Top Scholarships and Bursaries for Postgraduate Students

The cost of postgraduate study can be a significant consideration for graduates planning to pursue a master’s degree, postgraduate diploma or doctoral qualification. Tuition fees, accommodation, travel and everyday living expenses can quickly add up, particularly for students who need to balance their studies with existing financial commitments. Scholarships and bursaries can help reduce this financial pressure, making further education more accessible and allowing students to focus on their academic and professional goals.

Across the UK, universities, government departments, charitable organisations, professional associations and research bodies provide funding for postgraduate students. Awards range from partial tuition fee reductions to fully funded scholarships that include maintenance support. Understanding the different types of funding available, eligibility requirements and application deadlines can help prospective students identify opportunities that match their circumstances.

What Is the Difference Between a Scholarship and a Bursary?

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, scholarships and bursaries can have different purposes.

Scholarships are commonly awarded based on academic achievement, research potential, professional experience or a particular area of study. Some are designed to attract high-achieving students, while others support applicants from specific countries or backgrounds.

Bursaries are generally intended to provide financial assistance to students who meet particular eligibility criteria. Financial need may be a central consideration, although some bursaries are linked to personal circumstances, subject areas or university affiliations.

Funding arrangements vary between institutions. Some awards cover a percentage of tuition fees, while others provide a fixed payment towards living costs, research expenses or other study-related expenditure.

Major Postgraduate Scholarship Opportunities in the UK

There are several established scholarship programmes worth investigating when planning postgraduate study.

Chevening Scholarships

The Chevening Scholarships are funded by the UK government and support outstanding emerging leaders from eligible countries to undertake a one-year master’s degree at a UK university. The awards generally cover tuition fees, travel and a living allowance, subject to programme conditions. Applicants should check nationality requirements and the annual application timetable.

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission supports postgraduate study for eligible citizens of Commonwealth countries. Awards include master’s and doctoral opportunities, with funding arrangements that can cover tuition fees, travel and living expenses. Many programmes focus on development priorities and applicants should check the specific eligibility requirements for each award.

GREAT Scholarships

The GREAT Scholarships programme is delivered through the British Council and participating UK universities. Scholarships are available to eligible students from selected countries who wish to undertake postgraduate study in the UK. Individual awards and participating institutions vary, so applicants should consult the relevant university for current opportunities.

University Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships

Many UK universities offer their own postgraduate scholarships to attract students with strong academic records. These awards may be available to home and international applicants, although eligibility and funding levels differ.

For example, the University of Westminster advertises postgraduate awards for eligible applicants, including an International Postgraduate Excellence Award worth £3,000 towards tuition fees for January 2027 entry. Its funding opportunities also include awards for home students and sanctuary applicants.

The University of Reading also offers postgraduate funding, including academic achievement scholarships and subject-specific awards.

University and Subject-Specific Bursaries

University funding is often one of the most accessible places to begin a postgraduate funding search. Individual institutions may offer awards based on academic performance, financial circumstances, subject choice, nationality or previous study at the university.

Examples include:

• Alumni scholarships: Tuition fee discounts for graduates returning to their former university for postgraduate study.

• Academic merit awards: Funding for applicants with strong undergraduate results or other evidence of academic achievement.

• Subject-specific bursaries: Support for students studying areas such as engineering, science, business, education, healthcare or the arts.

• Access and participation awards: Financial assistance for applicants from under-represented backgrounds.

• International student scholarships: Tuition fee reductions or financial support for eligible overseas applicants.

The University of Keele, for example, lists postgraduate funding for 2026/27, including its Postgraduate Global Scholarship, worth £3,000–£5,000 for eligible international students, and a graduate scholarship for eligible UK students.

Prospective students should check individual university websites, as some awards are applied automatically when an offer is accepted, while others require a separate application.

Funding for Postgraduate Research

Students considering a PhD or other research degree may be eligible for studentships and research grants. These are particularly important for those undertaking projects that contribute to academic research or address specific industry and societal challenges.

Many research studentships are funded through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and its associated research councils. Funding arrangements can include tuition fees and a maintenance stipend, although eligibility, funding levels and residency requirements vary.

Research funding may also be available through:

• University doctoral training programmes.

• Research council-funded projects.

• Industry-sponsored research partnerships.

• Charitable foundations and research trusts.

• Professional bodies and learned societies.

Students should investigate research opportunities early, as some studentships are linked to specific projects, supervisors or academic departments.

Government Postgraduate Funding and Other Financial Support

Scholarships and bursaries are not the only funding options available. Government-backed postgraduate loans can help eligible students cover tuition fees and living costs.

For the 2026/27 academic year, eligible students in England starting a master’s degree on or after 1 August 2026 can apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan of up to £13,206. Eligible doctoral students can apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan of up to £31,122. These loans are subject to residency, course and other eligibility requirements.

Students should also investigate the funding arrangements available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as postgraduate financial support differs across the UK.

Other possible sources of assistance include employer sponsorship, professional development budgets, charitable grants and support from specialist organisations. Some employers may contribute towards postgraduate tuition fees when a qualification is relevant to an employee’s current position or future responsibilities.

How to Find Scholarships and Bursaries

Finding suitable funding requires research and careful planning. Students should begin by identifying universities and postgraduate programmes that match their academic interests, then investigate the funding available through each institution.

Useful starting points include:

1. University funding pages: Check the postgraduate scholarships and bursaries section of each university website.

2. Government funding information: Review official guidance on postgraduate loans and financial assistance.

3. Professional organisations: Look for awards offered by associations connected to your chosen subject or career.

4. Research funding databases: Explore studentships and doctoral funding opportunities through universities and research bodies.

5. Charitable trusts: Investigate grants aimed at particular backgrounds, subjects or financial circumstances.

The UK Government’s postgraduate funding guidance provides an overview of loans, studentships, grants and other sources of financial assistance.

Preparing a Successful Scholarship Application

Competition for postgraduate funding can be strong, so applicants should allow plenty of time to prepare their applications. Each scholarship or bursary has its own selection criteria, and meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not necessarily guarantee an award.

Academic transcripts, references, a personal statement and evidence of relevant experience may be required. Research funding applications may also involve a detailed research proposal, an explanation of the project’s potential contribution and confirmation of academic supervision.

When preparing an application, consider the following:

• Read the eligibility criteria carefully: Check academic requirements, residency rules, nationality restrictions and eligible courses.

• Understand the award’s purpose: Explain how your academic interests and career ambitions align with the funding organisation’s objectives.

• Prepare a focused personal statement: Highlight relevant achievements, experience and future plans.

• Arrange references early: Give referees sufficient time to prepare supporting statements.

• Check deadlines: Some awards close several months before the academic year begins.

• Review all documentation: Ensure that application forms and supporting materials are complete and accurate.

It is also worth checking whether scholarships can be combined with other funding or whether accepting one award affects eligibility for another.

Planning Ahead for Postgraduate Study

Scholarships and bursaries can make a significant difference to the affordability of postgraduate education. However, funding opportunities vary considerably, and students should consider the full cost of their chosen programme rather than focusing exclusively on tuition fees.

Starting the search early, comparing university awards and investigating external funding can help applicants build a realistic financial plan. It is also sensible to identify alternative funding options in case a preferred scholarship is highly competitive or unavailable.

For graduates considering a master’s degree, postgraduate diploma or research qualification, the financial support available could help make the next stage of education more achievable.