PhD FAQs for International Students

PhD FAQs for International Students

As outlined in our Tuition Fee Policy , international students who require a visa are required to provide appropriate evidence that they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses upon application for the first year of their course. This evidence must meet current UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) financial evidence requirements. You can find out more at https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/money .

Generally, applicants must demonstrate that they have their full first year of tuition fees (minus CAS deposit paid) plus 9 months living expenses at a flat rate of £1,136 per month set by the UKVI. The only individual circumstances that the UKVI will consider is if the applicant has been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months on the date of their visa application: then they will not be required to demonstrate these funds in their visa application, though we as a University will still conduct affordability checks to ensure the required funds can be covered.

Our English language entry requirements are available on the University website.

To study for a postgraduate research degree, you will need to have a good command of English. If English is not your first language, we require evidence of your ability unless you can demonstrate that your previous education and qualifications have been in the English language medium. The English language requirement for study at postgraduate research level is a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 in each area.

The Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requires international students from certain countries who are applying to study for a postgraduate qualification in certain sensitive subject areas to obtain an ATAS certificate before applying for their Student visa. This includes subject areas such as science, engineering, medicine and technology where the knowledge gained may have application in the development or delivery of weapons of mass destruction. It will be confirmed in your University of Suffolk offer letter if your programme requires an ATAS certificate, and you will be provided with details of the Common Aggregator Hierarchy (CAH3) code you need to use for your ATAS certificate application. A copy of your ATAS certificate should be uploaded to CAS Shield as soon as you have obtained it.

Please visit the government’s website for further information on ATAS requirements .

While international students can study a part-time PhD under the student visa route, it is not something that we would encourage or recommend. This is because part-time international students cannot work, cannot undertake work placements, and cannot bring dependents with them. These are UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) rules, so not something we can offer flexibility on.

Any part-time student would also need to be academically engaging throughout the duration of their part-time study, with no gaps exceeding 60 days or more.

• How much money do I need to demonstrate for tuition fees and living costs for visa purposes?
• What are the English language requirements?
• Do I need an ATAS certificate?
• I am an international student – can I study part-time?

Research areas