Funding for postgraduate studies in the UK can vary depending on a number of factors:

- What you are studying

- When your course starts

- Whether you can receive a studentship

- Your disability status

- Whether your employer chooses to fund your studies

- Any bursaries or scholarships you may be entitled to.

Postgraduate Master’s Degree

When beginning a master’s degree, you can apply for a postgraduate master’s loan. You can receive up to:

• £11,570 if your course started on or after 1st August 2021
• £11,222 if your course started between 1st August 2020 – 31st July 2021
• £10,906 if your course started between 1st August 2019 – 31st July 2020

This funding differs if you live in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. The amount received is not based on your income or your family’s income and it is paid directly to you to use on either course fees or living costs.

To be eligible for funding, your course must be a full standalone master’s course, be worth at least 180 credits, and have started on or after 1st August 2016. It must also be provided by an eligible university or college. You also must be under the age of 60 on the first day of your course. You must also be a British Citizen or have settled status. To find out if you are eligible for funding, click here.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

When beginning a doctoral degree, you can get funding up to:

• £27,265 if your course started on or after 1st August 2021
• £26,445 if your course started between 1st August 2020 – 31st July 2021
• £25,700 if your course started between 1st August 2019 – 31st July 2020

Funding differs if you live in Scotland, England or Wales and is not based on your earnings or your family’s earnings.

To be eligible for funding, the course needs to be a full standalone doctoral course, have stayed on or after 1st August 2018, last between 3-8 years, and be provided by a university in the UK with research degree awarding powers. For more information, click here.

Studentships

Studentships are postgraduate positions that have funding attached for fees, living expenses or both. They are mainly funded by UK Research and Innovation. Candidates could receive:

• A minimum of £4500 per year for tuition fees.
• A minimum of £15,609 per year for living expenses paid in regular instalments.

Disabled Students’ Allowance

Disabled students’ allowance can provide cover for costs incurred due to mental health, long-term illness, or other disabilities. This could be on its own or in addition to other funding. Type and amount of support will depend on individual needs. Find out how much you can receive here.

Your Employer

Your employer may choose to pay for your postgraduate study or other professional qualifications if they believe it will benefit the business. If you want your employer to fund your studies, you will need to speak to your employer as it is entirely at the employer's discretion if they choose to fund your studies and how much they are willing to pay for.

Charities, Grants and Scholarships

There are several charities, grants and scholarships for postgraduate study. Eligibility to apply can depend on your background, race, gender, course, university and other factors. You can find out more by contacting your chosen university and a number of different charities and organisations.

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