• Main funding bodies
• Who is eligible for funding?
• Can't get funding? Still keen?

WithWith the exception of teacher training, obtaining funding for postgraduate study can be extremely difficult. The funding body (see below) depends on the subject, so find out which one deals with what you want to do, and the correct application procedure and deadlines.

• If the official funding body for your course refuses you, you cannot apply to another one.
• Some courses attract no funding at all.
• If you do not get funding, you will have to find the fees as well as your living costs.
• Fees vary, but are often around £3,000 a year or more.
• Popular courses may cost considerably more, and costs vary between institutions.

Main funding bodies

Ask the academic department to identify the right funding body for the course or research you want to do and follow the appropriate procedure. Closing dates can be as early as 1 May, and if you miss a deadline you will not be considered for that year.

The main funding bodies are:

• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
• Arts and Humanities Research Board (for humanities and vocational subjects)
• Economic and Social Research Council (for most social science subjects)
• Engineering and Physical Science Research Council
• Medical Research Council
• Natural Environment Research Council
• Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council

Who is eligible for funding?

• You have to be resident in the UK - not for the purposes of education - for three years before your postgraduate study begins.
• Different procedures may apply if you are from Scotland, NorthYou have to be resident in the UK - not for the purposes of education - for three years before your postgraduate study begins.
• Different procedures may apply if you are from Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.
• If you are a national from another country in the European Union you usually cannot apply for a full award, but you may be eligible for a fees award from a research council.
• You usually need a very good class of degree, often a first, and even then you might not be successful. Many students get a place but no funding.lp with fees, loans, accommodation.

Can't get a grant? Still keen to do it?

• Scholarships can be awarded for academic ability and potential.
• Family support can help with fees, loans, accommodation.
• Loans, for example, career development loans. These are usually only available for vocational courses.
• Charities and educational trusts may provide small grants.
• Research and teaching assistantships - most common in sciences.
• Sponsorship can be obtained from employers.
• Part-time work can provide a bit of money; however, postgraduate study often does not give you much spare time.
• Do your postgraduate study part-time - the fees will be lower, and you might combine it with part-time work.