What are the funding options for a UK Master's including loans and scholarships?
You have six realistic funding routes for a UK Master's. Home students can access a Postgraduate Loan of up to 13,206 pounds, while international students can pursue Chevening or Commonwealth scholarships, university bursaries, research studentships, or employer sponsorship tied to their career field.
You have more funding routes for a UK Master's than most students realize, and your best option depends heavily on whether you count as a Home or International student and what subject you are studying. Government loans, national scholarships, and university-specific awards can all be combined rather than treated as either-or choices.
Main Funding Routes for a UK Master's
| Funding Type | Who It Is For | What It Offers |
|---|---|---|
| Postgraduate Master's Loan | Eligible Home students under 60 | Up to 13,206 pounds for tuition and living costs |
| Chevening Scholarship | International students | Full tuition, living allowance and flights |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Commonwealth country nationals | Full funding for master's or PhD study |
| GREAT Scholarships | Students from select countries | At least 10,000 pounds toward tuition |
| Research Council Studentships | Research-focused Master's (MRes) students | Full tuition plus a tax-free maintenance stipend |
Other Routes Worth Checking
- University alumni discounts, often 10 to 20 percent off tuition if your undergraduate degree was from the same institution.
- Independent trusts and charities, searchable through directories like Turn2Us or the Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding.
- Employer sponsorship, where your current company covers tuition in exchange for your continued employment after graduation.
My Advice
Apply to the Postgraduate Master's Loan or Chevening first since they have the earliest deadlines, then layer in a university bursary or alumni discount afterward, so you are not relying on a single funding source to cover your entire course.
More expert answers
If you do not secure a scholarship for your master's studies in the UK, you can explore several other funding options. Indian banks often offer education loans for studying abroad, which can help cover tuition and living expenses - it's important to check the terms with your bank directly. Many students also rely on personal savings or family support, so having a clear financial plan is crucial. International students in the UK are allowed to work part-time, which may help offset living costs, but be mindful of visa regulations regarding work hours. Employer sponsorship could also be an option if your current organization supports further education. In some cases, charitable organizations or trusts provide grants or loans; it’s worth looking into those that match your background and intended field. Additionally, some universities offer bursaries or need-based aid beyond scholarships, so reaching out to the financial aid office at your chosen university can provide more clarity. If you’d like guidance tailored to your situation, your LeapScholar counsellor can help you explore these options in detail.
Which UK scholarships can you actually get?
Matched to your CGPA, course and budget. Find out in 30 seconds.
More Scholarships & funding questions
- Is it possible to get a fully funded scholarship if he scores seven or above (seventy percent) in the third year in Germany?
- Do I need to score well in GRE, GMAT, or IELTS to get good scholarships in top business schools for a MBA?
- When does the Korean Government Scholarship open applications for undergraduate students from India?
- What kind of questions might be asked during scholarship evaluations?
- Are you helping with educational loans or bank loans for studying abroad in UK/Ireland for a Master's?
- Is the scholarship available for the next intake in USA for a Master's?
- Which entrance exam should an average scoring 12th grade student prepare for to study abroad without family funding?
- What percentage of scholarship can I possibly get for my profile in USA?
More UK questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Is it possible to study computer science with specialization in artificial intelligence in UK/New Zealand for a Master's?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
- What is the fee range for a one-year MBA course compared to a two-year course in UK?
- Can I call my husband on a dependent visa after I go on a student visa for my masters abroad in UK/Ireland?