Sources of funding for postgraduate students
Government
In general there is no statutory funding from the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) for postgraduate students.
The exception is the Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course for those students wishing to go into teaching.
Income-assessed bursaries are also available for students following postgraduate courses in social work. Contact the NHS Business Services Authority on 0845 610 1122 or refer to the website http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/students Email: swb@ppa.nhs.uk
Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are available to postgraduate students who have a disability or a specific learning difficulty.
Local Authorities
The Council does not provide discretionary funds for postgraduate students living in their areas.
Universities
Universities have Access to Learning Funds and sometimes local scholarships. www.hotcourses.com is a useful website for searching for funding for academic courses including postgraduate courses.
Sponsorship
If you are looking to secure sponsorship for your course, you may find the UK Sponsorship website (www.uksponsorship.com) useful.
Research Councils
The research councils consider funding applications from individual postgraduates undertaking research degrees at universities. A place on a postgraduate programme does not of itself entitle a student to an award and they are competitive. For further information visit the research councils website at www.rcuk.ac.uk
Employers
Some postgraduate students may receive partial or complete financial sponsorship for the duration of their courses from their employer.
Professional Bodies
If the postgraduate course of study is to attain entry to some profession, the body concerned may be able to advise on any specific funding availability within that vocational field.
Career Development Loans
Career Development Loans (CDLs) are available at some high street banks. They are deferred repayment bank loans offered in partnership with the DfES and Barclays, The Co-Operative and the Royal Bank of Scotland. Application forms are available from the banks, or from the CDL Information Line on free phone 0800 585 505. between 8am and 10pm or visit www.direct.gov.uk and follow the links for CDLs for more information.
The Educational Grants Advisory Service
This organisation provides information and advice on funding for post-16 education, to individuals who are resident in the UK. It does not provide grants itself. Sources of funding on which advice and information are offered include loans, grants, benefits, hardship funds, bursaries and charitable trusts. You can contact EGAS by:-
- Telephone: 020 7254 6251
- Website: www.egas-online.org.uk
- Postal Address: EGAS, 501 – 505 Kingsland Road, London, E8 4AU
Publications
The annual "Students' Money Matters" book by Gwenda Thomas, published by Trotman Publishing, Westminster House, Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2ND, has a chapter on postgraduate funding.
The information contained in this leaflet has been carefully reproduced from a range of authoritative sources, but the student finance office cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Student Finance Office
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Email: studentfinance@cheshire.gov.uk
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