Find Fully Funded Online Master Scholarships UK for Master's Programs

Did you know a UK study award scheme will draw winners at random for cash prizes, with one prize of £1,000 and two of £500?

This single fact shows how accessible funding can be when you know where to look.

You’re here to explore options that let you progress to a master without upfront tuition fees. You’ll get clear steps on which awards to target and how to become a competitive candidate as a prospective or current learner.

Many schemes cover UK, EU and international students, and some require you to be enrolled on a level 5, 6 or 7 qualification with at least 120 CATS by the end of October 2025. Providers often ask for proof of enrolment and agree to contact winners by November 2025.

In short, this guide will show how distance learning fits around work and life, how eligibility is checked, and the difference between full fee coverage and partial support so you can plan funding with confidence.

Your pathway to funded online Master’s study in the UK

Map a practical pathway that aligns scholarship applications with admission dates and your work life.

Start by shortlisting awards that match your career goals and the type of programme you want. Use reliable university pages and official guidance for eligibility, deadlines and required documents.

The University of Edinburgh confirms that postgraduate qualifications gained through distance learning meet the same standards as campus provision. This means you can continue to work, live at home and still access tutorials, assessment and faculty support.

Decide whether part‑time or full‑time study suits your schedule. That choice affects how long courses run and which awards you may be eligible for.

• Position your professional development and prior experience to match award priorities, especially community impact.
• Build a shortlist of courses and applications to boost your chances without diluting each submission.

Prepare a timeline that pairs scholarship windows with academic admissions so you do not miss a place on your chosen MSc or related route.

Fully funded online master scholarships UK: what’s available now and next

Discover which award rounds and university grants are open now and what to expect next year.

UK Study Online Scholarship

You can enter the UK Study Online scholarship if you register for the ukstudyonline.com newsletter and start an eligible course by October 2025.

Applicants must enrol on level 5, 6 or 7 study with at least 120 CATS by the same deadline. The draw awards 1 x £1,000 and 2 x £500; winners are contacted by 10 November 2025 and must supply proof of enrolment.

Edinburgh lists multiple options covering tuition and internet contributions. Clinical routes include MSc Internal Medicine (five awards at 66% tuition) and several bursaries for surgical and ophthalmology MSc programmes.

Computing students can apply for Intro to HPC and EPCC Dissertation awards for the MSc in HPC and MSc in HPC with Data Science. There are also dedicated awards for refugees and the Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships for low and middle‑income applicants.

Plan a simple tracker that records coverage (tuition, fee contribution, internet), deadlines and proof requirements so you can act fast when windows open.

Eligibility essentials: who can apply and when

Start by confirming the basic entry rules that decide your eligibility and timing. This short check saves time and keeps your applications on track.

Course level, credits and enrolment by October 2025

Eligibility often hinges on the level and credits you hold. For the UK Study Online draw you must be enrolled on a level 5, 6 or 7 qualification with a minimum of 120 CATS by the end of October 2025.

Also ensure your chosen course is offered by a UK government-approved degree-awarding institution and that the provider recognises the mode of delivery.

Residency and status: UK, EU and international applicants

Check whether your residency status places you in the eligible group. The draw accepts UK, EU and international students, but some awards vary by fee status and campus equivalence.

• Register for ukstudyonline.com updates if required.
• Be ready to supply proof of enrolment, ID and transcripts if selected.
• Record deadlines and confirm whether an offer of admission is needed first.

Create a simple checklist mapping eligibility points to your situation. For a helpful planning template see the course eligibility checklist to align tasks and documents.

Programmes and subject areas you can study by distance learning

Pick programme areas that let you balance study with practice and professional duties. Many routes offer staged entry from PgCert and PgDip to a full degree so you can progress at work pace.

Health, medicine and public health

Health pathways include Public Health (MPH), Global Mental Health, Palliative Care and End of Life Studies. These msc options suit clinicians and public health practitioners who need flexible timetables.

Data, computing and high‑performance computing

Look for Data Analytics msc and specialist programmes in High Performance Computing and HPC with Data Science. Edinburgh provides targeted support at dissertation stage for research and practical projects.

Education, creative and social science

Options range from Academic Practice (MEd) and Health‑Professions Education to Creative Writing (MLitt) and Psychology (conversion). These courses help you develop teaching, research and portfolio skills.

Specialist clinical and surgical pathways

Specialist routes include Advanced Practice in Veterinary Nursing, Surgical Sciences, Primary Care Ophthalmology and Patient Safety and Clinical Human Factors. They are designed for clinicians seeking career progression.

Shortlist two or three programmes that match your background and scholarship priorities. This makes your application stronger and helps you plan study while working towards a clear professional aim.

What “fully funded” can cover: tuition fees, internet support and more

Clarifying exactly which costs are covered by an award stops surprises during your course year. Read each offer to see what portion of tuition is paid and whether extra help is included.

Full tuition fees versus partial fee support

Full tuition awards cover the published course fee for the year. These are rare but do exist for some distance programmes and targeted awards.

Partial fee awards reduce what you owe. For example, the MSc Internal Medicine awards cover 66% of tuition for 2025–2026. Check whether a fee cap applies each year.

Additional contributions and bursaries

Some grants add a contribution for internet access or study costs. Edinburgh lists awards that include internet support to help students studying at a distance.

Programme-specific funding, such as Surgery Online bursaries, Primary Care Ophthalmology awards or HPC dissertation grants, can bridge remaining costs. You can often combine compatible awards, but always check rules and renewal conditions.

How to apply: step‑by‑step for scholarships and courses

Start with a clear checklist that links each award's rules to the offer and enrolment steps you must complete.

Register interest and meet prerequisites. Subscribe to required updates (for example the UK Study Online newsletter) and keep confirmation emails. Note any credit thresholds: for some draws you must hold 120 CATS at level 5–7 by the end of October 2025.

Registering interest and meeting scholarship prerequisites

Map each award's eligibility and create target dates. Some schemes need proof of enrolment or an offer before shortlisting.

1. Save confirmation emails as evidence.
2. Gather transcripts, ID, references and a tailored statement.
3. Check publicity consent and deferral rules on the scheme information page.

Academic admission sequencing and proof of enrolment

Follow sequencing rules precisely. For Equity & Merit you must not apply for academic admission until invited. Applying too early can lead to disqualification.

"Ensure your course application aligns with scholarship timelines to secure an offer where needed for shortlisting."

Deadlines and decision timelines you should plan for

Build a calendar that flags application windows and decisions. Note key windows: Equity & Merit opens 1–31 August 2025 and outcomes are due by June 2026.

Final tip: proofread and submit early, keep a tidy folder of PDFs and confirmations, and double‑check eligibility for each scheme so you can respond quickly if selected.

Featured opportunities you shouldn’t miss

These flagship awards are worth flagging on your calendar.

UK Study Online draw

You can enter for a chance at 1 x £1,000 and two x £500 to help with course costs. To qualify you must register for the ukstudyonline.com newsletter, start your course by October 2025 and be ready to provide proof of enrolment if selected.

"Register early, keep your enrolment evidence handy and watch for the winner notification by 10 November 2025."

Funded by the CSC, these awards support candidates from eligible countries to study part‑time distance learning postgraduate programmes that focus on social and economic development.

Refugee and displaced students Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is offering 20 part‑time distance learning awards for refugees and displaced students for 2025–2026. These create vital continuity for learners who face disruption.

How to use these opportunities

• Cross‑check that your chosen msc or master course is eligible.
• Verify what portion of tuition fees or living support is offered.
• Highlight community impact, leadership or development work in your applications.

Fees and funding guidance for UK‑based and international students

Know how tuition is set so you can compare remote course rates with campus fees and plan a realistic budget for the duration of study.

Headline tuition is only part of the picture. Check for ancillary fee items such as module resits, graduation charges or dissertation continuation fees so there are no surprises.

Consider timing and currency. If you pay from other countries, plan for exchange rates and the university’s payment deadlines. Match these to award disbursement dates so you do not miss instalment windows.

Look at examples. Edinburgh awards can cover tuition fees or give contributions for internet access. Some routes, like the MSc Internal Medicine awards, pay 66% of tuition. EPCC dissertation support can reduce costs at project stage.

• Confirm whether a scholarship pays the university directly or reimburses you.
• Ask if instalment plans are compatible with award timing.
• Check what happens if you change from part‑time to full‑time; fee status and award terms can change.

"Keep clear records so fee adjustments process quickly when awards are confirmed."

Final tip: keep your documents offer letters, award notices and payment receipts in one place to speed administrative changes and protect your funding entitlement.

Take your next step towards a funded online Master’s

Start by narrowing your choices so you can focus on two target programmes and two priority scholarships. Shortlist two or three awards, confirm eligibility and prepare key documents now to avoid last‑minute rushes.

Draft a concise personal statement linking your master or msc goals to professional development and research impact. Verify tuition, fees and any remaining fee shortfalls so your budget is realistic for the year, whether you study at home or visit campus for resources.

Submit applications early, track confirmations and keep proof of enrolment ready for shortlisting. Note key dates UK Study Online winner notices in November and Equity & Merit decisions by June and register interest or subscribe for updates such as the Teesside guidance at Teesside University scholarships 2026.

If you want to know other articles similar to Find Fully Funded Online Master Scholarships UK for Master's Programs you can visit the category Scholarships.