises used throughout the course of your research project, such as maintenance, utilities costs, cleaning, security and safety.
You do not need to justify these costs in your application.
Facilities
You may be able to include costs for using national and international facilities required for your project. Check the specific opportunity for what is eligible.
Equipment
This includes any individual items of equipment for your project over £25,000.
We fund most equipment costs at 80% FEC.
Consumables
This includes any individual items of equipment for your project up to £25,000.
We fund most consumable costs at 80% FEC.
Visas and moving costs
This includes the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and Certificates of Sponsorship for staff employed for at least 50% of their contracted time.
Other costs
Depending on the type of funding you’re applying for, you may be able to include costs such as:
- NHS research costs
- animal costs
- access to research facilities
- specialist computer costs
Check the specific funding opportunity for details of what is eligible.
Costs that are not eligible
Examples of costs you cannot apply for include:
- NHS support and treatment costs
- visa costs for family members
- publication costs associated with peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers
- basic computing equipment
- contingency costs
- general care costs
- alcohol as part of subsistence claims
How to include costs in your application
Make sure you include costs under the correct headings. Each cost you’re applying for should only go under one cost heading.
Last updated: 19 May 2025