Do I have loan or scholarship options available for my master's studies in UK for a PhD?
Yes, both loans and scholarships exist, though eligibility depends on your nationality and study level. UK Postgraduate Master's Loans reach up to 13,206 pounds for 2026/27, and Doctoral Loans reach up to 31,122 pounds. International students can pursue Chevening, Commonwealth Scholarships, UKRI studentships, and university specific awards instead.
You have real funding options for both a Master's and a PhD in the UK, but the exact route depends heavily on whether you are a UK national or an international student, and which degree level you are targeting. Government loans mainly serve UK residents, while scholarships and studentships are your main route as an international applicant.
UK Funding Options by Type
| Funding Route | Who It Is For | Amount (2026/27) |
|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Master's Loan | UK/eligible residents via Student Finance England | Up to 13,206 pounds for fees and living costs |
| Postgraduate Doctoral Loan | UK nationals in England or Wales | Up to 31,122 pounds, unless funded by a Research Council |
| Chevening Scholarships | International Master's students | Full tuition, living allowance, and airfare |
| UKRI Studentships | Mainly PhD researchers | Fully funded tuition plus tax free stipend |
Other Routes Worth Checking
- Commonwealth Scholarships for students from eligible Commonwealth countries, covering both Master's and PhD study
- University specific awards such as Gates Cambridge, Rhodes, Clarendon, or Edinburgh Global Scholarships
- Independent grant bodies searchable through resources like The Grants Register or Funds Online
- US Federal Student Loans through FAFSA if you are a US citizen studying at a participating UK university
My Advice
Confirm your exact fee status, whether Home, EU, or International, before you apply anywhere, since that single detail determines which loans you can even access. If you are targeting a PhD, apply directly to UKRI studentships and university funded positions first, since these often cover full costs and are more predictable than competitive scholarships like Chevening.
Which UK scholarships can you actually get?
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