SU Win: £1 million for COVID-19 doctoral funding extensions!

Aastha and I are delighted that after months of campaigning for increased financial support for postgraduates, the University has now launched a new PGR COVID-19 Assistance Scheme (PGR CAS) to provide a total of £1 million extension funding for final-year doctoral students in financial hardship. The scheme is open to fully or partially self-funded students whose research has been delayed by the pandemic, and offers an enhanced award of up to £3,700 - equivalent to 3 months’ extension funding.

We’re especially pleased that this scheme has come as a direct result of a mandate from Student Council, which passed a motion to address the need for extension funding in February this year. Our subsequent survey was completed by over 600 postgraduates, and found that almost 60% of self-funded doctoral students have had the completion of their course delayed by the pandemic - meaning that hundreds of these students are currently experiencing or in danger of severe financial difficulties that could derail their studies and careers. The extent of the demand demonstrated by this data was a powerful platform for us to lobby the University to make additional money available to these students through the PGR CAS scheme.

Applications are currently open for the Long Vacation round until August 10th, and will open for another round in Michaelmas - you can find more information about the scheme and how to apply here. If you experience any difficulties with applying or have feedback about the scheme, please let us know as we can take that to the University. Though this is a big step forward that we hope will go some way to alleviating the financial pressure on research students, we know it’s not perfect and will continue to pressure the University for more support for postgraduates over the summer.