Institute of Cancer Research

Institute of Cancer Research: A Specialist Research Institution for Cancer Science and Medicine

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London is a specialist higher education institution and a college of the University of London, focused on cancer research, postgraduate education and the training of the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians. It is one of the UK's leading academic research centres dedicated specifically to cancer.

Unlike a conventional university offering a wide range of undergraduate subjects, the ICR has a highly specialised academic focus. Its education and research are centred around cancer biology, cancer treatment, clinical oncology, drug development and related biomedical sciences.

The ICR operates across two main London sites in Chelsea and Sutton, working closely with clinicians and researchers and maintaining strong links with the clinical environment.

What is the Institute of Cancer Research Known For?

The ICR is particularly known for:

• Cancer research
• Cancer biology
• Oncology
• Cancer treatment
• Drug development
• Translational research
• Clinical research
• Molecular biology
• Biomedical science
• Cancer genetics
• Research training
• Clinical academic development

The institution's work brings together scientists and clinicians to translate discoveries from laboratory research into improved cancer diagnosis and treatment. The ICR highlights the importance of collaboration between scientists and clinicians in moving new treatments towards patients.

Cancer Research

Cancer research is at the centre of the ICR's academic environment.

Students and researchers can work across areas such as:

• Cancer biology
• Molecular and cellular research
• Genetics
• Drug discovery
• Cancer therapies
• Experimental medicine
• Clinical research
• Bioinformatics
• Statistics
• Translational science

The ICR's research environment is designed around understanding cancer and developing new approaches to its prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Postgraduate Education

The ICR is primarily focused on postgraduate and research-level education.

Its programmes include:

• PhD
• MPhil
• MD(Res)
• MSc in Oncology
• Research training for clinicians
• Other specialist research opportunities

The ICR's own study information describes its programmes as specialised courses designed for the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians.

This means the ICR is particularly relevant to students who already have a strong academic background in science, medicine or a related discipline and want to specialise in cancer research or oncology.

PhD Research

The ICR offers PhD opportunities for science graduates and final-year undergraduates.

Its PhD programme is research-intensive and allows students to work on specialist cancer research projects under experienced researchers.

The ICR offers around 20 fully funded PhD studentships each year, with the main recruitment round opening in October while additional projects can be advertised throughout the year.

Research areas can include:

• Cancer biology
• Cancer genetics
• Drug development
• Molecular research
• Translational medicine
• Experimental therapeutics
• Computational and statistical approaches

MSc in Oncology

The ICR also provides a specialist MSc in Oncology for students and professionals interested in clinical and medical oncology.

The programme is structured into:

• Basic Sciences
• Clinical Sciences
• Research Methods
• Cancer Treatments
• Cancer in Context
• Dissertation

The final part includes a 10,000-word dissertation, with assessment potentially including a viva.

The programme is particularly relevant to clinicians and students seeking advanced knowledge of cancer science and treatment.

Research-Led Academic Environment

The ICR's teaching and training are closely connected to its research environment.

Students can learn from researchers and clinicians who are actively working in cancer research. The institution's Learning and Development programme also provides training in areas such as:

• Statistics
• Scientific writing
• Research funding
• Project management
• Bioinformatics
• Programming
• Scientific computing
• Science communication

For research students, the ICR expects a minimum of 10 days of skills training per academic year, combining technical and transferable professional development.

Student Experience

The ICR provides a specialist postgraduate research environment rather than the traditional broad university experience.

Students become part of a research community involving:

• Scientists
• Clinicians
• Research students
• Postdoctoral researchers
• Research support staff
• Academic researchers

The institution states that it has an active and welcoming student body with strong representation across the ICR. It also provides student welfare, social and academic support.

The ICR reported that it ranked top nationally for overall student experience in the 2021 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey.

Practical Research Experience

Research is a central part of the student experience at the ICR.

Students can gain experience with:

• Laboratory research
• Cancer research techniques
• Scientific computing
• Statistics
• Bioinformatics
• Research project management
• Scientific communication
• Academic writing

The ICR also runs a paid Undergraduate Summer Scholarship Scheme, giving eligible UK undergraduate students the opportunity to complete six-to-eight-week cancer research projects at its Chelsea or Sutton sites. The scheme provides a stipend of £350 per week.

The 2026 summer scheme is closed and is scheduled to reopen for applications in January 2027.

Life at the Institute of Cancer Research

The ICR's student experience is strongly connected to research rather than traditional campus life.

Students can participate in:

• Student activities
• Research seminars
• Academic conferences
• Career events
• Scientific training
• Professional-development sessions
• Student-led activities

The ICR also has a student committee and provides opportunities for students to connect with other researchers across the organisation.

Location & London Experience

The ICR operates across its Chelsea and Sutton sites in London.

Its London location provides students with access to:

• Major hospitals
• Research institutions
• Universities
• Biotechnology companies
• Pharmaceutical organisations
• Scientific conferences
• Medical and healthcare networks

The ICR's close relationship with clinical research is particularly important for students interested in translating laboratory discoveries into patient treatments.

International Student Experience

The ICR welcomes students from around the world and provides information and support for international applicants moving to the UK.

International students may need to arrange a UK Student visa, depending on their nationality and existing immigration status. The ICR provides guidance on visas, immigration and moving to London.

The ICR's international students can also access support relating to:

• Moving to the UK
• Accommodation
• London life
• Student welfare
• Academic support
• Careers
• Visa requirements

The ICR states that students and staff come from around the world and aims to provide an open and inclusive environment.

For Indian Students

Indian students considering the ICR should understand that it is not a conventional undergraduate university.

The institution is primarily suitable for students who already have a relevant academic background and want to progress into:

• Cancer research
• Biomedical research
• Oncology
• Clinical research
• Drug development
• Medical research
• Academic science

Indian students interested in PhD study can apply from outside the UK. The ICR states that applicants for its PhD programmes can apply from anywhere in the world.

International applicants should carefully check:

• Academic qualifications
• Research background
• Programme-specific requirements
• English-language requirements
• Funding
• Visa requirements
• Living costs
• Research interests

For PhD applicants, finding a suitable research project and demonstrating the academic ability to undertake advanced research are particularly important.

Careers & Employability

The ICR provides dedicated careers support to its students through The Careers Group, University of London.

Students can access:

• Careers advice
• CV preparation
• Interview preparation
• Employment-search guidance
• LinkedIn guidance
• Individual careers consultations
• Careers workshops
• Networking opportunities
• Academic-career guidance

Current students can also continue receiving careers advice for up to one year after completing their studies.

The ICR also organises career events and research-career conferences involving professionals from both academic and non-academic backgrounds.

Potential career directions include:

• Cancer researcher
• Biomedical scientist
• Clinical researcher
• Postdoctoral researcher
• Pharmaceutical research
• Biotechnology
• Drug development
• Bioinformatics
• Scientific computing
• Medical research
• Academic research
• Clinical academic careers

Q. Is the Institute of Cancer Research a university?

A. The ICR is a specialist higher education institution and a college of the University of London, focused specifically on cancer research and postgraduate education.

Q. Does the ICR offer undergraduate degrees?

A. The ICR is primarily a postgraduate and research institution. It does not operate like a conventional university with a broad range of undergraduate degrees. It does, however, offer opportunities such as its Undergraduate Summer Scholarship Scheme for eligible students already enrolled at UK universities.

Q. What is the ICR best known for?

A. It is best known for cancer research, oncology, cancer biology, drug development and translational medical research.

Q. Does the ICR offer PhD programmes?

A. Yes. The ICR offers PhD opportunities for talented science graduates and final-year undergraduates, with around 20 fully funded PhD studentships offered each year.

Q. Is the ICR suitable for international students?

A. Yes. International applicants can apply for ICR programmes, including PhD opportunities. The ICR provides dedicated information for overseas students regarding visas and moving to the UK.

Q. Who should consider the Institute of Cancer Research?

A. The ICR is particularly suitable for students who already have a strong background in science, medicine or a related discipline and want to specialise in cancer research, oncology, biomedical research or related fields.

It is not the ideal choice for students looking for a conventional undergraduate university with a wide range of subjects and traditional campus life.

Courses at the Institute of Cancer Research

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is primarily a postgraduate and research institution, rather than a conventional university offering a broad undergraduate portfolio. Its programmes are designed specifically for the next generation of cancer researchers and clinicians.

The main study opportunities include:

• PhD research programmes
• MPhil
• MD(Res)
• MSc in Oncology
• Research opportunities for clinicians
• Undergraduate summer research opportunities

The ICR offers around 20 fully funded PhD studentships each year, with the main recruitment round opening in October and additional projects advertised throughout the year.

PhD Research

The ICR's PhD programme is designed for students who want to pursue advanced research in cancer science.

Research opportunities can cover areas including:

• Cancer biology
• Cancer genetics
• Cancer therapeutics
• Drug development
• Molecular biology
• Experimental medicine
• Translational research
• Computational biology
• Cancer epidemiology
• Imaging
• Genomics

The ICR works across eight research divisions and more than 25 research centres and strategic initiatives, providing students with access to a highly specialised research environment.

Students work closely with academic supervisors and research teams, developing both specialist scientific knowledge and broader research skills.

MSc in Oncology

The MSc in Oncology is a specialist postgraduate programme aimed primarily at medically qualified candidates intending to pursue careers in clinical or medical oncology.

The programme covers areas including:

• Basic cancer science
• Clinical oncology
• Cancer treatment
• Research methods
• Medical oncology
• Clinical research

The programme is particularly suitable for clinicians who want to strengthen their knowledge of cancer and develop towards careers in clinical oncology or clinical academic research.

MPhil and MD(Res)

The ICR also provides research-degree opportunities including:

• MPhil
• MD(Res)

These programmes allow students and clinicians to undertake focused research under specialist academic supervision.

The research-degree environment is designed around original research rather than conventional classroom-based undergraduate education.

Research Areas

The ICR's research environment covers a wide range of cancer-related disciplines.

Cancer Biology

Students and researchers can investigate how cancer develops and progresses at cellular and molecular levels.

Cancer Genetics

Research includes understanding genetic changes associated with cancer development, progression and treatment.

Drug Development

The ICR has major expertise in discovering and developing potential new cancer treatments.

Clinical Research

Research connects laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, helping develop better approaches to cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Computational & Data Research

The ICR also provides training and research opportunities involving:

• Bioinformatics
• Programming
• Statistics
• Scientific computing
• Complex health data
• Computational biology

The Learning and Development team provides training in areas including Python, programming, statistics, Linux, high-performance computing and bioinformatics.

Teaching Style & Learning Experience

The ICR's learning environment is strongly research-led.

Rather than following a conventional lecture-heavy university model, research students spend a significant amount of their time working within research groups and developing their own scientific projects.

Students are expected to maintain a personal development plan covering:

• Scientific objectives
• Laboratory skills
• Computer skills
• Transferable skills
• Writing
• Reading
• Critical review

This development plan is reviewed as part of the annual monitoring process.

Researcher Development

The ICR provides a dedicated Researcher Development Programme for research students.

Training can include:

• Statistics
• Scientific writing
• Research funding
• Project management
• Science communication
• Bioinformatics
• Programming
• Scientific computing

This helps students develop skills that are useful both within academic research and in industry.

Practical Research Experience

Practical research is at the centre of the ICR experience.

Depending on the programme and research project, students can work with:

• Laboratory techniques
• Cancer research models
• Microscopy
• Molecular biology
• Genomics
• Bioinformatics
• Computational analysis
• Drug-development research

The ICR also provides access to specialist facilities and technologies, including areas such as microscopy and proteomics.

Placements & Research Experience

The ICR does not operate like a conventional university where every degree includes a standard industrial placement year.

Instead, research experience is integrated directly into its postgraduate and research programmes.

Students can gain professional experience through:

• Research projects
• Laboratory work
• Clinical research
• Industry collaborations
• Research conferences
• Scientific networking
• Professional-development activities

The ICR also offers a paid Undergraduate Summer Scholarship Scheme for eligible UK undergraduate students. The scheme provides six-to-eight-week cancer research projects and a stipend of £350 per week.

The 2026 summer scheme is closed and is scheduled to reopen for applications in January 2027. Importantly, students enrolled on courses outside the UK are not eligible for this particular summer scheme.

Careers & Employability

Career development is an important part of the ICR's postgraduate research environment.

Students have access to The Careers Group, University of London, which provides:

• Careers advice
• CV preparation
• Interview preparation
• Employment-search guidance
• LinkedIn guidance
• Individual careers consultations
• Careers workshops
• Webinars
• Networking opportunities

Current students can continue receiving careers advice for up to one year after completing their studies.

Academic Research Careers

Students interested in academia can receive support with:

• Finding postdoctoral positions
• Fellowship applications
• Academic interviews
• Scientific publications
• Research funding
• Building an independent research career

The ICR also runs research-career conferences and other events for students and postdoctoral researchers.

Industry Careers

The ICR has strong links with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Students can explore careers in:

• Pharmaceutical research
• Biotechnology
• Drug development
• Clinical research
• Scientific computing
• Bioinformatics
• Medical research
• Research management

The ICR's Drug Development Unit and Enterprise Unit maintain links with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, while industry professionals are invited to speak about potential career paths.

International Student Experience

The ICR attracts students and researchers from around the world and provides support for international students moving to the UK.

International students can receive guidance relating to:

• UK immigration
• Student visas
• Moving to London
• Accommodation
• Travel
• Student support
• Academic life

The ICR holds a Student sponsor licence and can issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies where required for eligible students.

For Indian Students

Indian students interested in the ICR should understand that it is mainly suitable for postgraduate and research-level study.

Potential routes include:

• PhD
• MPhil
• MD(Res)
• MSc in Oncology for eligible medical professionals

The ICR specifically states that PhD applicants can apply from anywhere in the world and that its supervisors have experience assessing overseas qualifications and different education systems.

Indian applicants should carefully prepare:

• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Research experience
• Research interests
• References
• English-language evidence where required
• Programme-specific documentation
• Funding arrangements
• Visa documentation

For PhD applications, demonstrating a strong research background and a good match with the available research projects is particularly important.

International Qualifications

The ICR's Registry team can support supervisors in assessing overseas qualifications, using resources such as Ecctis where necessary.

Applicants can also provide:

• Certificates
• Transcripts
• Additional information about their qualifications
• Research interests

This allows the ICR to properly assess candidates from different international education systems.

Who Should Consider the Institute of Cancer Research?

The ICR is particularly suitable for students who:

• Have a strong background in science or medicine
• Want to specialise in cancer research
• Are interested in oncology
• Want to pursue a PhD
• Want laboratory research experience
• Are interested in drug development
• Want to work in biomedical research
• Are interested in clinical research
• Want an academic research career
• Want to work in pharmaceutical or biotechnology research
• Prefer a highly specialised research environment

It may be less suitable for students who:

• Want a conventional undergraduate university
• Want a broad range of subjects
• Prefer traditional campus life
• Are looking for general business or humanities programmes
• Want a standard undergraduate placement year

Q. Does the ICR offer placements?

The ICR does not follow the traditional university placement-year model across its programmes. Research experience is instead central to its postgraduate programmes, with additional research opportunities such as the Undergraduate Summer Scholarship Scheme for eligible UK undergraduates.

Q. Does the ICR offer internships?

The ICR offers specific research opportunities, including its Undergraduate Summer Scholarship Scheme. The 2026 scheme provided six-to-eight-week research projects with a £350-per-week stipend.

Q. Can international students apply for PhD programmes?

Yes. The ICR accepts PhD applications from international candidates and provides support relating to overseas qualifications and UK immigration requirements.

Q. What careers can ICR graduates pursue?

Graduates can progress into academic research, postdoctoral research, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, drug development, clinical research, bioinformatics, scientific computing and other biomedical research careers.

Q. Does the ICR provide careers support?

Yes. Students receive access to University of London careers services, including individual advice, CV and interview support, employment guidance, academic-career sessions and research-career events.

Institute of Cancer Research Fees – Tuition Costs, Scholarships and Financial Support for International Students

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) has a very different fee structure from a conventional UK university because it is primarily a specialist postgraduate and research institution.

For 2026/27, full-time students studying research degrees such as PhD, MPhil or MD(Res) have an overseas tuition fee of £31,190 per year if they are self-funded. However, the majority of ICR science PhD students receive fully funded studentships that cover tuition fees, research costs and provide a tax-free living stipend. (icr.ac.uk )

The ICR's current funded PhD stipend is £26,505 per year for ICR-funded projects. (icr.ac.uk

Tuition Fees for International Students

For the 2026/27 academic year, the ICR publishes the following overseas fee for new full-time research-degree students:

Programme	Study Mode	Duration	Overseas Tuition Fee 2026/27
PhD	Full-time	Usually 4 years	£31,190/year
MPhil	Full-time	Research degree	£31,190/year
MD(Res)	Full-time	Research degree	£31,190/year

The ICR states that the same research-degree fee applies to full-time PhD, MPhil and MD(Res) students. (icr.ac.uk )

Important: these are the self-funded overseas fees. Most science PhD students do not pay this amount themselves because their studentship covers the tuition fee. (icr.ac.uk

PhD Tuition Cost

The ICR's PhD programme is normally a four-year research training programme.

If an international student were completely self-funded at the current 2026/27 rate:

£31,190 × 4 = £124,760

Therefore, the simple four-year tuition calculation would be:

£124,760

However, this should not be treated as the normal financial outcome for an ICR science PhD.

The ICR says the majority of its science PhD projects are fully funded, covering tuition fees, project running costs and a tax-free stipend. (icr.ac.uk )

MSc in Oncology

The ICR also offers a specialist MSc in Oncology.

The fee structure is different from the research-degree structure and is divided between the programme's different parts.

The ICR publishes the current 2026/27 MSc fee information on its tuition-fee page; applicants should use the current fee table and their offer documentation when calculating the exact amount for their intake. (icr.ac.uk

The previous 2025/26 published overseas fees were:

MSc in Oncology component	Overseas Fee 2025/26
Part A/B	£12,600
Part C	£3,630
Total	£16,230

These figures are provided as the previous-year reference and should not be presented as confirmed 2026/27 fees. (icr.ac.uk

Scholarships & Funding

Funding is one of the biggest advantages of studying a PhD at the ICR.

The ICR offers approximately 20 fully funded PhD studentships each year. The main recruitment round opens in October, while additional projects can be advertised throughout the year. (icr.ac.uk )

Funding comes from sources including:

• Institute of Cancer Research
• Medical Research Council
• Cancer Research UK
• Industrial partners
• Charities
• Other research-funding organisations

The ICR states that studentship funding is typically available for up to four years. (icr.ac.uk

Fully Funded PhD Studentships

The majority of ICR science PhD projects are fully funded.

A typical ICR-funded studentship covers:

• Full tuition fees
• Research/project running costs
• Tax-free living stipend
• Research training
• Academic supervision

The current ICR-funded stipend is:

£26,505 per year

This stipend is intended to support the student's living expenses while undertaking the PhD. (icr.ac.uk

Funding for International Students

International students can apply for ICR-funded PhD studentships.

The ICR states that ICR-funded studentships are open to candidates irrespective of nationality, although some externally funded projects may have nationality restrictions. (icr.ac.uk

This is particularly important for Indian applicants because they can compete for many of the same fully funded ICR PhD opportunities as other applicants.

However, there is an important exception.

Some CRUK Convergence Science Centre studentships only cover UK tuition fees. International applicants to those projects need to demonstrate how they will cover the difference in international tuition fees. (icr.ac.uk

Scholarships for Indian Students

The ICR does not operate a single general scholarship specifically labelled for Indian students.

Instead, Indian applicants should focus on:

• ICR-funded PhD studentships
• Cancer Research UK-funded opportunities
• Medical Research Council-funded opportunities
• Charity-funded studentships
• Industry-funded research projects
• External Indian funding
• Other international research scholarships

The ICR-funded studentships are particularly important because they are open to candidates of all nationalities, subject to the conditions of the particular project. (icr.ac.uk

Clinical PhD Funding

Students applying for clinical PhDs can also apply for fellowships.

The ICR states that clinical PhD fellowships can provide:

• Tuition fees
• Research expenses
• Clinical salary

This can make the research route particularly attractive for appropriately qualified medical professionals. (icr.ac.uk

Accommodation Costs

The ICR does not have its own student accommodation, but students have several options.

As a member of the University of London, full-time ICR students can apply to join the waiting list for intercollegiate halls.

Students can also consider:

• Private rented accommodation
• Shared houses
• Student residences
• Goodenough College
• ICR-supported accommodation options

The ICR also has accommodation information specifically designed for students moving to London. (icr.ac.uk

Typical Accommodation Cost

The ICR's current accommodation guide, based on information from its students, states that ICR students typically pay approximately:

£600–£900 per month in basic rent

This is a useful planning range, although actual rent depends on location, room type and whether accommodation is shared. (icr.ac.uk

At this range:

£600 × 12 = £7,200/year

to

£900 × 12 = £10,800/year

So a student could use approximately £7,200–£10,800 per year as a basic-rent planning range before utilities and other living expenses.

Rent Guarantor Support

Moving to London can be difficult for international students because landlords may ask for a UK-based guarantor or several months of rent in advance.

The ICR operates a Rent Guarantor Scheme for eligible full-time PhD students who receive an ICR stipend.

The scheme can cover rent of up to:

£1,200 per month

for a maximum tenancy period of 52 weeks, subject to the scheme's conditions. (icr.ac.uk

This can be particularly helpful for international PhD students who do not have a UK-based guarantor.

International Student Cost of Attendance

An international student should consider:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation
• Food
• Local transport
• Visa costs
• Immigration-related expenses
• Flights
• Personal expenses
• Research-related conference costs where applicable

The ICR notes that students must meet their own living and travel costs unless these are covered through their studentship. (icr.ac.uk

Students may occasionally have additional expenses related to conferences or presenting research. Small grants may sometimes be available to help with these costs. (icr.ac.uk

Financial Planning for Indian Students

For an Indian student considering an ICR PhD, the most important distinction is:

Self-funded route

2026/27 overseas tuition:

£31,190/year

Four-year tuition calculation:

£31,190 × 4 = £124,760

Fully funded route

The majority of science PhD studentships cover:

• Tuition
• Research costs
• Living stipend

Current ICR-funded stipend:

£26,505/year

Therefore, an Indian student who secures a fully funded ICR PhD can avoid the enormous tuition liability associated with self-funding and receive financial support towards living expenses. (icr.ac.uk

Cost Example for an Indian PhD Student

Consider an Indian student applying for a four-year ICR science PhD.

Without funding

Annual tuition:

£31,190

Four-year tuition:

£124,760

This does not include accommodation, food, transport or other living costs.

With an ICR-funded studentship

Tuition:

Covered

Research/project costs:

Covered

Annual stipend:

£26,505

Four-year stipend calculation:

£26,505 × 4 = £106,020

Therefore, a fully funded student could receive approximately:

£106,020 in tax-free stipend over four years

alongside tuition and project-cost coverage, assuming the stipend remains at the current rate throughout the four-year period. (icr.ac.uk

The actual stipend may change in future years, so this calculation is illustrative rather than a guaranteed four-year total.

The Honest Verdict – Is the Institute of Cancer Research Worth the Cost?

For students pursuing a cancer-research career, the ICR can be an exceptionally strong option.

The ICR Is an Excellent Choice If You...

• Want to pursue cancer research
• Have a strong science background
• Want to undertake a PhD
• Are interested in drug discovery
• Want to work in oncology research
• Are interested in biomedical science
• Want laboratory research experience
• Want to work in biotechnology or pharmaceuticals
• Want a research-focused academic career
• Want access to specialist cancer research facilities

The biggest advantage is the availability of fully funded PhD opportunities.

The ICR states that approximately 20 fully funded PhD studentships are offered each year, and the majority of its science PhD projects are fully funded. (icr.ac.uk

It May Not Be the Right Fit If You...

• Want a conventional undergraduate university
• Want a broad selection of subjects
• Want traditional campus life
• Are not interested in cancer research
• Want a general medical degree
• Want a general business, humanities or arts programme
• Are looking for a standard university placement year

The ICR's biggest strength is also its biggest limitation: it is extremely specialised.

Frequently Asked Questions About ICR Fees

Q. How much is the ICR PhD tuition fee for international students?

For a new full-time overseas research-degree student in 2026/27, the published fee for PhD, MPhil and MD(Res) is £31,190 per year. (icr.ac.uk

Q. How much would a four-year self-funded PhD cost?

At the current 2026/27 fee:

£31,190 × 4 = £124,760

This is a simple tuition calculation and excludes living costs.

Q. Do I have to pay the £31,190 PhD fee if I get an ICR studentship?

Usually, no. The majority of science PhD studentships cover tuition fees, project running costs and provide a tax-free stipend. (icr.ac.uk

Q. How much is the ICR PhD stipend?

The current ICR-funded stipend is £26,505 per year. (icr.ac.uk

Q. Are ICR PhD scholarships available to Indian students?

Yes. ICR-funded studentships are open to candidates irrespective of nationality, although individual externally funded projects can have restrictions. (icr.ac.uk

Q. Does the ICR provide accommodation?

The ICR does not have its own student accommodation, but students can apply for University of London intercollegiate halls and use private accommodation options. (icr.ac.uk

Q. How much is accommodation near the ICR?

The ICR's accommodation guide says students typically pay around £600–£900 per month in basic rent, although actual costs vary. (icr.ac.uk

Q. Can the ICR help international students with renting accommodation?

Eligible full-time ICR-funded PhD students can potentially use the ICR Rent Guarantor Scheme, subject to its conditions. (icr.ac.uk

Q. Is the ICR expensive for Indian students?

A self-funded international PhD is expensive because the 2026/27 overseas tuition fee is £31,190 per year. However, the financial picture is very different if the student receives a fully funded PhD studentship covering tuition and providing a stipend.

Q. Is the ICR worth it for cancer research?

For students committed to cancer research, the ICR offers a highly specialised research environment, fully funded PhD opportunities, specialist facilities and strong connections with clinical and pharmaceutical research.

A Final Word – Why the Institute of Cancer Research Deserves Your Consideration

The Institute of Cancer Research is a very different proposition from a conventional UK university.

Its strength is its specialisation.

Students who want to work in:

• Cancer biology
• Oncology
• Drug development
• Biomedical research
• Clinical research
• Cancer genetics
• Bioinformatics
• Pharmaceutical research

can benefit from studying in an institution dedicated almost entirely to cancer research.

For an Indian student considering a PhD, the most important point is the funding opportunity. A self-funded overseas PhD would carry a published 2026/27 tuition fee of £31,190 per year, but the majority of ICR science PhD projects are fully funded and cover tuition, project costs and a living stipend. (icr.ac.uk )

With the current ICR-funded stipend of £26,505 per year, a successful fully funded PhD student can focus much more heavily on research without taking on the substantial tuition burden of self-funding. (icr.ac.uk)

Overall, the ICR is best suited to students who have a strong scientific or medical background and want to build a serious career in cancer research, oncology, drug development or related biomedical fields.