Funding sources

There are different ways to help fund postgraduate study, and your funding doesn't necessarily have to come from one source.

Alongside postgraduate loans and scholarships, you may be able to access funding through your employer, charities and trusts, professional organisations or other sources.

It can take time to research your options, so it's worth starting early and exploring the funding that could be relevant to you.

Employer sponsorship

Could your employer help fund your postgraduate study?

If you're already working, speak to your employer about whether they could support your postgraduate study, particularly if your course will help you develop knowledge and skills relevant to your role or organisation.

Employer support can take different forms. As well as contributing towards tuition fees, you could ask whether your employer offers learning and development funding, study leave or additional time to support your studies.

When speaking to your employer, think about how postgraduate study could benefit both your own professional development and your organisation.

Charities and trusts

Explore grants and other financial support

Some charities and trusts provide financial support for postgraduate students. Eligibility varies between organisations, and funding might be connected to your personal circumstances, subject or other criteria.

It's worth looking beyond the most obvious sources of funding, particularly as some organisations offer smaller grants that could contribute towards the wider costs of postgraduate study.

Places to explore include:

• The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding, which provides information about alternative sources of funding from charities and trusts
• Turn2us, which provides a searchable grants database
• The Grants Register, which brings together information about postgraduate and professional funding opportunities
• Charitable trusts and foundations relevant to your circumstances, subject or career

Remember to check eligibility requirements, deadlines and any conditions carefully before applying.

Local funding opportunities

Living in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland?

If you have strong links to the local area, you may also be eligible for additional sources of financial support.

The University's existing funding information identifies local interest-free educational loan opportunities through organisations including:

• Sir Thomas White Loan Charity

Eligibility criteria apply, so check the latest information directly with the relevant organisation before applying.

Professional bodies and learned societies

Look for funding connected to your subject or career

There may also be funding opportunities available through professional bodies and learned societies connected to your area of study.

Depending on your subject and level of study, these organisations may provide scholarships, bursaries, grants or research funding.

Try identifying the professional organisation or learned society associated with your subject and checking its website for current funding opportunities.

Examples of national learned societies include the British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering and Royal Society, although the type and level of funding available varies between organisations and schemes.

Funding for particular courses and professions

Your chosen career could open up additional funding

Depending on your course and circumstances, additional financial support may be available for areas including:

• Teacher training
• Social work
• Some medical and healthcare courses

Check the funding information for your chosen course and the relevant government or professional body to find out what support could be available.

Disabled Students' Allowance

If you have a disability, long-term health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty, you may be eligible for additional support through Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA).

This support is designed to help with study-related costs you may have because of your disability or condition.

Eligibility and the support available will depend on your circumstances.

Funding for current and former Armed Forces personnel

ELCAS funding

If you're a current or former member of the UK Armed Forces, you may be eligible for financial support for higher-level learning through the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCAS).

If you're considering postgraduate study at Leicester, find out more about the scheme and whether your chosen course is eligible.