Hi all,
I'd like to apply for a funded Phd in the UK. I read that the average stipend is around 12K $ pa. but I'm not sure this figure refers to an after taxes payment.
Do you think such a stipend is enough for 2 persons?
Thank you very much

hey Leo. It depends if you're a UK student and who is paying the stipend. As a UK student getting one from the research councils, this will pay stipend (this year 12K min TAX FREE) and tuition fees. Scholarships will vary on the level of payments. As for living on 12K, well, it depends on your lifestyle and where you are living.

Do you think such a stipend is enough for 2 persons?

They say it costs one person £9-10k per year to live (rent, food, bills, etc) - it depends how understanding the other person is!

As you are asking about the cost of living in the UK then I presume you are an international student. Two people (living together) will be able to live in the UK on a tax free £12K pa studentship. However, although some international scholarships exist, most studentships are usually only available to UK students. See our Funding and PhDs Explained sections for links and information.

If you do successfully obtain a scholarship to study in the UK, your wife/husband will usually be granted the right to work in the UK during your stay. See our article on Working in the UK for information.

Surely you mean "just about" live on 12K a year. You will have to eat cheap food, never eat out, never drink alcohol or take drugs, just do nothing in fact.