Research postgraduate tuition fees
Please note that the fees for 2026/27 are provisional and subject to final approval (expected April 2026).
2026/27 Postgraduate research degree fees (PhD and MRes)
If you’re interested in a postgraduate research course at UHI, you can find our tuition fee rates below. Postgraduate fees are subject to change, so please check back regularly.
Studying a PhD
If you’re studying a PhD full-time, fees will be payable for your first three years. After this, you will automatically enter your thesis pending year whereby you will be charged a PhD thesis pending registration fee for the year – this is set at 50% of the full-time tuition fee rate.
Should you require more time after this, you can apply for an extension of up to 12 months, however an extension fee will apply – this is set at 25% the full-time tuition fee rate.
Part-time PhD fees are payable over six years, followed by the PhD thesis pending registration fee, and extension fee, as required, at the part-time tuition fee rate.
Studying an MRes
If you’re studying an MRes full-time, fees are payable for your first year. Should you require more time after this, you can apply for an extension of up to 12 months, however an extension fee will apply.
Part-time MRes fees are payable over two years, followed by an extension fee if applicable.
Tuition fee rates for home students
Below details Home (UK) postgraduate research degree fees for science and arts subject areas for on-campus and distance-mode study. Tuition fees for home students are set by UK Research Council (UKRI) and each year UKRI usually increase their fees in line with inflation. Further information can be found on the UKRI website.
| Year of registration* | Full-time | Part-time 1 August 2021 registration onwards (50% fte) | Part-time 1 Aug 2012 – 30 July 2021 registration (60% fte) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/27 | £5,238 | £2,619 | £3,143 |
| 2025/26 | £5,006 | £2,503 | £3,004 |
*Academic year starts on 1 August of each year.
Tuition fee rates for international students for 2026/27
UHI is increasing tuition fees for international students. This change will be introduced in phases, with a 10% increase for new entrants in 2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28.
Currently enrolled students will see increases rise annually by the higher of; 1) 4%, or, the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.
International research degree fees for science and arts subject areas are for on-campus and distance-mode study.
| Year of registration* | Student programme start date* | Mode of study | International Arts | International Science |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/27 | 2024/25 and prior** | Full-time | £13,801 | £17,356 |
| Part-time (0.5FTE) | £6,900 | £8,678 | ||
| 2025/26 | Full-time | £14,780 | £18,625 | |
| Part-time (0.5FTE) | £7,406 | £9,313 | ||
| 2026/27 | Full-time | £16,258 | £20,488 | |
| Part-time (0.5FTE) | £8,146 | £10,244 | ||
| 2025/26 | 2024/25 and prior** | Full-time | £13,270 | £16,688 |
| Part-time (0.5FTE) | £6,635 | £8,344 | ||
| 2025/26 | Full-time | £14,242 | £17,909 | |
| Part-time (0.5FTE) | £7,121 | £8,955 |
*Academic year starts on 1 August of each year.
**For programme start dates prior to 30 July 2021, the fee is chargeable at the 0.6FTE rate.
More information about fees for international students.
Charges payable by research students
| Description | First registered from 2021-22 onwards | First registered before 2021-22 |
|---|---|---|
| PhD thesis pending period | 50% of relevant full-time or part-time research tuition fee | Registration type not applicable |
| Continuation fee | Registration type not applicable | £120 |
| Extension fee | 25% of relevant full-time or part-time research tuition fee | Registration type not applicable |
| Reinstatement | Option not available | £1,200 |
| Thesis resubmission (re-assessment) | £250 | £250 |
| Termination of Registration | See Refunds section of the UHI Higher Education Fees Policy | |
Additional costs
All our postgraduate courses come with their own unique modules and coursework. That’s why you may be asked to pay additional costs as part of your course. Where these apply, applicants should be notified of this fee as part of the initial application process and the fee(s) will be confirmed in the formal offer letter.
Higher Doctorate candidate fees
£750.00, UHI fee charge. UHI staff only can apply.
PhD by Prior Publication or Portfolio
Fees for this programme are charged in line with the UKRI Home (UK) part-time rate.