Funding Postgraduate Study

The question we are asked most frequently is “How do I finance my studies?” Unfortunately, there is no mandatory funding for postgraduate study and each student must consider financing their degree on an individual basis. Many postgraduate students fund their course by using savings, combining study with work, and applying for financial help from some of the sources listed below. In particular, we recommend that you read the Prospects Postgraduate Funding Guide, and other similar guides, available in careers libraries and online.

The following resources may be useful:

Graduate Prospects
www.prospects.ac.uk

Hotcourses Scholarship Search
www.scholarship-search.org.uk

Charities and trusts

Many charities and trusts provide postgraduate students with grants. Often, financial help is reserved for students from low income backgrounds, or for those who have achieved academic excellence. You can find out more about charities and trusts at your local library.

Useful publications include:

Educational Grants Directory
Charities Digest
Grants Register
Directory of Grant Making Trusts

You can search for funding from educational trusts on the Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS) website: www.family-action.org.uk

Postgraduate study bursaries

A limited number of scholarships of up to £1000 (up to £500 for part-time students) are available for students who are enrolling on the first year of a postgraduate programme - Application forms

Professional and Career Development Loans

A Professional and Career Development Loan allows you to borrow money and pay no interest while you study. You can borrow up to £10,000 to help fund up to two years of study. If your learning includes one year of relevant work experience, you can extend the loan to three years.

Disabled Students' Allowances

Postgraduate students with an impairment, health condition or learning difficulty may be able to get financial help from Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs). You can apply for DSAs for both taught courses and research degrees.