Financing your studies
Postgraduate study is an investment in your intellectual development and career potential. When considering further study you should thoroughly investigate the many ways in which you can finance your studies as the level of support can vary dramatically from subject to subject and indeed, year to year.
Unlike awards for undergraduate degrees, those for postgraduate study are usually awarded on a competitive basis. Types of awards vary according to whether you are classed as Home or Overseas for fee purposes. Information about tuition fees for postgraduates can be found here: Postgraduate tuition fees 2010-2011.
University studentships
Some Academic Schools offer a number of full or partial University studentships each year, made possible through University and/or Research Council funding. These vary from Home or Overseas fee waivers alone to fee coverage plus a full maintenance stipend at research council levels. Information about the latest studentships available can be found on the New scholarships page.
UK and European Union students
Research Council Awards
Several public bodies provide awards for postgraduate study. Application for all Research Council awards should be made through the relevant School or Department. Each is responsible for its own range of subjects and has different procedures and regulations.
Other UK / EU awards
A range of other awards for UK / EU applicants is available, including external awards. Application details for each award can be found on the above webpage and any links provided.
- Carnegie/ Caledonian Postgraduate Scholarships
- British Federation of Women Graduates
- Charles and Barbara Tyre Trust
- Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Science Research Fellowships
- The Scottish Motor Neurone Disease Association PhD Scholarships
International students
ORSAS
ORSAS (the Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme) provides funding to help outstanding full time postgraduate research students from outside the UK and European Union. Details about the award, and an application form, can be found here: Overseas Research Students Awards Scheme (ORS).
Students from the US
For information on loans for students who are US citizens please visit the Loans for US students web page.
Other overseas awards
A range of other awards for overseas applicants is available, for both research and taught courses. Some of these awards include geographical and/or subject criteria. Application details for each award can be found on the Overseas awards web page. These include:
Taught/Masters
- Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
- FCO/OSI Chevening Scholarship
- Ransome Trust Scholarship
Research/PhD
- Beit Trust
- Charles Wallace Trust
- US-UK Fulbright Commission
Notes:
- Guarantee of support
The offer of a university place to undertake postgraduate research or study does not carry with it the guarantee of financial support.