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Posted March 6, 2015

Postgrad Funding: The New HEFCE Support Scheme

If you're a regular follower of this blog, you might remember us getting very excited about the news that the government would be offering  postgraduate loans in 2016-17 to all students (regardless of subject) under the age of 30.
 
 
You might then have realised that you were looking to start in 2015, and been disappointed. Luckily for you, another initiative has been introduced that you should definitely take advantage of! The HEFCE Postgraduate Support Scheme  consists of 10,000 loans of £10,000 (that's £100 million!) being available to anyone who:
 
  • Is graduating in 2015 from a three year Bachelors degree
  • Is in the UK or EU
  • Is planning to do a masters course
  • Is part of an 'under-represented group' at postgrad level

This last one might sound tricky - after all, what counts as under-represented? It's up to the university you've applied to, but we expect it to include things like women in the sciences, and students from low income brackets or those with accessibility issues - among other things!

But just how exactly do you apply for one of these bursaries? Well, it's once again in the hands of the university. Some universities have quite a lot of these bursaries available, whilst others might only have one or two. Since they've already been allocated, you'll need to do your research to check whether the university you'll be attending has bursaries available - and, if so, how many. Generally, universities in the Russell Group  have quite a lot available, so they're worth looking into if you're still unsure. Once you've done your research, it's up to you to email the university/scour their website in order to see how they specifically want you to apply.

If you're worried you won't be granted one of these bursaries, or you're simply not eligible, there are other sources of funding to consider! Postgrad Solutions offers a £500 study bursary , and there's tons of obscure charities out there with money to spare. And remember, if all else fails? Postgrad loans are happening the year after!

Related articles

UK Fees and Funding
European Fees and Funding
Scholarship Options for International Students Studying in the UK
The Low Down on Career Development Loans for Postgrads
 

 

2 comments

M Quintin-Baxendale Feb. 12, 2019, 3:05 p.m.

At age 80yrs would I be eligible to apply for HEFCE postgrade finanial support for Ma creative writing, particularly AT WINCHESTER OR CARDIFF
uk resident, English by birth, retired
Author 5 published books(, 3poetry,2 non fiction.)

Charlotte King Feb. 14, 2019, 2:01 p.m.

Hello - The HEFCE Postgraduate Support Scheme is no longer in place. I would advise you to contact the universities that you wish to study at directly and ask them what funding opportunities they have. There is Welsh masters funding for Welsh nationals at Welsh universities (Cardiff) - if you are eligible for this take a look at the information here. https://www.postgrad.com/fees_and_funding/postgraduate-funding-in-wales/
Good luck!

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