Some charities and trusts offer awards to postgraduates, though these are normally quite modest amounts. There are various publications and reference books we recommend that you consult, including the Grants Register, the Charities Digest, the Directory of Grant Making Trusts and the Education Grants Directory. These publications can normally be found in any good library. Alternatively, you can search for support from trust or charity organisations online at www.studentmoney.org.uk or www.gradfunding.co.uk.
Canon Foundation
The Canon Foundation in Europe grants up to 15 research fellowships annually to students who have completed an MA or PhD within the last 10 years. The fellowship funds range from 22,500 Euros to 27,500 Euros. The annual closing date for applications is 15 September and they are considered over several months.
Whitworth Scholarship Awards
Whitworth Scholarship Awards are for prospective or current undergraduates or postgraduates of any engineering discipline who have completed a two year engineering apprenticeship. The scholarships are valued up to £18,000 (for full time study up to £4,500 er annum is available over four years, for part time study up to £3,000 per annum). The closing date for applications is 30 June each year.
Fulbright Awards
The UK Fulbright Awards Programme offers a wide range of exchange opportunities to UK citizens in three major categories:
Anglo-Spanish Society grants
Available to Spanish or UK postgraduate students of any academic discipline engaged in studies connected with bilateral links and relationships between the United Kingdom and Spain. Grants can include allowances for research materials, travel, academic fees and, where appropriate, accommodation for research projects. Each grant will likely be in the region of £4,000. The closing date for application is 31 January each year.
Charles Brotherton Trust
Awards from the Charles Brotherton Trust are non repayable, and typically range between £200 and £1,000. The trust fund was set up in order to assist British undergraduate and postgraduate students experiencing financial hardship and who are studying scientific subjects in particular, with priority going to students studying Chemistry and other related subjects. The committee will also consider applications from students studying other subjects.
NHS Social Work Bursary
If you are interested in pursuing a postgraduate course in social work, you may be eligible for a non-repayable bursary. This bursary is currently administered by the NHS.
Ramsay Postgraduate Research Bursary
This bursary is open to students pursuing a PhD in the School of Computer Science.
Dinshaw Bursary
Offered by the Department of Theology, this bursary is open to students pursuing a postgraduate research degree, in fields relating to inter-religious relations, who are in financial need. Please visit our Awards News Page for details.
Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust
This trust offers awards of up to £5,000 to postgraduate students who are resident in the UK and who are the wife, widow, widower, spouse or child of a Commercial Traveller, Grocer or Chemist. The deadline for these awards is October each year. application forms can be obtained from the Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust website.
Wellcome Trust Awards
The Wellcome Trust is the largest charity in the UK, and provides a range of fellowships, studentships and personal awards to postgraduate students undertaking research in the field of biomedicine. Please visit the Wellcome Trust website for further details.
Funds for Women Graduates
The Funds for Women Graduates are various different grants which are available to female postgraduate students. Awards take the form of non-renewable grants worth up to £4,000 and are awarded by the FFWG. For further information including conditions, eligibility and how to apply please visit www.ffwg.org.uk. The deadline for these grants is June for foundation grants and October for emergency grants.
