Getting into a postgraduate program in the UK is only half the battle. The real challenge? Paying for it. Tuition fees for international students can hit £30,000 or more per year, and even UK students face rising costs. But here’s the truth: scholarships are out there - and they’re not just for top-of-the-class students. You just need to know where to look and how to stand out.
Where to Start Looking for Scholarships
Most UK students waste months scrolling through generic scholarship sites. That’s a mistake. The best funding comes from places you’d never think to check.
- Your university - Yes, your own uni. Every UK university has a dedicated funding page. Some, like University of Edinburgh and University of Manchester, offer £5,000-£15,000 in automatic awards just for applying to certain courses. You don’t even need to fill out a separate form.
- Departmental funding - If you’re studying history, engineering, or psychology, your department likely has small grants or bursaries. These are less competitive because fewer people know about them. Ask your course advisor. Don’t wait for an email.
- Professional bodies - If you’re studying law, medicine, or education, check out organizations like the Law Society, NHS Business Services Authority, or the Royal Society of Arts. They often fund students who commit to working in public service after graduation.
- Charities and trusts - The Leverhulme Trust, the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, and the Carnegie Trust for Scottish Universities have funded thousands of postgrads. These aren’t flashy, but they’re reliable. Most require a personal statement and references.
- Government schemes - The UK government offers Postgraduate Master’s Loans up to £12,471 (2025/26), but that’s not a scholarship. It’s a loan. Look for non-repayable funding like the Chevening Scholarship (for international students) or the Commonwealth Scholarship (for Commonwealth citizens). UK students can apply for the Scottish Government’s Postgraduate Loan if studying in Scotland.
Pro tip: Bookmark your university’s scholarships page and check it every two weeks. New funding opens up all year long - not just in January.
How to Win a Scholarship (It’s Not About Grades)
Grades matter - but not like you think. A 2:1 won’t get you a £20,000 scholarship. A compelling story will.
Here’s what selection panels actually look for:
- Clear purpose - Why this course? Why now? Don’t say “I love learning.” Say: “I want to study Climate Policy at UCL because my work in rural Wales showed me how flooding is displacing farmers - and I need the tools to change policy.”
- Connection to community - Did you tutor kids in your hometown? Volunteer at a food bank? Run a mental health awareness campaign? These aren’t hobbies. They’re proof you’ll use your degree to give back.
- Real-world experience - Internships, part-time work, research projects. Even a six-month job in a lab or office counts. If you worked while studying undergrad, mention it. Employers care. So do scholarship panels.
- Specificity in your application - Don’t copy-paste the same essay for every scholarship. Tailor each one. If the scholarship is from the Royal Society of Engineers, talk about engineering projects. If it’s from a charity focused on education, mention your teaching experience.
One student I know got a £10,000 scholarship from the Arts Council because she included a short video of her organizing a poetry workshop for teens in her town. She didn’t have the highest grades. But she showed impact.
Common Mistakes That Cost UK Students Funding
You’re not alone if you’ve been rejected. Here’s what goes wrong most often:
- Missing deadlines - Some scholarships close as early as November for courses starting the next autumn. Set calendar reminders. Don’t wait until March.
- Generic personal statements - “I’m passionate about learning” is a waste of space. Use numbers: “I raised £2,500 for a local literacy project” or “I mentored 18 students through online tutoring.”
- Not asking for help - Your university’s careers service offers free scholarship coaching. Use it. They’ve reviewed hundreds of applications. They know what works.
- Applying only to big names - Chevening gets 15,000 applicants. A small trust might get 80. Your odds are better with lesser-known funds.
What You Need to Apply
Most scholarships ask for the same five things:
- Official transcripts (even if you’re still studying - submit what you have)
- A personal statement (500-1,000 words, tailored to the funder)
- Two academic references (professors who know your work, not family friends)
- A CV or resume (include relevant jobs, volunteering, publications)
- Proof of UK residency (if required - usually a passport or utility bill)
Start collecting these now. Even if you’re applying next year. The sooner you have them ready, the less stress you’ll feel.
When to Apply - The Real Timeline
Forget “apply in January.” Here’s what actually works:
- April-June - Research. List every scholarship you’re eligible for. Talk to your course tutor.
- July-September - Draft your personal statement. Get feedback. Start gathering references.
- October-November - Submit early applications. Many close by late November.
- December-February - Apply for remaining deadlines. Some funds have rolling deadlines.
- March-May - Follow up. Call or email if you haven’t heard back. Sometimes, a polite check-in gets you on the radar.
One student applied for five scholarships in November. Four responded by January. She got three awards - totaling £27,000. She didn’t have a first-class degree. She just started early.
What If You Don’t Get It?
Rejection isn’t the end. It’s feedback.
Ask for feedback. Most funders will give you a short note if you politely ask. Use it. Revise. Apply again next year.
Also, consider part-time study. Many UK universities let you stretch a master’s over two years. That cuts your annual costs in half. You can work more, earn more, and still graduate.
And don’t underestimate smaller funding sources. A £1,000 grant from your local council, combined with a £2,000 bursary from your department, can cover your textbooks and rent. It adds up.
Final Tip: Don’t Wait for Perfect
You don’t need a 1st class degree. You don’t need to have published research. You don’t need to be from a disadvantaged background (though that helps). You just need to show why this degree matters - to you, and to others.
Start today. Find three scholarships. Read their criteria. Write one sentence about why you fit. Then do it again tomorrow.
Can international students apply for UK postgraduate scholarships?
Most scholarships listed here are for UK residents, but some - like the Chevening Scholarship and Commonwealth Scholarships - are open to international students. UK students cannot apply for these. However, many universities offer separate funding for international students. Always check the eligibility section carefully. Some departmental bursaries are open to all, regardless of nationality.
Do I need to be accepted into a program before applying for a scholarship?
Some scholarships require you to have an offer letter first. Others let you apply at the same time as your course application. Always read the instructions. If you’re unsure, email the funding body. Many will tell you whether you can apply before acceptance.
Are there scholarships for part-time postgraduate courses?
Yes. While most large scholarships are for full-time students, many trusts and charities - especially those focused on working professionals or adult learners - offer funding for part-time study. The Carnegie Trust, for example, supports part-time students in Scotland. Always ask: “Do you fund part-time students?”
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at once?
Absolutely. In fact, you should. Most funders don’t restrict you from applying elsewhere. Some even encourage it. The key is to tailor each application. Don’t copy the same essay. Show why each funder’s mission matches your goals.
What if I’m already studying and didn’t apply for funding at the start?
It’s not too late. Many universities offer mid-year bursaries or emergency funding for current students who face financial hardship. Contact your student services office. Also, some charities offer annual awards with deadlines in spring. Don’t assume you’ve missed your chance.
Next Steps
Here’s what to do right now:
- Go to your university’s funding page. Bookmark it.
- Find three scholarships you’re eligible for. Write down their deadlines.
- Reach out to one professor. Ask if they know of departmental funding.
- Start drafting your personal statement - one paragraph today.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.