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Written by Addie Baker (they/them) Updated

This guide was written with UK Maths PhDs in mind, mileage may vary outside of this intersection.

CDT

  • 1 year training + 3 years research
  • Part of a cohort of other students

Research Projects

  • CDTs have set research themes you pick between
  • No need to identify supervisor prior to applying

Best For

  • People who are unsure about what they want to research
  • Those more interested in applied, interdisciplinary or industrial work

Individual Studentship

  • 3-3.5 years research
  • supervisor led

Research Projects

  • Apply to a specific project and supervisor(s)
  • you must contact potential supervisors before applying

Best For

  • People who know exactly what they want to research
  • Those more interested in theoretical or pure maths

What does Funding Cover?

  • Stipend Tax-free living allowance, paid monthly or quaterly
  • Tuition Fees ~£5,000.00 covered for UK or home students
  • Training Support Fund Variable funding for conferences, training, and equipment

How much?

Minimum stipend figures for 2026/27 compared to median UK salary after tax (£25,271)

  • Standard (Outside London) £21,805
  • London Weighting £23,805

The TechExpert Pilot offers an additional £10,000 to UK home students at select CDTs across the country including StatML, STOR-i and AGQ. read more at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/techexpert

Important Figures to Know for International Students

UKRI rules cap international places at 30% per cohort for CDTs. This inlcudes EU and EEA students.

The Fee Gap Problem

UKRI funding only covers fees at the UK home rate (~£5,00 per year). International students are charged overseas fees between £20,000-£30,000 per year.

This difference is called the fee gap.

  • Some CDTs/departments cover the gap entirely, these are often advertised separately as “fully funded PhD for international students”

  • Others require you to find a separate scholarship to cover the gap. Some countries have local schemes to help with this, or companies may offer to sponsor your PhD if it is industry focused.

Always ask explicitly: “Does this studentship cover international fees in full”