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Posted Feb. 18, 2026

Funding a Masters in Agriculture: Accessing grants, scholarships and support

The UK has a long and proud agricultural history, with the British farmer an icon to this day and a whopping 72% of the UK’s total land area dedicated to agricultural land use. In an increasing number of agricultural roles however, it’s no longer a case of simply ‘learning on the job’.

Many people with an interest in agriculture choose to pursue masters study in the UK. Gaining a place here puts students at the cusp of innovation, stewardship and leadership, with a masters program in agriculture building on the sector’s very legacy while equipping students with advanced scientific, technical and strategic skills that are more relevant than ever to modern farming and land management.

Accessing this innovation comes at a cost. Masters course fees range from £15,000 to in excess of £30,000 for home, EU and international postgraduate students for the 2026/27 academic year. But, did you know, you could get funding to study a Masters in Agriculture? Read on to discover more about the grants, scholarships and support currently available.

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship at the Royal Agricultural University

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) facilitates several funding opportunities for postgraduates, including the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship. Open to full-time MSc, PGDip and MBA fee-paying international students who meet or exceed academic entry requirements, this scholarship covers up to 20% of course tuition fees.

This academic year, there’s a particular interest in a candidate’s potential to contribute to global challenges of food security, sustainability, ecology or resource management. The scholarship covers a one-year period, with one RAU managed scholarship able to be held at any one time.

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Centenary Award

Introduced back in 2010 to mark NFU Mutual’s 100th year, the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Centenary Award aims to make a real difference to the future of agriculture, and has already made the studies of 57 agricultural students possible. We’ll let NFU Mutual explain more about the criteria:

“The 2026 award is open to individuals who have gained, or are expected to gain, a 2:1 or above in agriculture or a related degree, and have been accepted or provisionally accepted on a master’s or PhD course in agriculture in the UK commencing in the 2026/2027 academic year… Judges will be looking for applicants who are not only excellent academic performers but also have a real passion for UK agriculture and demonstrate potential to become a future industry leader.”

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Centenary Award provides invaluable financial aid, with up to 75% of the course fees of successful postgraduate students covered.

Clyde Higgs Scholarship at the Royal Agricultural University

Backed by the Elizabeth Creak Charitable Trust and offering an award of up to £3,000 per annum for one year of full-time postgraduate study, the Clyde Higgs Scholarship is also now open.

Applicants must demonstrate a passion for agriculture and evidence of leadership potential. It is open to UK students only on selected MSc, PgDip, MBA and PhD programs, as well as part-time postgraduates who, if successful, receive the award on a pro rata basis.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme

Accessible to Commonwealth applicants wishing to study a postgraduate taught masters in the UK, the Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme covers all the essential postgraduate costs. This includes airfare to and from the UK, approved tuition fees and living costs.

To qualify, applicants must be a citizen or permanent resident of an eligible Commonwealth country, hold the necessary undergraduate qualifications and be unable to afford to study in the UK. Those who have studied or worked in a high income country for a period of one academic year or more should not apply.

Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries

Our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries are accessible to all would-be postgraduate students, including those looking to fund a Masters in Agriculture full-time, part-time, online, or via blended learning. They’re worth £2,000 each and there are five available. Click here to apply.

Still searching for your Masters in Agriculture? See all our postgraduate courses in agriculture for further details.

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