So, you’ve discovered your passion for research and fallen in love with a niche area of study. You can hear a PhD calling your name. But there’s a quiet (well, maybe not-so-quiet) voice nagging at you with one small problem… you’ll still need to pay for stuff while studying your research degree.
Working out how to afford a PhD is sometimes the biggest obstacle candidates face when starting their research journey.
But we wouldn’t want money to get in the way of you pursuing your academic goals – and we’re sure you don’t want that either. So, we’ve prepared this guide on how to pay for a PhD, with advice ranging from finding an already-funded research project, to taking small budgeting steps that add up to a big difference.
Let’s talk about some ways to help you pay for your PhD, with some extra tips from current candidates.
Funding a PhD can feel overwhelming at first, but there are more options than it might seem. I have learned to piece together support through a mix of scholarships, part-time work, and discipline-based opportunities.
How to get a funded PhD: scholarships
So, the big question: how do PhD students afford to live?
The key answer is scholarships – they might not make it easy, but they do make it possible.
As a PhD candidate, you’ll typically get a scholarship that covers your tuition fees while also providing a living stipend for your day-to-day expenses.
Most PhD students at UQ receive a Graduate School Scholarship. This includes a living stipend of $36,400* (tax free) each year for up to 3.5 years, with 1 possible extension. Graduate School Scholarships are available to both domestic and international students.
If you’re a domestic student and you decide to join an existing research project, you might instead receive a Fellowship Support Scheme scholarship, which provides the same living stipend.
Please visit the relevant scholarship page for details on eligibility, application deadlines, and how to apply.
*Figure correct as of June 2025 – subject to change in future years.
Depending on your field of study, you may also be eligible for a top-up scholarship. Some scholarships inherently come with the possibility of a top-up, but there are also standalone top-up scholarships you could potentially apply for.
“Apply for all the scholarships you can,” says Dylan Berger, a PhD candidate who received UQ’s first Indigenous Languages Scholarship.
Get tips on applying for a PhD scholarship
I would highly recommend applying for an RTP (Research Training Program) scholarship prior to beginning your PhD, so that you can spend the time you need on it.
Other scholarships and financial awards
Throughout the course of your PhD, you may come across other ways to help finance your studies, such as:
- travel and accommodation scholarships
- scholarships from other institutes or donors (more common in some specific fields of research)
- financial grants for extracurricular activities aligned with your research (typically no more than one such award each year).
“There are always ways of complementing your scholarship if needed,” says PhD candidate Beatris Mario Martin.
“UQ and some research centres offer travel grants for students who have had abstracts accepted as poster/oral presentations – you need to keep an eye open for that. The association of postgraduate students also offers some bursaries to support higher degree by research (HDR) students to attend conferences.”
Seed grants and other small grants are accessible for HDR students and can help develop research projects/workshops.
Aakash Kurian Thottam, another candidate, agrees that searching for other opportunities to support yourself financially is important.
"Think beyond the base stipend; look out for top-up scholarships, which can come from your school, faculty, or specific research centres," he says.
"I also recommend applying for discipline-specific internal grants or scholarships from different associations to attend conferences and workshops, both locally and internationally... these smaller grants really add up."
Caitlyn Knight, a UQ School of Psychology PhD candidate who was awarded the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, agrees that you have to put yourself forward for every opportunity you can find. Even if they don't all pan out, the experience of applying can help you shape your research path.
"I advise applying for as many scholarships and grants as possible," she says.
"You never know which application will land, and each one helps you refine your story, goals, and writing ability."
A surprising amount of funding is available for conferences, travel, and research expenses; you just have to keep taking your shot.
Consider working during your PhD
Let’s be clear: you won’t be working a full-time job while studying your PhD. It’s just not feasible with the workload that comes with a research degree. However, some PhD candidates find it possible to juggle part-time or casual work while researching, and this might be something to consider.
“If you’ve excelled in a course, consider applying for tutoring positions within your school,” says PhD candidate Chiemeka Chinaka.
“Not only can this top up your stipend, but it also gives you valuable teaching experience if you plan to educate others in the future.”
If you’re determined to do some incidental work during your studies, start by looking for opportunities at your university (e.g. teaching assistant, research aid, tutor) or within your field of study. A casual or part-time job that’s linked geographically or academically to your PhD may make it easier to balance.
Part-time work that relates to your developing career as a researcher can also benefit you beyond the monetary support it provides.
"Working as a research assistant has been a huge help – not just financially, but also for building skills and expanding my network," says Aakash.
"Many academics are looking for support on projects, so it’s worth expressing interest early on."
"If you’re open to teaching, tutoring or marking within your school, this can also provide steady income while keeping you connected to your academic community. The key, though, is balance. These opportunities are valuable, but it’s important not to overcommit – your research needs to remain the focus.
One job is better than several
Where possible, aim to have a single part-time gig during your PhD, so that your time and energy doesn’t get too fragmented.
“Don’t overcommit and flood your work schedule,” says Dylan.
“One solid job will be less stressful than multiple smaller jobs.”
If your heart is in the right place, more money means a more supported project.
Be realistic about your expectations
The reality is that you almost certainly won’t be able to save any money while completing your PhD. Your living stipend and any additional income is unlikely to stretch further than covering your basic expenses.
Wait and save if you need to
Sometimes the best way to pay for a PhD is to bide your time, saving money from a job until you can more easily afford your PhD. We know you’re keen to get started (you’ve got a novel idea to research, after all). But there’s no shame in waiting for a while – especially if doing so means you can complete your PhD more comfortably. Having a healthy amount saved away can give you a safety net for any weeks when the living stipend doesn’t quite cover your costs.
For PhD candidate Rose Foster, a combination of scholarships, casual work and living at home enabled her to progress with her research. But, in hindsight, she wishes she had given herself just a bit more time so that she could embrace the PhD experience while working less.
“There are a lot of casual work opportunities at the university, which I took advantage of – I did some research assistant work and taught into several courses during my time as a PhD candidate,” she says.
“This was really valuable in terms of being able to continue to enjoy my life outside of my PhD – Pilates classes are expensive, and I have an unfortunate tea addiction!”
“But if I were to go back, I would advise my past self to take some time to myself and just enjoy doing the PhD.”
How to afford a PhD: ways to save money while you study
Even with a scholarship (or multiple scholarships), the cost of living is going to keep you on your toes during your PhD. Here are 7 ways to reduce your costs and make things a little easier.
1. Live simply and sustainably
You’ll likely be working with a tight budget, so developing sustainable financial habits is key. This doesn’t mean depriving yourself, but it does mean prioritising essential spending and being mindful of your lifestyle.
“Essential spending will be your life for a few years, so build that sustainable financial routine,” says Dylan.
2. Consider your living arrangements
Living with family or in shared accommodation can significantly cut your expenses. If you have the option to reduce or avoid rent, even temporarily, it can make a big difference.
“I was lucky to be able to live with family during my PhD for very limited rent, so that definitely helped,” says Rose.
3. Use university resources
Universities often provide subsidised or free services for students, including career support, health and counselling, financial advice, and recreation. Make the most of what’s available – it’s there to support your wellbeing as much as your academic progress. This can also include facilities such as on-campus gyms and clinics, as well as software licences.
4. Track your spending
Even loosely monitoring your expenses (either in a budgeting app or just a DIY spreadsheet) can help you spot potential areas where you could cut back. This can also help you prepare for upcoming costs such as travelling for conferences or fieldwork.
5. Meal prep and cook at home
An occasional lunch purchase can easily snowball into a regular, unnecessary expense. By cooking at home (especially preparing meals in bulk), you can reduce the temptation of takeaways and café visits. That said, be sure to treat yourself from time to time – collaborating with other researchers over a coffee just isn’t the same without the coffee.
6. Take full advantage of student discounts
From gym memberships to streaming platforms, train yourself to check for a student rate anywhere and everywhere. Even small discounts will add up over time.
7. Find affordable downtime activities
Socialising and self-care matter during your PhD – but they don’t have to be expensive. Explore free or low-cost events on campus or around the city, and prioritise hobbies that help you relax without hurting your wallet.
Final thoughts
Affording a PhD can feel like a puzzle – but with the right combination of scholarships, realistic planning, and support, it’s one you can absolutely solve. Whether you’re applying for grants, picking up a few hours of work, or building up savings before you begin, there are options out there to make your research dream a reality.
