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Posted March 7, 2014

Postgrad Funding: Getting Company Sponsorship

If you are currently researching ways of making the rewarding yet increasingly expensive undertaking of postgraduate study more affordable, then one of the best areas to investigate is the possibility of securing a company to sponsor you through your Masters or PhD. Obtaining a company sponsorship can be highly mutually beneficial for both the student and the company involved in the arrangement, as it can give financial support throughout the period of study for the student, while at the same time ensuring that meaningful, relevant research is being carried out for the company with the added benefit that, in most cases, an excellent employee will be ready to work for them upon completion of study. To help you take advantage of this opportunity, below you can find useful and practical information for obtaining a company’s financial backing to do your MsC or PhD.

Contact The Relevant Department Of Your Current Employer If you are presently employed with a company, then the first step for you to take is to get in touch with the department that deals with these types of requests. Depending on the company you work for, there may be a high possibility that they run a scheme which supports employees to gain certain high quality is already running. Within most companies the departments that deal with postgraduate qualifications are the Human Resources department or the Training department. Another option is to speak to your current manager. Once you get in touch you want to find out whether or not a suitable scheme to obtain an MsC or PhD is running and, if there is, then what procedures you have to go through to get the ball rolling.

Sponsorships Opportunities Tend To Be Subject Dependent When approaching an employer for funding it pretty much goes without saying that they are not going to want to spend money funding you on a course that isn’t going to have a direct positive impact on their bottom line. Due to this fact, many company sponsorship postgraduate study options are going to want you to something like an MBA , a Finance-based MsC or undertake a piece of research directly related to their product development, such as looking into combustion engines for Rolls Royce. This obviously means carefully considering what you want to study at postgraduate level and being realistic in terms of the propositions you may make to your employer.

Things To Be Aware Of Before Applying It is understandable that no employer would not want to make a considerable investment in terms of supporting an employee financially to undertake a Masters or PhD qualification only for the employee to leave the company immediately after completion of the degree. That’s why you should expect to sign an agreement with the company that commits you to work for them for a minimum period of time after completing your degree. Before getting on board with any company sponsorship you want to be crystal clear that you are happy with the terms being set in terms of how long after completion you have to stay exclusively with the firm that is to be your sponsor.

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34 comments

Katerina July 2, 2016, 3:42 p.m.

Im interested to find a company for my postgraduate MBA in Business. Please advice me which companies are willing to help.

Nyirenda Ruth July 7, 2016, 2:56 p.m.

I have done physical education and sports at my first degree level and am interested to do masters degree at Newman University but i do not have money to sponsor myself. I can be working at the same time studying because i have met all the qualifications for masters. Thanking you in advance. Ruth Nyirenda from Zambia.

Charlotte King Aug. 1, 2016, 1:44 p.m.

This blog has some good advice about how to get company sponsorship. You can also apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500 towards your tuition fees. Our deadline for 2016 is September 14th so you still have time to apply:
https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/
Good luck!
Charlotte

Musty Aug. 23, 2016, 3:03 a.m.

I have an MSc in Energy, Water and Environmental Management and have a background in Chemical Engineering. I am interested in going for a PhD but I am in need of sponsorship for the program. I will be willing to work with the sponsor for the program if i can get one (Between 1 - 5 years with the possibility of renewal) after completing the PhD. Can any one assist me?

Enideg Damtie Sept. 22, 2016, 2:29 p.m.

I want to study my master and I need some money advice.

Charlotte King Sept. 22, 2016, 2:35 p.m.

You can start by applying for one of our 15 £500 Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries:

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

Good luck!

Jamila Kibugila Oct. 17, 2016, 2:51 p.m.

I have selected to join for Msc. in Construction Economics and Management, Suppose to start my studies on 31st October 2016, still looking for sponsor.

Charlotte King Nov. 3, 2016, 2:54 p.m.

Hi Jamila,
If you have been accepted on a postgrad program you are eligible to apply for one of our £500 postgrad bursaries:
https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/
Our Ultimate Student Funding Guide also has some great funding ideas and advice:
https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/funding/postgraduate_student_funding_guide/
Good luck!
Charlotte

Deborah Nov. 10, 2016, 10:41 a.m.

Can you sponsor me please.

Charlotte King Nov. 15, 2016, 2:06 p.m.

Hi Deborah,
We don't sponsor students I;m afraid. We do however offer 15 different £500 postgraduate bursaries. 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/
Good luck!
Charlotte

Elimeleck Swai Jan. 27, 2017, 2:20 p.m.

Hello friend
I have B.A In international relation with the honor degree 2013, now am working like a project director at a certain project here Tanzania, i wish to wide my field, i wish and i plan to study master degree in international Relations or international human right but i don't have capital/money for course. To study this course within my country need $3626 or 3700 Euro.
Kindly am asking you to support me on how to get this Fund and to wide my carer and to support my community.thanks.

Charlotte King Feb. 6, 2017, 2:20 p.m.

To get you started you can apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500 https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/
We also have some very useful funding advice in our Postgraduate Student Funding Guide:
https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/funding/postgraduate_student_funding_guide/
Good Luck, Charlotte

Guta Leta Kelecha March 6, 2017, 5:12 p.m.

I am attending 2 MA's / in different field/ in different University - one on a regular and the other on weekend time. I need some financial support, how can I get?

Charlotte King March 8, 2017, 11:15 a.m.

Hi Guta,

That sounds like hard work!

Check the funding opportunities available at both of your institutions as they may have something you can apply for. You can also apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 each. https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/

Good Luck,

Charlotte

Cyprian Deus Oct. 5, 2017, 7:39 p.m.

I was admitted to pursue bachelor degree in marine engineering technology here www.dmi.ac.tz since 2016. But I'm still seeking the sponsor to cover the costs required. What company can serve me?

Charlotte King Oct. 9, 2017, 1:31 p.m.

Hi Cyprian,

If you are a postgraduate student you can apply for one of our £500 Postgraduate Solutions Study Bursaries:

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

Otherwise you should approach the Finance Office at your university and ask for their advice.

Good luck,

Charlotte

Gizachew Teshe April 10, 2018, 5:06 p.m.

I have got the chance in Open Doors:Russian Scholarship Project to attend MSc Program in Computer Science but this scholarship covers only tution free but not food ,living,travel,insuranceand peraonal expense ,so how to ask companies to sponsor me? How to get that one?

Charlotte King April 11, 2018, 12:18 p.m.

Well done!
If you have been accepted onto that postgrad program you are eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 - check out the details here:
https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/
You could also ask the supervisors of your postgrad program if they can recommend any local computer-based companies that run internships or sponsorship rpograms.
Good luck!
Charlotte

Wubishet Tamirat Mulatu May 8, 2018, 9:10 a.m.

I need sponsorship. Am Wubishet Tamirat from Ethiopia and now am working at EIAR as researcher. I got letter of admission from Hannover University/ Germany for MSc. study. i don`t have money to study. now am searching sponsor for my study. Please help me!.

Charlotte King May 9, 2018, 7:25 p.m.

If you have an offer of a place at Hannover University you are eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 towards your tuition fees:
https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgrad_solutions_study_bursaries/information/
Good Luck!

Lesego Tshabadira Aug. 8, 2018, 6:56 p.m.

I'm young man of 24 years, looking for any private company, to sponsor me for my CIPS Degree at any university of their interest.

Charlotte King Aug. 19, 2018, 10:41 a.m.

Hi Lesego - approach relevant companies and see what sponsorships they have to offer. Also once you have secured your pace on your PG program you are eligible to apply for one of our bursaries worth £500 -
https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/funding/postgraduate_scholarships/chevening-scholarships/
Good luck!

Nicoline Feb. 24, 2019, 4:55 p.m.

Hi I'm looking for a company to sponsor me do masters in travel and tourism.I'm currently studying for btec in travel,tourism and operations management

Charlotte King Feb. 27, 2019, 11:44 a.m.

If you are working at a relevant company alongside studying your BTEC it's a good idea to approach the relevant department and ask them if sponsorship is something they would consider. It's also worth asking at the university that you want to study your masters degree at. Good luck!

Stephanie Daphne MacLeod Sept. 8, 2019, 5:49 p.m.

I'm wanting to study a Classical Studies MA at the Open University alongside caring for my father who has Parkinson's and Dementia. Can you think of any companies that might be able to help? I'm racking my brain but i'm finding it difficult to think of any!

Thank you!

Charlotte Sept. 9, 2019, 1:30 p.m.

Hi Stephanie. Unfortunately I am now aware of any companies that could help you however once you have been offered a place on the MA in Classical Studies you will be eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 each to help you with your studies > https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/
Good luck!

Siwachi Tawanda Dec. 7, 2019, 7:54 a.m.

I have a Bachelor of Education Honours Degree in Special needs and currently working as a Primary school teacher in Zimbabwe.My remuneration is just far below the poverty datum line. I want to pursue my studies but my pocket do not allow me to. How best can I be assisted.

Charlotte Dec. 9, 2019, 1:28 p.m.

Hi Siwachi – I suggest you ask at your chosen institution to see if they have any funding opportunities for you. Also once you have a place on a PG program anywhere in the world you will be eligible to apply for one of our Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries worth £500 each >
https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/

Mwaiwawo kaulula March 2, 2020, 11:51 a.m.

I have already started doing my masters in nursing and midwifery education in Malawi at Kamuzu College of Nursing and I am finding problems to pay for my fees. This is my second year and I have only managed to pay for my 1st year tuition. I am to finish in October this year but I haven’t started paying for my tuition for the second year

Charlotte King March 11, 2020, 6:19 p.m.

Hi Mwaiwawo – You are eligible to apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500 to help with your fees >
https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/
Good luck!

Beza Abrham Tamiru Nov. 21, 2020, 1:25 p.m.

My name is Beza Abrham Tamiru from Ethiopia and now I want to learn my PHD in Addis Abeba University in water supply and environmental engineering. I was taken my GAT test and passed the test so how can I get sponsorship to cover my PHD cost.

Charlotte King Nov. 25, 2020, 6:34 p.m.

Hi Beza – if you have been offered a place on a PhD program you are eligible to apply for a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary worth £500 >
https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/

Maria Del Pilar Morales Feb. 8, 2021, 9:58 p.m.

Hi,

I am finishing my degree on FIne Arts nd looking to get a sponsor for a Masters in FIne Art to cover fees and living expenses. I don't have an employer. How do I get a conmpany to sponsor me to cover costs?

Charlotte King Feb. 23, 2021, 10:42 p.m.

Hi Maria,
Unfortunately I am not aware of any company sponsorships that are currently available to Fine Art masters students – however if you get offered a place on a course you will be eligible to apply for one of our £500 Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries >
https://www.postgrad.com/psuk_study_bursaries_apply/
Good luck!

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