FAQs - Scholarships & funding

Some of the most common questions regarding postgraduate funding.

Some postgraduates are self funding, most require some form of scholarship. There are many possible sources. Some scholarships are directly awarded by us, others require a separate application. Some cover the entire cost of your studies, including a stipend for living expenses; others may only cover fees, or a single year's study, or the difference between home and international fees.

For a guide to the main sources of funding for Informatics students, see:

The cost of postgraduate study and the main funding sources

What is the difference between a ‘scholarship,’  ‘studentship’ and fellowship?

Different funding schemes use different terms but there is no practical difference.

What can I do to increase my chances of getting funding?

  • Find out the funding sources for which you are eligible, and make sure you meet their requirements and application deadlines
  • Study hard, get good grades, give the people who are writing your references reasons to be impressed with your abilities
  • Devote serious thought to your research proposal, find the right potential supervisor and get in touch with them
  • Submit your application as soon as you possibly can, including all supporting material (transcripts etc.).

When are the funding deadlines?

The earliest PGR programme deadlines are usually in November and January, for students applying to start their programme of study in September or October of the next academic year.  For example, applicants wishing to commence a PGR programme in Sept 2022 or Oct 2022, should aim to submit their early programme applications by end of November 2021 (Round 1) or end of January 2022 (Round 2).

Each internal funding / scholarship scheme also has its own application deadline, which will usually align with the early programme application deadlines. You will need to check what these are and (where required) submit your scholarship applications accordingly.  The earliest internal scholarship/funding deadlines are usually in December and February each year, for students applying to start their programme of study in September or October of the next academic year. Keep up to date with scholarship opportunities via the Student Funding webpages.

Student Funding for Postgraduates

Applicants must have submitted a complete programme application and a scholarship application (where required) to be considered for internal scholarship opportunities.

Can I be considered for funding before making a formal application?

No. Only applicants who have been assessed as academically suitable, and as falling within an appropriate research area, can be considered for funding. This requires a formal online application via:

I have been offered a place but the letter says you cannot yet offer funding. What does that mean?

Many funders require candidates to have received a formal offer of admission, so we often accept a candidate for admission long before it is clear if funding will be granted.

Unless our offer makes it clear that no funding is available, you should hear about the funding decision later. You might be able to use this letter to apply for funding yourself.

However, if you do not receive a further, funded offer, please be aware: acceptance of this offer means you intend to come as a self-funding student (see below).

When will I hear ?

Again, this depends on the funding scheme. Usually we hope to be able to let you know by May (earlier if possible). Often we have a reserve list for funding. If you are on the reserve list, the final funding decision may not be until July or August.

I have received a funding offer from another University. What should I do?

My potential supervisor has told me I will get funding. Is that official?

No. Your supervisor may be able to advise you about what to expect, but the only official notification is a formal offer letter from the University which outlines your funding.

Can I come as a self-funded student and assume I will find funding once I arrive?

No. When you accept a self-funded place, you are agreeing to cover the full costs of your study from your own resources.

If we say we are not able to offer funding, our decision is not subject to revision.

There are some sources of funding for which existing students are eligible, and you will be encouraged to apply for these where appropriate, but you can't rely on success in obtaining such funding to continue your study.

Are teaching assistantships available to support PhD study?

It may be possible to supplement your income through tutoring and demonstrating but this will only make a minor contribution to the budget you will need.

What should I do if my question is not answered here?