Russell Group comment on increase to UKRI minimum student stipend

02 September 2022

Following the UKRI announcement of an increase to its minimum student stipend for academic year 2022/23, a Russell Group spokesperson said:

"We’re pleased to see UKRI taking the lead in helping the research community deal with the rising cost of living by increasing the minimum student stipend, which will provide much needed financial support to the next generation of researchers and innovators.

"While this is a welcome move for postgraduate researchers, most of the measures the Government has announced so far to address the cost-of-living crisis will not benefit undergraduate students. Universities are therefore stepping up support for their students ahead of the start of the new term, including boosting financial aid and other support programmes. 

"We hope the Government, OfS and other funders can look at what more they can do to help students at this challenging time, such as additional hardship funding to support those most in need."