Get graduate merit-based scholarships UK to fund your degree

Picture this: you open an acceptance letter and then the reality hits fees and living costs loom large. You worry the cost might derail the plan to study for a higher degree.

Not long ago, a friend I know balanced a part-time job with research work and won a major scholarship that covered fees and monthly support. That award changed how they managed time and focus.

This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step route to find the right scholarship and target the best course options for your goals. You’ll learn where the money comes from, what funding bodies value in applicants, and how to shape a strong application form.

Expect practical tips on awards, instalments versus lump sums, and timelines for 2026 entry so you can plan with confidence and reduce last-minute stress.

Why merit-based scholarships matter for your postgraduate study

When selection panels back your academic potential, the right award can free you to focus on study.

Scholarship funding lets you pick a course for fit and ambition rather than cost alone. Many awards pay partial tuition; some cover full fees and living costs. That support reduces loan reliance and eases pressure while you study.

These funding routes are competitive and often expect teaching duties or post-course commitments. Winning one signals excellence to future employers and boosts your CV.

Plan early: a smart application strategy improves your chances because panels want well-prepared applicants who match the programme.

• Combine permitted awards to build a package that covers fees and living costs.
• Merit awards can unlock roles like research assistantships that expand your development and experience.
• Many programmes offer mentoring and alumni access that help long-term potential.

For practical ideas on linked support and competitive awards, see the guide to business funding options: graduate business scholarships and funding.

Understanding merit-based scholarships vs bursaries

Knowing what examiners mean by "awarded on the basis of academic excellence" helps you target the right awards. It usually points to high grades, strong references and a record of achievement that matches your chosen course. Panels also look for a clear research plan or evidence you will add value to the field.

What “awarded on the basis of academic excellence” really means

Academic awards often weigh your transcript, referee statements and the quality of your research proposal. They may also expect duties such as teaching or research assistance. Some funding carries post-study obligations with partner organisations.

How bursaries and grants differ for applicants

Bursaries and grants usually target need, under‑representation or specific eligibility categories. They tend to impose fewer obligations and are designed to reduce fees or living costs so you can focus on study.

• Payment format: both may be paid as a lump sum or in instalments, so plan your cash flow.
• Where to look: start with your university, then check charities, foundations and professional bodies.
• Safety net: hardship funds can be applied for during the year if circumstances change.

For a wider view of awards available to international and home students, see this news piece on university offers and this list of funded undergraduate options for comparative context: university offers and fully funded options.

Where to find scholarships: universities, charities, and beyond

Start your search where funding is created: university pages, professional bodies and national trusts. Check departmental sites first because many awards link directly to your course and supervisors.

University awards often include academic excellence funds, alumni discounts (commonly 10–15%), Graduate Teaching Assistant roles with fee waivers and PhD studentships. These can cover fees or offer a regular stipend.

Professional bodies back subject-specific pathways. The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications run teacher-training support. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers funds Masters awards for routes to Chartered Engineer status.

Charities and trusts provide another range of help. Examples include the Sir Richard Stapley Education Trust, the Leverhulme Trust and the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, each offering awards or fellowships for postgraduate students.

Use online directories FundsOnline, Charity Choice and Turn2us and the GOV.UK charity register to find scholarships available that match your profile. Keep a simple tracker of eligibility, deadlines and required documents so your applications are timely and organised.

graduate merit-based scholarships UK: your Ultimate Guide roadmap

Start by listing your top course choices and checking which awards most clearly match each programme.

Focus on value: prioritise scholarships that cover both fees and living costs. That reduces loan needs and lets you focus on study.

Check entry rules: note which universities ask for an offer before applicants can apply and which automatically consider you when you submit a course application.

How to prioritise courses and funding opportunities

• Map each course to the scholarships available and mark those that cover fees and living costs.
• Create a calendar with staged deadlines, including alumni rounds and faculty awards.
• Rank opportunities by competitiveness, value and fit with your profile.
• For every course, list application form steps, references, personal-statement focus and programme documents.
• Submit one reach scholarship, several match options and a few safety applications to spread risk.
• Keep a master tracker from draft to outcome and budget how each scholarship would affect your finances.

Build contingencies such as postgraduate loans and use your tracker to plan for 2026 entry decisions.

What scholarships cover: fees, living costs and more

A clear breakdown of what an award actually pays for helps you plan your budget from day one.

Tuition fee coverage and waivers

Some awards cover full course fees. Others pay only part of the tuition or offer a fee waiver linked to a University role.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships commonly waive fees in return for teaching duties alongside your course.

Grants for living costs, travel and allowances

Many awards add a living costs grant, travel support or research allowances for fieldwork and thesis printing.

Specialist payments exist too, such as winter clothing for students moving to colder regions.

Lump sum vs instalments: how awards are paid

Payments may arrive as a lump sum or in termly instalments. Lump sums help with upfront costs; instalments aid steady budgeting.

Eligibility and selection: who gets funded and why

You increase your odds when your proposal fits the programme and shows practical potential for change.

Panels look for academic merit, clear potential and a strong fit between your research plan and the course. Keep evidence short: top grades, concise references and examples of related work make your case easy to assess.

Country and field rules matter. Some awards prioritise applicants from particular countries or regions. Examples include schemes that support developing Commonwealth countries, or funds aimed at specific national groups.

Other awards restrict by field or by development goals. A few ask you to explain how you will return and contribute to your country or sector after study. Check stipend levels too some schemes list living costs and minimum support amounts.

"Make your case simple to judge: match your language to the criteria, use concrete achievements and emphasise potential."

• Match proposal to programme strengths.
• Note nationality, field and post-study expectations.
• Compare awards by fees covered and living costs provided.

How to apply: from course choice to scholarship application form

Start with the entry rules for your chosen course so you know whether an offer is needed first.

Offer first or apply in parallel?

Check each funder’s guidance. Some awards ask for an offer before you can apply. Others consider applications automatically or accept separate forms while you await an offer.

Completing the online form without errors

Follow character limits and upload PDFs or DOCX files as requested. Save drafts and attach transcripts, CV and references in the right order.

Personal statement essentials

Set out your project, methods and expected impact. Explain why funding is essential and how fees and living support will affect your study.

Keep it specific: link the project to supervisors, career aims and any employer context.

Timelines to expect

Decisions often take 3–4 weeks. Central schemes can take longer and some programmes notify by June 2026.

"Ask referees early and brief them on the award criteria."

Keep copies of every form and tailor winning text for other applications. For distance-learning options, see online scholarships for distance learning.

Key dates and timelines for 2026 entry

Deadlines shape your entire application calendar, so map them before you start writing.

University cycles: many funding rounds close in December and January. Finalise your course shortlist, references and personal statement well ahead of those windows to avoid rushes.

Commonwealth Shared: the CSC portal opens early November 2025 and closes mid‑December. You must also submit your graduate study application by the programme deadline to stay eligible.

Equity and Merit applications run from 1–31 August 2025 for September 2026 entry. An academic offer is usually required before shortlisting. All applicants are told outcomes by June 2026.

Expect many centrally managed decisions to land in June‑July 2026. Build buffer time in May 2026 to chase references, confirm documents and resolve any missing items.

"Plan reminders for each application form stage so parallel portals don't catch you out."

• Keep a rolling calendar that notes faculty and college deadlines, which can come earlier.
• Avoid last‑minute uploads: some awards assess in waves and technical issues rise near cut‑offs.
• Use email alerts to track when final communications arrive in june 2026 or july 2026.

Scholarships you apply for separately (additional application required)

If an award needs its own form, treat that application like a second course of work with its own deadlines and checks.

Care‑Experienced Academic Futures

Apply for your course by the Dec/Jan deadline and tick the care‑experienced box. Eligible applicants receive an invitation in March/April 2026 to submit the scholarship application form.

Selection is in June 2026. The award usually covers fees and living costs for the duration.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

For nationals or residents of specified developing Commonwealth countries. You must apply via the CSC portal early Nov–mid‑Dec 2025 and also submit your course application by its deadline.

This scholarship covers full fees, a minimum of £17,424 for living costs, return airfare and study allowances. Decisions land in June–July 2026.

Brief checklist and quick notes

• Prepare a separate application form where needed and follow scheme steps exactly.
• For Ertegun, upload the supporting statement in your Oxford application by January.
• Hill Foundation applicants must be Russian nationals/residents and intend to return; selection is April 2026.
• Mastercard Foundation (AfOx) needs an offer for an eligible one‑year master’s and shows leadership and service.
• Saïd Foundation applications close 31 Oct 2025; also complete your Oxford course application by Dec/Jan.

"Track what each award covers so you can budget for 2026 entry with confidence."

Scholarships considered automatically at application

Apply to the course by the funding cut‑off and you may be entered for some awards automatically. This saves time and means you do not need separate forms at first.

Black Academic Futures automatically considers UK‑resident applicants who identify as Black or mixed‑Black when they submit a course application by the December/January deadline. You do not need a separate initial application; just meet the deadline and the scheme will review your file.

All Souls Hugh Springer Graduate Scholarships

These offer up to two awards for nationals or residents of Caribbean countries who identify as Black or Mixed Black. Each award covers fees and living costs for the full duration. Note the selection window in April 2026 so you know when to expect a decision.

Refugee Academic Futures

If you have lived experience of displacement, select refugee status on your course application by Dec/Jan. Eligible applicants are invited to submit a dedicated form in March/April and selection follows in June 2026. The award typically covers fees and living costs for the full course.

Practical tips: always submit proof of residency or backgrounds early, track deadlines on your calendar and keep documents ready so you can respond quickly if the funder requests verification.

Field-focused opportunities: sciences, social sciences and health

Field-specific funding often links to precise research priorities and clear selection criteria. You should target funders whose aims match your project and methods to improve your odds at 2026 entry.

Biomedical and population health: Wellcome Trust and partners

Wellcome Trust supports biomedical science, population health and applied research via fellowships and scholarships. Partners include Cancer Research UK and the Medical Research Council.

Tip: emphasise translational impact or population-level outcomes in your proposal to align with these funders’ priorities.

Molecular cell biology DPhil: Oxford‑E P Abraham Fund

The Oxford‑E P Abraham Research Fund offers up to three full awards for the DPhil in Molecular Cell Biology in Health and Disease. Each scholarship covers fees and a living grant of at least £19,237 per year for four years, and eligible applicants are considered automatically. Check exact details for 2026‑27 entry when they are confirmed.

Social sciences and humanities: leadership-linked awards

In the social sciences and humanities, prioritise awards that value public engagement, policy impact or community contribution. These programmes often expect evidence of leadership and a clear route to impact beyond academia.

"Match your proposal to field priorities health inequalities, translational research or methods innovation to strengthen fit with targeted funders."

• Look for departmental or college co-funded awards that boost value.
• Confirm whether you are automatically considered or need a separate form.
• Compare what each scholarship covers fees, living costs and research allowances so your study needs are met.

Professional training routes and teaching scholarships

Many professional bodies run subject-specific funding that links training to paid school placements.

The Royal Society of Chemistry and the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications work with the Department for Education to fund teacher-training in chemistry, computer science, maths and physics.

What to check: eligibility criteria, stipend level and whether mentoring or placement support is included. Timing matters: apply alongside your course offer and confirm any training provider requirements.

Subject scholarships in chemistry, computer science, maths and physics

If you’re training to teach STEM subjects, look for awards that include classroom experience and a mentor. Some funds offer fee waivers; others add a regular stipend to help with living costs.

Nursing and allied health: RCN and NHS Learning Support Fund

The Royal College of Nursing offers bursaries and targeted help. The NHS Learning Support Fund complements core grants with parental payments, regional incentives, travel and accommodation aid and an exceptional hardship fund.

"Check whether awards pay tuition directly or top up your living and placement costs."

Charities and trusts that can boost your funding package

A short grant from a trust can cover fieldwork, travel or the final balance of fees you still owe. These trusts offer focused help that complements university support and makes your overall funding package stronger.

Sir Richard Stapley Education Trust

The Sir Richard Stapley Education Trust awards small annual grants, typically £650–£1,500, to UK residents on any postgraduate course. Use this funding for immediate costs textbooks, travel or a short placement so you can focus on study without extra part‑time work.

Leverhulme Trust funding landscape

The Leverhulme Trust distributes around £100m a year to postgraduates and early career researchers. It favours bold, exploratory projects and offers a broad range of awards. If your proposal shows clear development and distinctive impact, this trust is a major opportunity to widen support beyond university funds.

Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 industrial fellowships

About ten industrial fellowships are made each year. They can pay up to £25,000 towards salary (or cover full university fees) plus a £3,500 travel allowance. These awards suit doctoral projects with industry partners or applicants already employed in the sector.

Tip: prepare a short summary of your course, methods and budget to re‑use across trust forms and to show how each scholarship covers specific gaps.

Government bursaries and loans: filling the gaps

Government support can bridge the last funding gaps that scholarships and college awards do not cover. These schemes top up your package so you can focus on study and health needs without extra part‑time work.

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs)

DSAs provide non‑repayable help for disability, long‑term illness or mental health needs. Use DSAs to pay for specialist equipment, travel or study support staff.

Good to know: DSAs do not reduce your eligibility for other scholarship awards and sit alongside university support.

Get Into Teaching bursaries and scholarships

If you train for qualified teacher status on an eligible course, check the Get Into Teaching portal. Bursaries and scholarships can offer a stipend and fee help while you do placements.

NHS Learning Support Fund and Social Work Bursaries

The NHS fund gives targeted grants, placement payments and travel help for nursing and allied health students. Social Work Bursaries are income‑assessed and can cover fees and living costs from year one.

Postgraduate loans across the nations

Postgraduate and PhD loans are available in each nation; they are repayable once your income passes thresholds. Model repayments before borrowing so you do not overextend after graduation.

"Confirm compatibility rules early: many government schemes combine with other awards but must be declared on your application."

• Use DSAs alongside other awards to meet extra study costs.
• Check teacher‑training bursary eligibility before you accept a course place.
• Plan nursing and social work funding around the NHS and Social Work Bursary timetables for May 2026 decisions.

International pathways and study abroad options

Looking for funded international experience can widen your research network and add practical skills to your CV.

Fulbright offers postgraduate scholarships for up to 12 months of study in the USA. It is a strong option if your course needs a year of overseas work or if you want US links for future development.

Fulbright and short-term overseas training programmes

Shorter placements can also be powerful. The Dawn Rehab Thailand Scholarship Programme runs a four‑month placement in Chiang Mai for mental health disciplines. It covers return flights, accommodation and meals, giving hands-on clinical experience.

UK university merit awards for international students

Many institutions run merit awards for international students. Examples include Huddersfield (£2,000–£4,000), Nottingham (£2,000 International Postgraduate Excellence Award) and Sheffield (up to £10,000 or smaller faculty awards).

Quick checks: confirm whether an award asks you to return to your country, what it covers (fees, living costs, travel) and how deadlines fit with your 2026 entry plans.

"Plan visas and references early; international applications often need extra documentation."

Make your application stand out: tips from successful applicants

Open with a single-sentence claim that ties your research aims to measurable community or sector benefits. This helps assessors see impact fast and places your proposal in the funder’s frame.

Align your impact story with the scholarship’s mission

Tailor the narrative: show how your project advances knowledge and delivers practical development outcomes. Use one short paragraph to state aims, one to list expected outputs and one to set timelines.

Use your alumni, supervisor and employer networks

Ask for specific support: request introductions, evidence for referees and examples your referees can cite. A referee who links your experience to the course or award criteria adds weight.

• Structure the application form with clear headings and bullet points to make judging easy.
• Bring experience alive with tangible outputs: papers, datasets, prototypes or briefs.
• Close with a realistic budget, milestones and a short feasibility statement so panels know you will deliver.

"Make your case crisp, evidence‑led and aligned to the funder's values."

Your next steps to secure funding for your master’s or DPhil

Begin with a clear map of courses and the specific funding each one can unlock. Finalise your shortlist and note which awards cover fees and living costs for 2026 entry.

Create a deadline calendar that includes December/January faculty rounds and external schemes such as Commonwealth Shared and the Saïd Foundation. Draft your personal statement and application text early so you can tailor each submission.

Request references now and brief referees on your aims. Submit course applications in time to secure any required offer, then complete separate forms without delay.

Prepare eligibility documents, model funding combinations (including loans as backup) and set reminders through May 2026 so you can accept decisions promptly when they arrive in June–July 2026. A final focused scholarship check now saves stress later.

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