Postgraduate Studies: What Funding Can You Get?

Updated for courses starting in the 2026/27 academic year.

Funding for postgraduate study in the UK depends on:

- What you are studying

- When your course starts

- Whether you can get a studentship

- Your disability status

- Whether your employer will fund your studies

- Any bursaries or scholarships you may be entitled to

Postgraduate Master’s Loan

When starting a master’s degree, you can apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan of up to £13,206 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026 (England).

Funding differs if you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. The loan is not based on your income or your family’s income, and it is paid to you to use on course fees or living costs.

To be eligible, your course must be a full, standalone master’s, worth at least 180 credits, and run by an eligible university or college. You must be under 60 on the first day of your course and be a UK national or have settled status. Check your eligibility here.

Postgraduate Doctoral Loan

When starting a doctoral degree, you can get up to £31,122 if your course starts on or after 1 August 2026 (England).

Funding differs across the UK nations and is not based on your income or your family’s income.

To be eligible, the course must be a full, standalone doctoral course lasting 3 to 8 years, run by a UK university with research degree awarding powers. More information here.

Studentships

Studentships are funded postgraduate places that cover fees, living costs or both. Many are funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). For 2026/27, UKRI studentships pay at least:

• £5,238 a year towards tuition fees
• £21,805 a year for living costs, paid in regular instalments

Disabled Students’ Allowance

Disabled Students’ Allowance can cover extra costs caused by a mental health condition, long-term illness or other disability, on its own or alongside other funding. The support depends on your needs. Find out what you can get here.

Your Employer

Your employer may pay for postgraduate study or professional qualifications if it benefits the business. This is entirely at your employer’s discretion, so speak to them about what they might fund.

Charities, Grants and Scholarships

Many charities, grants and scholarships fund postgraduate study. Eligibility can depend on your background, course, university and other factors. Ask your chosen university and search for relevant charities and organisations.