Positive Change for PGR Students: PhD Stipends to Align with UKRI Rates

We’re delighted to share an important update for our postgraduate research (PGR) community at De Montfort University. 

After sustained collaboration between student representatives and the Doctoral College, the University has confirmed a change to its PhD stipend policy. This change means that DMU-funded PhD students will now have their stipends aligned with the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) minimum rate going forward. 

This outcome follows continued feedback from PGR students about differences in stipend payments and a lack of clarity in previous scholarship adverts. Thanks to the persistence of the Student Voice Team and the willingness of university colleagues to work with us, a positive resolution has now been reached. 

“We’re really pleased to see this change come through,” said Precious Ikechukwu, Student Voice Leader for Academic Experience. “It shows the power of students speaking up and being listened to. This decision will make a real difference to current and future PGRs.” 

This work was led jointly by Precious Ikechukwu (Student Voice Leader for Academic Experience), Chiara Blows (Faculty Representative for PGT/PGR students), and the Student Voice Team, who have been in regular contact with the Doctoral College throughout. Together, they gathered student feedback, raised the issue through the appropriate university committees, and helped keep communication open. 

What’s Changing 

• DMU-funded scholars who started in 2024/25 
  These students will now have their stipend aligned with the UKRI minimum from the next payment cycle.  

• They will also receive a one-off retrospective payment in November 2025 to cover the difference for October 2025, when they were still on the lower rate.  

• The Doctoral College will contact them with the exact amount and timing. 

• Scholars whose 2023/24 scholarship advert referred to stipends being “pegged to UKRI” 
  The University has acknowledged that the wording in these adverts could have been clearer. As a result, these students will: 

be uplifted to the UKRI-aligned rate, and 

• receive a retrospective payment to cover the difference between what they were paid and what they reasonably expected based on the advert. 

• they have been asked to confirm acceptance of this offer by 13 November 2025 so that payments can be processed on time. 

• students who confirm after that date may still receive the payment, but it could be delayed. 

Official communication sent 6–7 November 2025 
The University (via the Doctoral College) sent emails to all affected PGR students between Thursday 6 and Friday 7 November 2025, explaining what the stipend changes mean for them. The Doctoral College is now contacting each PGR student individually with payment details and next steps.  

All affected PGRs have now received their specific payment details, marking the conclusion of this process. DSU will continue to share supporting information so that messaging across both the University and the Students’ Union remains consistent. 

“It’s encouraging to see the University listen, and commit to a fairer system,” said Chiara Blows. “I’m thrilled my fellow research students are getting the recognition they deserve. Huge thanks to Precious and the Student Voice Team.” 

This outcome shows how Student Voice and the University working together can lead to real, practical change even on complex, finance-related issues. 

Got feedback or need advice? 

If you’re a PGR student and still have questions after receiving your email from the University, please get in touch with the Student Voice Team at voice@dmu.ac.uk so we can help signpost you to the right person. 

If you would like independent support or help raising your concern, contact the DSU Advice Team using the “Get in Touch” form