Thanks Leone.

I have explained my situation and asked for a little extra time before giving a definitive answer, and got a very kind reply.

I have made appointments with a couple of banks too - I'll see what they say. Also my parents are abroad until the end of the month and I want to wait until they come back. I don't have much hope they could help me out (as in "sponsor me", lol), but at the very least I want to send them over to my French bank and ask whether I'd get a better deal on a loan there (- where I have been a good customer for twenty odd years ).

I'll let you know what happens :)

My impression is that self-funding, (all or part) is quite common in the arts and humanities fields as funding is so scarce. I certainly know quite a few. I have noticed, however, that self-funded students sometimes suffer from the lack of structure and deadlines that funding bodies impose and can drift on when a funded student would be under strict orders to submit. Just something to keep in mind.

On the subject of part time work, my university allow up to 10 hours work per week. Things like demonstrating and exam invigilaiton can be very good earners (cha-ching!), although often not that freqent. The self funders at my uni tend to get favoured for such tasks as they make sure everyone knows they need the work!
Good luck

Hi guys :)

So far I have only just made a few phones calls.

Bank: typical loan would have a fixed rate of around 8%, but I still need to go meet people to check if/under which conditions I am eligible for a loan. I also need to go to banks other than mine (- with the hope that they'd maybe be nice if they feel they could win themselves a new customer... but I'm probably dreaming...).

Parents: would be willing to (try and) cover tuition fees.


I told them not to bother for now, and that I'll probably end up asking them not to bother at all. Lately I've been thinking more and more often that it's probably not worth it without the scholarship.

My reasoning is as follows:

I want to do that research for pleasure, not for a title. The possibility of trying for a career in academia would be nice, but I see it as some sort of a "bonus". In the first place I wanted to do a PhD because I dreamt of good working conditions for that research. But with that estimated 8%, I realise that the working conditions would not be that good - I can picture my hair turning grey in two days over money-related worries.

So I've pretty much decided to carry on with that research in my own time, keep the job I have now, and apply again and again.

Not to sure if I'm being pessimistic or realistic...

Ah! but at least you'll be able to get Dr. put on your credit cards thata you rack up loads of debt on

Sjo4, I cannot say that you answer will make me go for that loan but hey... you've sure made me smile

It sounds great. I was failed in the application for the ORS. The supervisor suggested me apply next year. I am lost at present.

'twas my intention - good luck either way - maybe you'll have your own 'Dr' credit cards some day?