For overseas students

FAQs on funding your postgraduate course

One of the most important considerations when it comes to your postgraduate study is how you’re going to fund it. Find the answers to the most common FAQs on funding to find out more about financing your postgraduate studies.

Fees and funding FAQs for overseas students

Find out what you'll need to pay and what help is available.

Government funding for postgraduate courses

Government offices can provide information on funding, awards and career development loans. You can also read more about financial support for higher education students by going to the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills website.

A short introduction to research council funding bodies

Finding funding is often the biggest headache for a prospective postgraduate. If you haven't got the cash to fund your studies yourself, investigating grants and awards offered by the research councils is a good place to start.

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)

The BBSRC is one of seven research councils that work together as Research Councils UK (RCUK). It is funded from the Government's Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) and is the UK's leading funding agency for training and postgraduate academic research in the non-clinical life sciences.

Medical Research Council

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is a publicly-funded organisation dedicated to improving human health, supporting postgraduate research across the entire spectrum of medical sciences.

University scholarships and bursaries for postgradstudy

You might be entitled to a scholarship, bursary or hardship fund from your university.

Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK’s main government agency for funding postgraduate research and training in engineering and the physical sciences.

Natural Environment Research Council

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is the UK's main agency for funding and managing research, training and knowledge exchange in the environmental sciences.

The Science and Technology Facilities Council

In April 2007, the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) and the Council for the Central Laboratory of the Research Councils (CCLRC) merged to form the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), also taking on the responsibility for nuclear physics from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

The Economic and Social Research Council

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) focuses on six research areas: economic affairs, education and human development, environment and planning, government and law, industry and employment and social affairs.

The British Academy

The British Academy is an independent, self-governing fellowship and the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. It receives grant-in-aid from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) to fund research at postdoctoral level.

Alternative sources of funding for postgraduate study

There are numerous organisations offering alternative sources of funding for postgraduates in many different subject areas, although these awards rarely exceed £500. Charities, foundations and trusts can help postgraduate students across many disciplines.

Securing a loan for postgraduate study

In reality, few postgraduate students get by without some sort of loan to meet their living costs or tuition fees – or both. Possibilities include career devleopment loans, the MBA loan scheme and loans from your own bank.

Which course is best?
Research-based or taught, masters or doctorates, on campus or distance?

Go to the Courses home page to search for postgraduate study and research institutions, departments and courses.