Appealing Funding Decision

Hi SFE,

I was studying for a Ph.D. in 2020 and received funding from SFE. However, I dropped out after a year because of addiction and mental health issues. I then restarted a Ph.D. at a different institution in September 2022. My funding application was rejected because I had previously taken out a doctorate loan (although I only received about 30% of the loan). My supervisors at my first Ph.D. course didn't know exactly why I dropped out as I didn't tell them because I'm slightly ashamed of the addiction issue. Because they didn't know, they couldn't back up that I had extenuating circumstances.

I'm currently on a six-month break from my Ph.D. as I can't afford the tuition fees. I hope to go back this September. Can I appeal the decision not to fund me?

I took a year-long hiatus from the PhD (my second attempt) after 6 months of studying part-time. So, as I'm part-time, the full length of the course is 6 years. When/if I go back in September (if I go back in September I will only have taken 6 months off), I will be continuing year one of the 6-year, part-time PhD.

Hi there,

Thank you - last of all, did you make an application with us for the course the began last September?

Thanks, Graeme

Hi, yes I made the application for the course that began last September.

Hi there,

Can you confirm if you suspended or withdrew from the course originally? Does anyone in a profession know of the Compelling Personal Reasons?

Thanks,
Claire

I withdrew due to addiction problems, but I was too ashamed to tell my supervisor so no one knew the reason why.

Hi there,

To apply for Compelling Personal Reasons (CPR) we'll need a letter from yourself (signed and dated) explaining what happened in your own words.

We'll also need, preferably, a letter from a professional person confirming this and the effect this had on your studies. Do you think you could get someone like a doctor or tutor etc to write a letter like that?

Thanks, Graeme

Hi Graeme,

Yes, I think I can.

What would be the process for me to apply for Compelling Personal Reasons (CPR)?

Thanks.