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.
For academic year 2024/25, if eligible, you would receive:
- Masters – £12,471
- PhD/Doctorate – £29,390 (this loan is divided equally across each year of your course)
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.
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 cost (up to £9,250) in full 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.
Summary of loan amounts:
- Tuition fee loan – Up to £9,250 to cover your course costs
- Maintenance loan (means tested) – Up to £10,227 to help with living costs if you will be living outside of London
Other ways you can support your studies
Tuition fee reduction for Edge Hill graduates
If you are an Edge Hill graduate, who completed your undergraduate award, PGCE or PGDE in either the 2023/2024 or 2022/2023 academic years, then you may be eligible for a 20% fee reduction.
This applies if you start an eligible full-time or part-time postgraduate programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.
This offer is available to eligible UK students, EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status, and Irish nationals.
Find full details on our Progress to Postgraduate AwardWhat happens after you finish your course?
Need more information and advice?
December 13, 2023
