Masters funding overview

Masters scholarships and funding

There are many ways you can fund your studies.

Funding at postgraduate level is different to undergraduate, and many students choose to seek funding from a variety of sources. It’s a good idea to plan financially before starting your course.

Top tips for funding your Masters

Read our article Make your Masters a reality with funding, where we’ve detailed all the latest funding options to make it easier for you to make an informed choice.  

Postgraduate loans and bursaries

Many Masters students choose to apply for a government-backed loan part of their funding package. This is available for UK students on full-time, part-time or distance learning taught or research Masters degree courses. Find out more about the government-backed postgraduate loan and how to apply. 

If you are a UK student taking certain health and social care courses, you may be able to get NHS funding. Find out more about NHS funding.

For more information about the relationship between fees, student loans and Sharia Law view our financial support for Muslim students.

International students

Studying abroad is a big investment. You might be able to get funding from government, independent sponsors, the University or other funding bodies. 

Check if any funding is available from your country to study in the UK. This could be from your home government, or from companies or organisations based in your home country. Visit their websites or contact your local government office. 

The UK government offers postgraduate scholarships for international students, such as the Chevening Awards and the Commonwealth Scholarships. 

There is also funding for students in specific countries which you can get more information on from the British Council website. 

EU students starting their course in the 2021/2022 academic year or later are classed as international students.

University scholarships and funding

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that you don't need to pay back and are awarded based on personal circumstances or academic achievement.

  • University scholarships

    Find out what’s available for UK and international students, whether you are eligible and how to apply.

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  • Alumni Bursary

    If you are a former student of the University of Leeds you may be eligible for a 10% alumni tuition fee bursary.

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  • Subject-specific scholarships

    Find details of our subject-related scholarships, based on academic achievement.

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  • The Leeds Masters Scholarship

    The Leeds Masters Scholarship supports UK students from under-represented groups to study a postgraduate qualification. It is worth £7,000 and eligibility is based on your personal circumstances.

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  • Sports scholarships

    Our sports scholarships support elite athletes and coaches to combine academic and sporting excellence.

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  • Sanctuary scholarships

    This funding is available to forced migrants to the UK who are unable to access mainstream funding.

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More funding sources

Funding for UK, EU and international Masters students is also available from a number of other organisations. Find out more about scholarships from charities and trusts, and external funding opportunities.

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Student profiles

Find out from our Masters students what it’s like to live, study and work in Leeds.