Updated PGR FAQs: Funding extensions, tuition fee payment plans
07 May 2020
Frequently asked questions are updated regularly
This advice is correct at the time of publication of this news article.
If you have health concerns then you should refer to the NHS website as recommended by Public Health England. For other queries regarding the current situation, email coronavirus-info@manchester.ac.uk.
Additional information added under "Can I apply for an extension to my research?":
Other funded PGRs: Other funded PGRs with a programme end date between 1 March 2020 and 31 March 2021, who are in receipt of a stipend managed by the University, should continue to keep a log of any lost time and will be able to submit a request for an extension within three months from their funding end date (programme end date) in order for you to better assess the length of extension required. The University will cover the cost of approved programme extensions up to 6 months relating to COVID-19 where your funder is unable to financially support an extension period. The University will cover extensions to UKRI standard stipend rates.
Externally funded / sponsored students who receive their stipend or living costs directly from the sponsor: These PGRs will need to check if your sponsor is able to pay for any additional living costs should you wish to apply for an extension, as the University is not able to fund living costs in these circumstances.
Self-funded PGRs: Self-funded PGRs with a programme end date between 1 March 2020 and 31 March 2021 should continue to keep a log of any lost time and will be able to submit a request for an extension within three months from their programme end date in order for you to better assess the length of extension required. For approved programme extensions of up to 6 months duration due to COVID-19, the University will waive any tuition fees due during the extended period. You can also apply for support for living costs during any approved extension period via the University’s Living Cost Support Fund. The University will also waive the submission pending fee for any self-funded PGRs with a programme end date between 1 March 2020 and 31 March 2021.
PGRs in 'submission pending': You can apply for an extension to your submission pending deadline of up to 6 months, by providing an evidence-based case for why you are unable to complete the writing up of your thesis during the submission pending period. Applications for an extension to your submission pending deadline should be made within 3 months of your submission deadline – they will be considered under your local extension request process.
PGRs who have been examined and referred for re-submission of the thesis: You can apply for an extension to your re-submission deadline of up to 6 months, by providing an evidence-based case for why you are unable to re-submit your thesis by the required deadline. Applications for an extension to your re-submission deadline should be made within 3 months of that deadline – they will be considered under your local extension request process.
The following new question has been added:
Can self-funded PGRs change the payment plan for their tuition fees during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Any self-funded PGR who is impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can request information on a new payment plan by emailing self.funding@manchester.ac.uk.