UK and EU master’s student funding

If you are a prospective master’s student from the UK or EU, there are potential sources of funding available.

Funding database

Our funding opportunities database contains details of the major student award schemes offered by the British government and other organisations, as well as a number of awards offered by the University and its Faculties and Schools.

Postgraduate loans (PGL)

Postgraduate loans are available for eligible students studying taught and research master’s courses. The maximum loan available for 2019/20 is £10,906. Applications open in late Spring.

UK postgraduate students

The main source of funding for UK master’s students is the master’s loan but additional funding could be available in the form of Disabled Student Allowance, scholarships, bursaries and grants. 

EU postgraduate students

Funding support for EU students applying for university places in the 2018/19 academic year has been confirmed by the UK government. The government has also confirmed this support for EU students applying for university places in the 2019/20 academic year.

If you are a student from another EU country, you will continue to remain eligible for master’s, postgraduate and advanced learner financial support in the 2019/20 academic year and will continue to have access to student loans and grants, even if the course concludes after the UK’s exit from the EU.

EU nationals will also remain eligible to apply for Research Council PhD studentships at UK institutions for 2018/19 and 2019/20 to help cover costs for the duration of their study.

Manchester Alumni Scholarship Schemes

Recent graduates who start a master’s course in the Faculty of Humanities or the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health from September 2019 onwards may be eligible for this scholarship.

Manchester Master's Bursary

A number of bursaries for students from widening participation backgrounds are available for students on master's courses. 

Charities and alternative funding sources

Charities, foundations and trusts provide an alternative range of funding and awards for master’s study for which you might be able to apply.