Prospective Postgraduates

UK Research Councils

One of the most important sources of financial support for research postgraduates are the Research Councils. These bodies are government-funded agencies engaged in the support of research in different disciplines. There are several types of scholarship available. In most cases applications are made to the University directly.

The type of scholarship available is based on an applicant's residency status. EU applicants who have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years immediately preceding the start of their course are eligible for awards that cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance. EU applicants that have not been resident in the UK for 3 years immediately preceding the start of their course are eligible for a fees-only award.

Other funding bodies

Many charities, foundations and trusts provide funding for postgraduate study. These organisations range in size from bodies that make several hundred awards a year to those that make just one. The schemes available include studentships, scholarships, grants, bursaries, competitions and prizes. Some awards are dedicated to a particular purpose while others have very general eligibility criteria.

Some of the major funders are listed below. Comprehensive search tools are provided by the Government-owned Funding Directory and the British Council's Scholarship Search.

The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding is a comprehensive guide to funding available through the voluntary sector, i.e. from charities, trusts, foundations and professional bodies - which will consider funding postgraduate students’ fees, maintenance, research, travel, and conference expenses. Please note this guide is password protected for persons not on the University network. You should contact financialhelp@sheffield.ac.uk for the password.