University of St Andrews

Funding postgraduate study

The cost of postgraduate study is significant.  In recent years it has become more difficult to secure funding for certain courses, particularly in arts-related disciplines. However bear in mind:

• There are still sources of funding available
• You'll need to be persistent in your search. 
• Funding is allocated for a variety of reasons, not necessarily to the applicant with the highest grades. 
• Scholarships can be awarded based on type of programme, nationality, extra-curricular activities or financial need.

Funding comes in the form of scholarships, grants, and bursaries, which are yours to keep, and loans, which you have to repay. Read the fine print before you accept an award so that you understand the terms and conditions. 

Some courses have a small number of scholarships or bursaries attached to them.  If this is not apparent on the course website, get in touch with the admission tutor for the course and ask if there is any funding attached to the course that you can apply for. Check with academic staff in your department to see if they know of any specific funding sources for the area of postgraduate study that you're interested in.

Use the Careers Centre Funding Online Database to search for scholarships, studentships and other funding opportunities.