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Unsure how to fund your postgraduate studies? The financial support you can apply for varies depending on the type of course you’re doing, and it can get a little complicated. We’ve put together an overview of what you might be eligible for.

If you are domiciled outside of England, please refer to the dedicated postgraduate fees and funding page for more information on eligibility criteria and financial arrangements.

How to fund a Masters, PhD or Professional Doctorate

You can apply for a postgraduate loan from the Government if you’re studying a Masters, PhD or Professional Doctorate course. It’s slightly different from undergraduate loans though, as there’s no separate tuition fee and maintenance loan. You’ll be paid one loan amount, which can be used at your discretion, however you’ll need to pay course fees and buy any necessary textbooks and equipment.

Postgraduate loans aren’t means tested, but there are some eligibility requirements to consider. For the most up-to-date information, visit Student Finance England.

Postgraduate Loans will be paid directly into your UK bank account in three instalments across each academic year. The first instalment will typically follow your course start date (subject to confirmation of enrolment). The second and third instalments can be expected after four months and seven months of study respectively and will typically be paid on the last Wednesday of the month.

Find out more with our Money Matters Postgraduate students 2024/25 guide

Studying part-time?

If you’re an eligible part-time postgraduate student, you can apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan or Doctoral Loan to help you with tuition fees and living costs. To check your eligibility, visit Student Finance England.

If you will be studying part-time over two, three or four academic years, the loan will be divided equally across each year of your course.

How to fund a postgraduate teacher training course

Funding for postgraduate teacher training courses works in the same way as undergraduate student finance. If eligible, you can apply for a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan. The tuition fee loan will cover your course costs and your maintenance loan can be used to support with living costs. The maintenance loan is means tested, so the amount you receive can vary.

Find more information with our Money Matters PGCE students 2024/25 guide

Other ways you can support your studies

Additional funding for taught and research postgraduate courses
Additional funding for PGCE and postgraduate Further Education courses
Working part-time alongside your studies

Progress to Postgraduate Award

If you are an Edge Hill graduate, you may be eligible for a 20% fee reduction if you start an eligible full-time or part-time postgraduate programme in either the 2024/2025 or 2025/2026 academic years.

In both cases, you must have recently completed your undergraduate award, PGCE, PGDE or Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching, as outlined in the table below.

Academic year when starting eligible postgraduate programmeYear of completion of undergraduate degree in order to be eligible for discount
2024/20252023/2024 or 2022/2023
2025/20262024/2025 or 2023/2024

This offer is available to eligible UK students, EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status, and Irish nationals.

A group of graduates throwing their mortar boards in the air after a 2022 Edge Hill graduation ceremony

What happens after you finish your course?

How do I repay my postgraduate loan after a Masters, PhD or Professional Doctorate?
How do I repay my postgraduate teacher training loans?
Important details about your postgraduate funding

Need more information and advice?

December 13, 2023

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