The new deal for postgraduate research (PGR) aims to ensure that PGR in the UK remains open and attractive to a wide range of candidates both from the UK and abroad. PGR should be sustainable and deliver the highly skilled researchers the UK and global societies need.
UKRI’s ‘A new deal for postgraduate research: response to the call for input’ set out the actions UKRI has been taking. It is a comprehensive long-term commitment to strengthening support for PGR and aims to help bring about positive change in the sector.
The work supports the government mission to break down barriers to opportunity by making PGR more accessible.
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How we are changing PGR
We have:
- increased the minimum stipend by 40% in cash terms between 2021 and 2026
- provided better support to students through revisions to our standard terms and conditions of training grant with changes implemented from 1 October 2025
- embedded equality, diversity and inclusion as a core requirement for the recruitment and the environment provided for all funded students
- invested in good practice for PGR supervision, widening participation, and supporting students’ mental health and wellbeing
Analysis
To support the new deal for PGR UKRI commissioned and published research. This includes an:
- analysis of the responses to UKRI’s call for input
- analysis of the UKRI terms and conditions of training grants from an equality, diversity and inclusion perspective
- appraisal of changes to the UKRI standard terms and conditions of training grant for disabled and carer doctoral students
- analysis of stipend levels
Next steps
UKRI continues to deliver against the commitments set out in the call for input. A further update on future plans will be provided later this year.
Last updated: 23 March 2026