Postgraduate Student Stipend

What to do if a student receiving a stipend goes off-books, completes their studies early, or withdraws from the College?

When the student goes off-books / completes their studies early / withdraws from the College, their stipend is suspended (as they are no longer full-time and registered).

The PI (Supervisor) or the School / Discipline has to inform HR immediately with student details so an overpayment can be avoided.

If the student was overpaid, HR will let the PI/School know the refund details and the amount the student owes to back to the project code by email. Once the student refunds the money back to Trinity bank account then Payroll Services will transfer the money back to the correct account. The PI/School should also make the student aware of the overpayment and the process for repaying.

If the student is receiving stipend during off books period, they should be taxed under the PAYE system as normal.

What should I do if there is a change to project code associated with a stipend?

If the project account detail needs to be changed, the School/PI (Supervisor) should complete a Staff Transfer Form and email it to the Financial Services Division (FSD) at resadmin@tcd.ie. Once HR receives the approved form from FSD, HR will update the account and FSD will process any backdated transfers.

Every effort should be taken to prepare a Staff Transfer Form in advance; backdated transfers should be no less than 3 months old.

What to do if there is a change in the stipend amount?

Any increase or decrease in the stipend amount driven by the School/PI must be communicated directly to HR by the School/PI. In addition, the School/PI must complete a Staff Transfer Form and submit it to FSD at resadmin@tcd.ie.

However, if the increase/decrease in stipend amount is mandated by a funder (e.g., Research Ireland, or other funders), the funder will typically notify FSD directly. In such cases, FSD, Dean of Graduate Studies, and HR will coordinate internally to implement the updated stipend amount across all affected students.