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It can be daunting to navigate the costs associated with living as a postgraduate researcher. While everyone’s experience will differ, this page is designed to share real experiences from current researchers and give you insight into the costs of surrounding postgraduate research life.
Money diary: a year 3 international PhD researcher
“My lifestyle aligns well with my approach to money management. I tend to spend more from Friday to Sunday than during the week, but it balances out naturally.”
From working as a teaching assistant to funding monthly trips away, discover how a third year PhD researcher from overseas earns and spends their money while living in private accommodation.
Money diary: a year 2 international PhD researcher
“My relationship with money used to be a bit rocky, but after some trial and error, things feel much more stable now.”
After a stressful start to life in Manchester that included applying for the University’s Cost of Living Support Fund, explore how this second year international PhD researcher has come to feel more at ease living in a shared, rented flat.
Money diary: a year 3 home PhD researcher
“I have a love-hate relationship with my finances. I love watching my bank balance grow and I remain cautious with every expense and try to track them.”
Explore how this third year PhD researcher living in the city centre applies their “measured and mindful approach” to working and spending.
Estimated living costs
| Cost | Postgraduate year (52 weeks) | Monthly cost (based on 52 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (self-catered) | £9,880 | £823 (approx.) |
| Groceries | £2,040 | £170 |
| Takeaways | £696 | £58 |
|
Transport (including local transport and travelling elsewhere) |
£840 | £70 |
| Going out and socialising | £1,320 | £110 |
| Mobile phone contract/payments | £420 | £35 |
| Clothes | £552 | £46 |
| Health and wellbeing | £156 | £13 |
| Course materials | £192 | £16 |
| Holidays and events | £168 | £14 |
| Gifts and charity | £252 | £21 |
|
Relatives or friends who you support financially |
£336 | £28 |
| Total | £16,852 | £1,404 |
Sources:
- Accommodation figures taken from our accommodation website. This annual figure is based on our self-catered accommodation.
- Grocery figures based on a weekly budget supermarket shop in May 2024.
- All other costs obtained from savethestudent.org and their National Student Money Survey with costs increased in-line with inflation as of March 2024.
These costs are intended as a guide only.
It’s important to bear in mind that all estimates made by the University are for single students. If you intend to bring your family, you should also account for family living expenses as well.
Some courses will require you to pay for specific items, materials or activities not covered in the tuition fees, such as field courses. In these cases the University endeavours to keep these additional costs as low as possible.
International students
If you require a visa to come to the UK, you're granted one on condition that you can pay your tuition fees and living expenses (for you and your family, if they're accompanying you) without having to depend on finding work in the UK.
New to postgraduate research funding?
We’ve compiled a quick refresher to help you understand what funding is and where your money will come from.
- Learn about different types of funding;
- Explore funding categories;
- Understand stipends, scholarships and more.
Further cost of living guidance
Find more guidance and resources to help navigate the cost of living in the University’s dedicated guide for all students.
- Support and initiatives, including available bursaries and scholarships;
- Saving tips for students;
- Budget friendly ideas in Manchester!
Inspired? Explore how to get started on your own research journey!
Our website is full of advice and guidance to get you started with postgraduate research at Manchester. Whether you're looking for a project, finding funding or searching for your supervisor – we’ve got you covered.
Explore available projects | Find funding | Search for a supervisor