Postgraduate scholarships and funding

paper money and coin

Information on scholarships and bursaries.

The University has subscribed to The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding, which all applicants and current students can access.

This guide details how to find and apply to alternative sources of funding - especially charities - which make awards to current and prospective graduate students.

Charities are an under-rated funding resource, and often make awards to students of any subject and any nationality.

The Guide was written by two postgraduate students who between them have won over £45,000 from 55 different charity awards.

It contains model personal and financial statements, and over 250 links to voluntary sector funding sources.

The Alternative Guide is independently published by GradFunding.

To access the full site, simply log in using your londonmet email address. 

Financial Hardship

The University Secretary can make discretionary payments to both home and international students who are experiencing difficulties as a result of exceptional circumstances resulting in severe financial hardship.

Postgraduate scholarships and grants may be available from a variety of organisations. The information below has been put together to help you find potential sources of funding.

The list is not exhaustive and the organisations are not in any way endorsed by the University.

The majority of the grants are modest and one-off; for example, travel grants to enable applicants to undertake fieldwork or attend a conference. At postgraduate research level, there are few funded places available.

The criteria and application procedures vary between organisations. Please read the instructions and eligibility criteria carefully on the organisation's web site and contact them directly if you have further queries.

Please note that not all of the opportunities listed below may be suitable for students wishing to study at London Metropolitan University.

Securing funding for postgraduate study can be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you with your applications:

  • Start early. Most funding bodies adhere to deadlines very strictly and will not accept late applications. You should allow plenty of time to obtain references or confirmation of an offer of a place. This may take several weeks or more especially if your referees are outside the UK.
  • Check the eligibility carefully (e.g. residency or type of study).
  • Put time and thought into your application. Most funding bodies receive a large number of requests. Carelessly completed applications may be quickly rejected.
  • Give concise and relevant answers.
  • Give your referees clear information about what you want to do, where and why.
  • Make contingency plans. Be realistic about your chances of success and be prepared to look elsewhere for sources of funding.

We do our best to keep this page up-to-date. However, if you come across any funding information we have missed, or notice any broken links, please let us know.

Eligible candidates can apply for the Vice-Chancellor's PhD Scholarships

In addition to the fee waiver and a stipend, succesful candidates are expected to undertake the in-house Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education module entitled Facilitating Student Learning (FSL) which typically runs from the end of October to the middle of February. The aim of this requirement is to enhance scholarship outcomes for the candidates by providing a foundation in contemporary practice in learning and teaching in higher education.

Successful completion of this module will enable students to qualify for the Associate Fellowship at Advance HE (AFHEA). As part of the requirements for the AFHE award, students need to be engaged in teaching or learning support sessions for at least 20 hours. Typically, this will be two hours per week with at least some of the hours running concurrently with the FSL module. The teaching/ learning support allocation will be arranged at a School Level, as appropriate.

Those who are offered a post will also be given support to attend conferences and publish papers.

There are a number of websites some of which give specific advice on financial support, as well as being giving more general information for students in the UK. Useful sites include:

  • The British Association for Chinese Studies maintains a listing of current funding opportunities for postgraduates undertaking Chinese studies in UK universities or wishing to study in China and Taiwan. 
  • British Council Education UK is the British Council's easy-to-use Education UK database that can help you find the right award for your studies, whatever your level, if you are an international student, wanting to study in the UK. 
  • Directgov is the official British Government website for finance information for all students studying in the UK.
  • Euraxess searches for international funding opportunities, including travel to conferences, organising meetings, short research visits, fellowships etc. 
  • The Institute of International Education is an independent non-profit organization founded in 1919. It is a world leader in the exchange of people and ideas. The Institute administers various scholarship programmes, including the Fulbright programme. 
  • Postgraduate Studentships  is the first dedicated website in the UK to bring together all the different types of funding opportunities open to potential postgraduates, at both taught and research level, all in one place. 
  • PROSPECTS  is the UK's official graduate careers website gives you links to useful information on courses, institutions and funding for postgraduate study in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
  • Scholarship Search UK is produced by Hot Courses and UCAS and brings together a wide variety of information about planning and organising your finances as a student, including a scholarship search service. 
  • Student Cash Point  is a fairly recent web-source of information on student grants, loans, bursaries, scholarships and awards. 
  • UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) is the UK’s national advisory body serving the interests of international students and those who work with them. 
  • Newton's List  seeks to facilitate international science cooperation by providing a forum for grantseekers and funders. The site is a free resource open to individuals searching for international funding and organizations looking to market their grants to an international audience. Newton’s List is a user-driven aggregate of current international funding opportunities for students and researchers working in natural and social science fields. Newton’s List is open to basic research funding opportunities related to one or more of the following fields: natural sciences, engineering/technology, agricultural sciences or social sciences. They do not accept opportunities in biomedical sciences, humanities, or applied research. Disciplines on Newton's List are listed according to the OECD’s Frascati Manual (excluding “Medical and Health Sciences” and “Humanities”). For funding opportunities in the biomedical sciences, please check out the NIH Fogarty International Center
  • Aga Khan Foundation for International Scholarships the deadline is: 31 March, but should be checked with the Foundation's local branch, as their deadline might be earlier. The Foundation gives awards to outstanding students from developing countries on a 50% grant, 50% loan basis. Priorities are given to Masters applications but PhD courses and requests for travel and study awards for PhD students will also be considered. Topics should fall into the Foundation's Development Network interests. Applicants should not have started their studies at time of application. The Foundation accepts applications from students who are under the age of 30 and based in countries where it has affiliates or local branches: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique, Madagascar, France, Portugal, UK, USA and Canada. 
  • The Airey Neave Trust provides funding for refugees in higher education. The Trust focuses its attention on Home Office approved refugees, already in the United Kingdom who need to perfect their knowledge of English and to re-qualify in their professions. Support is concentrated in the higher education field, principally post graduate work. Those people with refugee status or exceptional leave to remain in the United Kingdom should submit as proof a letter from the Home Office. Asylum seekers, refugees with asylum status in countries other than Britain, overseas students in the UK on a student visa, British citizens, and refugees now holding British citizenship are excluded. 
  • The Anglo-Jewish Association provides contributory scholarships ranging between £500-£3,000 to Jewish students who would like to study in the UK a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course. 
  • AXA Research Fund - PhD Fellowships   funds up to thirty three-year PhD studentships of a value of €25,000 per annum, to support the emergence of the world's scientific leaders from the very beginning of their careers. The subject of the research must fall within one of the themes identified by the AXA Scientific Board. In order to apply, you must first be nominated by your institution. 
  • The BBC Performing Arts Fund  has a rotating grants portfolio and each year they focus on a different art form - dance, music or theatre. 
  • The Biochemical Society, Krebs Memorial Scholarship  funds outstanding applicants wishing to pursue a PhD study in biochemistry and/or biomedical sciences. These PhD scholarships cover the tuition fees at UK/EU student rate and provides maintenance, totalling up to £18,000 for one year which can be renewed up to three years. Students from any nationality can apply. Applicants will be expected to have made prior arrangements with the university at which they intend to hold the award. The application should be forwarded through the Head of Department concerned. 
  • The Biosocial Society, Postgraduate Bursary Scheme  awards small grants to postgraduate student members of the society. Awards of up to £750 are available to help with costs associated with fieldwork or data collection. Awards of up to £250 are available towards the cost of participation in conferences. 
  • The Biotechnology YES Programme the Biotechnology Young Entrepreneurs Scheme (YES) supports postgraduate researchers with its mentoring, advice and practical workshop competition. 
  • The Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council supports research training in areas within its scientific merit. Full information about the science covered by the BBSRC is given on their website. The BBSRC fund postgraduate research mainly through training grants. Funding is awarded directly to research organisations and universities; not to students. 
  • The British Chamber of Commerce in Germany Foundation   invites applications for its scholarships to allow British and German students to study or conduct research in Germany or the UK, respectively. The award is intended to provide supplementary financial support, not to defray the full cost of the proposed course of study or research. Applicants should be undertaking full-time courses of study at universities leading to degrees, diplomas or equivalent qualifications. Applicants must be aged under 30 years at the application deadline.
  • The British Charitable Foundation for Women Graduates trading as Funding for Women Graduates (FfWG) provides some funding to aid women graduates studying for a PhD in the UK. There are three strands of funding:
    • Foundation Grants - will not normally exceed £4,000 and will only be available for the final year of a PhD or DPhil (full time) or from the third year onwards (part time). Applicants from Britain and overseas are eligible to apply. This grant assists with living expenses; evidence of ability to pay fees is required.
    • Emergency Grants - will not normally exceed £1,500 and are offered to women graduates who face an unforeseen financial crisis during the course of their research studies. Applicants from Britain and overseas are eligible to apply. Evidence of ability to pay fees is required.
    • Theodora Bosanquet Bursary (TBB) - offered annually to women graduates whose research in History or English Literature requires a short residence in London during the summer. Two bursaries are provided annually to cover the cost of up to four weeks' stay in a London hall of residence.
  • The British Occupational Hygiene Society  invites applications for its postgraduate bursary scheme. The bursaries support students who are registered on, or have been offered a place on, any UK-based postgraduate course approved by the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene. Up to five awards are available annually of up to £4,000 each to cover the costs of academic fees. The award will be paid directly to the candidate's university. Bursary holders will be given free student membership of BOHS. 
  • The British Society for Middle Eastern Studies  offers a number of awards for postgraduate students studying for taught and research degrees in a British university, working on a topic related to the Middle East or undertaking a taught programme in any discipline but including a majority component relating to the Middle East. The awards range in value from £1000 to £2000. There are restrictions on eligibility, different for each scheme. 
  • The Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund  provides funding of £500-£3000 for Canadian postgraduate students already enrolled and studying in the UK. .
  • Chevening Scholarships could help fund your studies and introduce you to an influential global alumni if you are under 35 and already experienced in your chosen career. 
  • The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission in the UK  offers a number of scholarships schemes to enable Commonwealth students to study in the UK for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. 
  • The Design History Society offers financial aid for postgraduate students, Hosting conferences, travel to conferences, meetings etc., travel for research purposes, directed grants for individual investigators, and support to publish, edit, translate, disseminate. To be eligible, postgraduate candidates must be registered with an institution to undertake a MPhil or PhD degree in design history of any period. Independent scholars affiliated with, as well as those in the employ of, academic and cultural institutions are also eligible. No application should exceed £1,500. 
  • The Economic History Society will consider applications for grants, normally of up to £500, to assist postgraduate students (Master's Degree and PhD) in United Kingdom colleges and universities with travel and subsistence expenses incurred in the undertaking of research into any aspect of economic and social history. Applications should be made, supported by a supervisor's statement, to the Honorary Secretary, via the administrative secretary. Information concerning any attempts to obtain matching support from other sources should be submitted. It is expected that successful applicants will be, or will become, members of the Society. 
  • ESCalate – The Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Education makes available student grants to enable students to work with fellow students and staff, in engaging and responding to the learning, teaching and training issues of concern to you. 
  • The Folklore Society Postgraduate Research Bursary supports research in any aspect of folklore studies broadly defined and conducted at any UK university. The bursary may be used for assistance in the conduct of research such as:
    • the purchase of materials and equipment relevant to the applicant's research;
    • costs of transport to a place of field research whether the location is inside or outside the UK;
    • maintenance while conducting research in the field.

Applicants must be currently registered on, or in the forthcoming academic session will be registered on, a full or part time programme of research leading to a PhD to an equivalent degree with a research component. The bursary is for a period of one year or less and is worth up to £1,000.

  • Foundation for the Canadian Studies in the UK  provides financial support for well-qualified and talented British and Canadian citizens, who are permanent residents in the UK, to conduct doctoral research, at a UK University, containinga substantialCanadian element and with relevance to Canadian Studies in the UK. Host institutions will be expected to provide 'matching funding' to make up the balance of the home/EU tuition fees. Maximum grants are £2,000 per annum full-time and £750 per annum part-time. Phd degree-granting institutions may apply and students may be in his or her first, second, or third year of doctoral study (part-time up to fourth year of study). 
  • The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. It is the largest U.S. international exchange program offering opportunities for students, scholars, and professionals to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools worldwide. 
  • The Gen Foundation is a charitable trust which supports the research and study of natural sciences and the arts. The Foundation focuses on biological, chemical and botanical science students/researchers, and exceptional candidates from language, music and art. Awards are one-off and usually up to £3,000, though exceptionally more may be awarded. 
  • German Historical Institute London funds research visits by British and German postgraduates to Germany or Britain respectively. The scholarships may last for up to six months. Applicants should have completed one year’s postgraduate research, and should be studying either German history or Anglo-German relations. 
  • The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining awards various scholarships, bursary and travel awards available to fund research. You need to be a member to apply. The Institute also maintains a short list of funding opportunities provided by other bodies in relevant disciplines.
  • The International Council for Canadian Studies solicits proposals under its graduate student scholarships program. This is open to students of the social sciences or humanities who are in the process of preparing a graduate thesis or doctoral dissertation on Canada. Recipients spend four to six weeks at a Canadian university or research site other than their own doing research related to their thesis or dissertation in the field of Canadian studies. The stipend is worth up to $3,500. 
  • Leverhulme Trust Study Abroad Studentships supports an extended period of advanced study or research at a centre of learning in any overseas country (except USA). Applicants must have been resident in the UK for at least five years at time of application and must hold an undergraduate degree from a UK institution. They should be under age 30 or, if older, make a strong case for special consideration. Details of each year’s scheme are usually published on The Leverhulme Trust's website.
  • The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust gives Postgraduate Bursaries which are designed to provide support for eligible UK students i.e. those who are (or who are connected with) Commercial Travellers, Grocers or Chemists, in financial need undertaking full-time Postgraduate degree courses at institutions in the United Kingdom, leading to recognised qualifications (e.g. PhD/MSc).
  • Marshall Scholarships finances young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the United Kingdom. They are funded by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and administered by the Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission (MACC) in the UK. For full information on applying for a scholarship and the Marshall Aid Charity Commission please visit their website for more information.
  • Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, Rubicon Scholarship Programme invites applications for the Rubicon programme. Grants enable researchers from abroad to spend one year conducting research in the Netherlands. The Rubicon programme is open to all scientific disciplines. Depending on the nature of the project, applicants may conduct field research. Postgraduates who are currently engaged in doctoral research, or recent doctoral graduates, may apply. Women are encouraged to apply. Applications must be submitted by individual researchers.
  • NHS Social Work Bursary administers bursaries for healthcare and social work students on behalf of the Department of Health.
  • The Parkes Foundation offers grants to assist PhD students to conduct research in the biosocial disciplines of reproduction, demography or fertility. The aim of these awards is to allow registered PhD students to undertake substantive fieldwork as part of their higher degree in these fields. One grant of up to £3,000 will be offered to a registered PhD student. Additionally small grants are awarded for projects in these disciplines and also areas of human health (including HIV/AIDS), conservation and human genetics. 
  • Pasold Research Fund invites applications for PhD bursaries of up to £2,500 to support research in any area or period of textile history. The bursaries may be used for conference attendance, securing visual materials, extra travel or research expenses or to support students close to completion of their dissertation. Awards will be for one year initially, but may be renewed for up to two years. Applicants must be past the first year of their PhD and be enrolled at an institution within the UK. 
  • Research and Development Management Association (RADMA) issues an annual call for proposals under its Doctoral Studies Programme in January each year. The award provides up to three years funding of up to £17,500 per annum (including fees) to talented prospective or mid-study PhD students, offering an opportunity to concentrate on the studentship for the period of the award. Under the Student Conference Funding programme, RADMA will provide support of up to £500 to enable doctoral students to give papers to conferences, and £250 to support attendance only. Project Support scheme provides funds to PhD students up to £1000 for research expenses. 
  • Rotary Foundation offers grants for academic study from intensive short courses to degrees. Applications are made through your local Rotary club in your home country. 
  • Rothschild Foundation, Academic Jewish Studies in Europe supports students preparing themselves for, or undertaking, doctoral dissertation research in Jewish studies at an academic institution in Europe. Fellowships last for a period of one year and provide funding of between £3,000 and £12,000. 
  • The Royal Anthropological Institute of Great Britain and Ireland
    • Emslie Horniman anthropological scholarship fund  invites applications for fieldwork grants and promotes anthropological research, including ethnography and all branches of human and social science relating to the physical and natural development of people in society. These awards aim to encourage recent graduates to pursue fieldwork that will contribute to the award of an MPhil/PhD degree. Applicants must be citizens of the UK, RoI or Commonwealth countries. Preference will be given to those who propose to do fieldwork outside the UK. Awards will normally range between £500 and £7,000. In exceptional cases, additional funds may be available to enable work to be written up. 
    • Radcliffe-Brown and Firth trust funds for social anthropological research  invites grant applications under its Radcliffe-Brown Fund. The fund supports social anthropologists to work towards completion of a doctoral thesis. Grants are worth up to £750. Only students attached to British and Commonwealth institutions are eligible. 
  • Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 - Industrial Fellowships scheme  encourages profitable innovation and creativity in British Industry - to the mutual benefit of the Fellow and his or her company. Projects in any science or engineering discipline are available, and usually up to 8 fellowships are available in one year, covering 50% of the Fellow's salary up to £21k per annum, university fees, travel costs of up to £3,500 per annum, for a duration of up to three years. 
  • Royal Geographical Society - Slawson Awards supports PhD students who are intending to carry out geographical field research in developing countries. Funding will be provided for geographical fieldwork involving key development issues with a high social value, and include projects in geography related disciplines, for example anthropology or economics. Preference will be given to research based in developing countries in Asia. Applicants must be UK citizens registered for a PhD at a UK higher education institution. Mature students are particularly welcomed to apply. Candidates must be fellows or ordinary members of the society. Individual awards will range between £1,000 and £3,000, covering travel, accommodation and local costs. 
  • The Schools Competition Act Settlement Trust Postgraduate Research Scholarships is offering two postgraduate research scholarships of £15,000 per annum for up to three years for former pupils of fifty independent schools who studied there after 15 September 2001, are now aged between 18 and 30, and who left that school at least six years ago. Candidates must have been provisionally accepted or already registered for a research degree in any subject. Postgraduate bursaries of £2,500 are also available.
  • Society for Latin American Studies Postgraduate bursaries  makes awards of up to £600 to its postgraduate members to assist them with travel costs for overseas fieldwork and of up to £500 to attend conferences held outside the UK, where all other possibilities for funding have been exhausted. To be eligible, you must be: a member of SLAS; a current research student at a UK university (of any nationality); and giving a paper at the conference. 
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