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Posted Feb. 14, 2011

How To Find Postgraduate Scholarships

For most of us going into postgraduate studies, it seems mind-boggling that we can actually get  paid to be students.

But it's true.

One way comes in the form of postgraduate scholarships.

 If you're thinking of applying for a Masters or PhD (or even if you've already secured a place), read on to discover more about the world of paid education.

A scholarship is sometimes referred to as a studentship - nice and confusing.  They usually mean the same thing but the latter may come with some teaching requirements.

Scholarships and studentships differ from bursaries as they are awarded on the merit of academic achievement.

A scholarship can come in many forms.  It will generally cover your fees at a minimum.  And with the increase in student fees on the horizon, this is no small fry.  It can also contribute towards, or completely cover, your living costs.  But be aware this extra money will generally be a set amount so you'll have to learn to live within your means.

Two great things about scholarhips are...
 

They're tax free and you usually don't have to pay them back

The exception to the latter point may be when you're sponsored by a firm that expects you to work for them for a set period of time after your studies.

There are many different ways to get a scholarship, but the first port of call should be your prospective university.  If you want to apply for government funding then you'll have to do this through your place of study.

There are seven research councils set up to cover different areas of study and even though you only deal with your university it's always a good idea to browse the relevant research council's website for information on things like eligibility and criteria for awarding funds.
 

These bodies all offer very healthy sums - but competition is fierce

So don't put all your eggs in one basket and keep looking for other funding options available.

Your university will probably have its own sources of funding too.  These tend to be specific to your field of study as the cash comes from donations.  Again, there's going to be competition but..
 

He who dares wins

Just remember that it's important to get all the information as soon as possible.  Deadlines vary, as does the application process, and this is an area where attention to detail can really pay off.

If you're already working then you could find out if your employer will sponsor you to go into postgrad study as a form of employment-related training.  Or look for a job at a company that's known to offer these kinds of schemes.

Other places to find scholarships are through local institutions and charities that may have access to funds.  The best thing to do is call round and ask - you never know what might turn up.

So if you're interest in any of the above - and to be honest, why wouldn't you be? - then get on it now.  Call prospective university postgrad offices, get online and do a scholarship search, browse some of the links below, speak to your boss, check the classifieds, phone your local place of worship or charitable trust and see what you come up with.

It's there for the taking!

--- Useful Links:

Research Council's Home Page

Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council

Medical Research Council

Natural Environment Research Council

Science & Technology Facilities Council

16 comments

nosheen Aug. 5, 2016, 11:35 a.m.

hi,
I have done my BS (Hons) in Plant Sciences. I want to continue my studies, kindly guide me to hunt free scholarship for MS. I want to achieve my goals through higher education, is it possible?

With best regards.

Ruth Tangulama Hunkuso Nov. 1, 2016, 9:11 a.m.

Hello, i have a Higher National Diploma in Business Administration and Management some years back. I want to further my education to a doctorate degree level in Leadership and Management and I also want to earn a professional certificate in ACCA. This has been my passion for long. How may i be connected with a scholarship funding platform?

Charlotte King Nov. 3, 2016, 2:46 p.m.

We offer 15 different £500 postgraduate bursaries - two of which are business specific. Once you have been accepted onto a postgrad program you are eligible to apply for one of these: https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/
You can also check with the individual business schools that you are applying to and see what scholarship options they have available.
Good luck!

Chrissie Chisomo Kamwana Nov. 10, 2016, 8:20 a.m.

I am a Malawian lady with Bachelors degree in Procurement and supply chain management, I have unconditonal offers from three schools in UK for Masters in Operations and supply chain management- Please help me get a scholarship to help fund my studies

Charlotte King Nov. 15, 2016, 2:04 p.m.

Hi Chrissie - Congratulations on your unconditional offers. You are eligible to apply for one of our 15 different £500 postgraduate bursaries: https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/
Good luck!
Charlotte

Ezema Anthony Chiedozie Aug. 18, 2017, 3:12 p.m.

Dear sir,
I have a BSc(Hons) in Radiography from university of Nigeria Nsukka. I am in dear need of furthering my education to master and eventually PhD levels.
I honestly seek your assistance in helping me get a scholarship in any field of medical imaging. I really don't wish to watch my dreams die.

Susan Auma Aug. 23, 2017, 12:16 p.m.

Hi, i am a female Ugandan with a bachelors degree in social sciences. I would love to further my education to post graduate in criminology from Notthingham Trent University in UK in 2018/19. Am from Northern Uganda.
How can i be linked with a scholarship funding platform.
Thanks.
Susan

Charlotte King Aug. 30, 2017, 12:52 p.m.

Hi Susan,

A good place to start is the Scholarships page on the NTU website:

https://www.ntu.ac.uk/study-and-courses/international/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships

You are also eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 once you have a confirmed place on a PG course:

https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/

Hope that helps.

Charlotte

Nafisat Sarki Dec. 30, 2017, 6:49 a.m.

Hi, i am Nafisat a Nigerian with a LL.b in law. I really want to further my studies in uk. How can i get a scholarship to fund my studies to attain ll.m.

Charlotte King Jan. 3, 2018, 2:51 a.m.

Hi Nafisat - one of the best places to start is in the finding section of the university website that you are interested in studying at. This should provide you with all the scholarship opportunities they provide. Also - if you are planning to study an LLM you can apply for one of our Global LLM Scholarships worth £500: https://www.llmstudy.com/editorial/llm_fees_and_funding/master_of_laws_sources_of_funding/global_us_llm_study_bursaries/information/
Good luck!
Charlotte

Sneha RoyChowdhury Jan. 14, 2019, 2:38 p.m.

Dear Sir/Mam,
This is Sneha Roy Chowdhury here wanting to pursue Master's in Public relations from a renowned university. I would like to request you to give me a fare chance in getting a scholarship in every possible way so that I can carry my mission and vision forward.
Yours faithfully,
Sneha Roy Chowdhury.

Charlotte King Jan. 15, 2019, 12:31 p.m.

If you get offered a place on a Masters in Public Relations at any university worldwide you are eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 >
https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/
It is also worth checking the funding opportunities available at your chosen university.
Good luck - Charlotte

Susmita Kumari Jan. 31, 2019, 5:44 p.m.

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am Susmita from India, I am a staff nurse by profession, and I wish to do post graduation in nursing, so I have applied for that in the University of Limerick, Ireland. But the fees is quite high, therefore I would like to request you to assist me to get a scholarship, so that I may be able to do my further study.

Charlotte King Feb. 1, 2019, 4:39 p.m.

Hi Susmita,
If you have been offered a place on a postgraduate program you are eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 >
https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/
It is also worth checking with the University of Limerick directly to see what scholarships and funding opportunities they have to offer you.
Good luck - Charlotte

Naomi D'Souza April 9, 2020, 11:37 a.m.

Dear ma'am,
My name is Naomi D'Souza from India and I have received an unconditional offer from NUI Galway for the MSc in Marketing Management course. Considering my financial background I was hoping to get a scholarship to pursue my passion for further studies and I came across you website. Kindly do let me know how to proceed forward in applying for one.
Thanks in advance - Naomi

Charlotte King April 9, 2020, 3:48 p.m.

Hi Naomi – congratulations on your unconditional offer. You are eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 towards your tuition fees. You can apply via this URL > https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/
Good luck!

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