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Posted Nov. 5, 2025

Last-minute funding opportunities for postgraduate students before the New Year

The New Year is the perfect time to make positive changes to the way you live, work and study. With one of the most popular resolutions for 2025 gaining new skills and knowledge, returning to education may be the ambition you had in mind.

Starting a masters degree in January 2026, or any other postgraduate course, may feel like a bit of a pipedream considering the end of the year is approaching fast. But, did you know, there are several last-minute funding opportunities available that may just make it possible? Here are the options that should be on your radar if you are looking to get yourself into postgraduate study in the New Year…

Government support

With a turnaround time of just four to six weeks, applying for the government’s Postgraduate Master’s Loan is a rather efficient way to secure funding. It’s open to home students only, with those residing in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland able to apply providing they meet the necessary residency rules.

With Student Finance aiming to process applications in time for courses starting this academic year, many applicants are able to get funded before term, and it is one of the most secure, guaranteed sources of support if you’re eligible.

Private graduate loans

There are a number of private lenders that focus specifically on funding the studies of both international and home-based students. These loans can be a great way to cover tuition fees as well as housing costs. Prodigy Finance and MPOWER are just two of the lenders known for their speed and reliability, with online applications processed quickly and approval equally as speedy. It is important that you make sure you are able to meet the repayment terms of a private loan before committing to it. 

Corporate sponsorships and bursaries

Your employer or a relevant professional body could also be a source of support that makes postgraduate study possible during 2026.

Securing sponsorship from the company you work for, a charity, professional body or trade union can often be a quicker route to funding than applying for external scholarships and bursaries. Employers in particular want to invest in the futures of their employees, with the completion of a postgraduate qualification not only benefiting you but enriching the wider business.

Crowdfunding campaigns

For prospective postgrads with a story to tell, alternative routes like crowdfunding are great options. Gaining community support isn’t easy, but when combined with a solid marketing campaign, could be a quick route to the cash you need to study at short notice.

University funds and loans

The university you have secured your postgraduate place at may be able to support you financially in the short term.

Hardship funds and emergency loans tend to be accessible to both UK and international students. It is however important to note that while such funds can assist with urgent living costs, they cannot be used to settle tuition bills. Access to these resources is discretionary with students assessed on their individual circumstances. If successful, the award is usually non-repayable and loans are typically interest-free.

Most universities share clear guidelines regarding the application and assessment processes for their financial support options. Here’s what to expect timescale-wise if you are a University College London (UCL) postgrad applying for support:

“Applications normally take 3 working weeks to be assessed from the point at which the full application with all necessary evidence is submitted. There may be delays if you have not submitted all the required evidence, or if your application is incomplete for any reason. You will be informed of the outcome of your application by email (to your UCL email account). If successful, you should normally expect to receive payment within 10 days of the notification of your award.”

University scholarships and automatic awards may be accessible to applicants who already have an offer for a taught masters or research program. Find out more about the university and private scholarships currently available by visiting our Postgraduate Scholarships Zone.

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