Exceptional Support for PhD Research Severely Affected by COVID-19

Exceptional support is open to applications from PGRs whose research has been severely affected by COVID-19. You may apply for financial support under this scheme if you have experienced exceptional and chronic disruptions to your research (i.e. beyond the 3 months recognised in the PGR support package of July 2020).

The exceptional support will be for a maximum of 3 months financial support only - it does NOT include an automatic extension to your registration period. If you require an extension to your registration period due to the impact of COVID-19 you should follow the standard application process (see foot of this section).

All applications will be considered on a case by case basis, using this form. All applicants should provide record of disruptions (eDoc supervisory logs, emails to supervisors, PGRAPTS, FRDSGC chairs etc.) which they should reference in the application. Records of disruption to your study cannot be completed retrospectively.  You must be able to demonstrate disruption to your research during the time period you are requesting the support for.  Your supervisors are also required to add a supporting statement in your application.

The following deadlines for Exceptional Support applications should be submitted to your FRDC Secretary by: 

Monday 7 November 2022

Monday 9 January 2023

Monday 6 March 2023

Monday 8 May 2023

Monday 3 July 2023

Self-funded PGRs can apply for additional support to the Thesis Pending fee (up to a maximum of an additional 3 months).  The application must be submitted 3 months (minimum) prior to re-enrolment into the Completion Year.

Funded PGRs can apply for extended stipend payments and support with the Thesis Pending fee (up to a maximum of an additional 3 months).  The application must be submitted 3 months (minimum) prior to the date your current funding/support is due to finish.

PGRs in receipt of UKRI funding are eligible to apply for COVID-19 Phase 2 extension fund using this form.  The criteria from UKRI require that:

1.  Your funding period started before 1 March 2020

2.  You have a funding end date from 1 April 2021 onwards

3.  You have not submitted your thesis for examination

4.  You have not already received a UKRI-funded extension under the initial UKRI policy.

You must meet all 4 criteria to be considered.

If you need to extend your registration period due to COVID-19, please complete the Extension of Thesis Pending via eDoc.