Other funding sources for postgraduates

There are a number of specialist organisations which offer funding to postgraduate students to help pay for courses and living costs, two of which are mentioned below.

Professional and Career Development Loans (PCDL)

You may be able to apply for a PCDL to help towards the cost of a postgraduate degree. PCDLs are bank loans that can be used to pay for work-related learning. You can borrow between £300 and £10,000 to help support the cost of up to two years of learning (or three years if it includes one year’s relevant unpaid practical work). Further information on financial assistance to support your learning can be found on the PCDL website. 

Part-time work

The most common way to fund further study is through earnings from a part-time or full-time job. We have our own recruitment agency, Unitemps, on site who are able to help you to find part-time work.

The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity

This is a registered charity, based in Leicester, which offers interest-free loans of up to £10,000 for students aged 18–44 who have lived in Leicester or Leicestershire for at least three years.

• Find out more about STW Education Loans.

International students

Canadian loans

If you are a Canadian student you may wish to take out a Canadian loan to cover the cost of your tuition fees. The Government of Canada provides financial assistance in the form of loans and grants to Canadians attending full-time and part-time post-secondary education in most provinces and territories across Canada.

If you have been awarded a student loan or grant, you must provide Student Fees and Income Management (feesandincome@le.ac.uk) with a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility that indicates how much money you will get. We will convert the amount from CAD to GBP based on an estimated current exchange rate. If the amount is enough to fully pay your tuition fees you will be able to register without payment. You will be required to pay 50% as soon as you receive your first instalment and will be advised when the remaining fees are due in line with the dates and number of instalments in the University's payment schedule.

If the loan/grant does not cover the full academic year’s fee, you will be liable to pay your element of the fee liability. You will be advised of the estimated difference between the fees and your loan/grant and the amount due before you can register. You will be advised of the due dates of the remaining fees in line with the dates and number of instalments in the University's payment schedule.

Please be advised that any amounts provided are based on a current estimated exchange rate and the amount your loan/grant converts to in GBP may be different when funds are received due to fluctuating exchange rates.

If you have not received your Certificate of Eligibility then you will need to pay the first instalment of your tuition fees in order to be able to register. If your loan/grant is approved after you have registered, please contact Student Fees and Income Management (feesandincome@le.ac.uk) with a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility indicating the funds you will receive so any changes to your due dates can be made.

Confirmation of enrolment

You will receive an enrolment form and instructions in the post from your Canadian Student Services Branch. This must be signed by us to confirm your enrolment before you can return the form back to the correct Student Services Branch. We can only sign this once you have registered with the University.

Enrolment forms for Law students can be completed by the Leicester Law School and for all other students by Library and Student Enquiries.

Canadian tax credits

Students who file a Canadian tax return may claim reduced tax on their education expenses.

Campus based students

Campus based students will require a TL11A (Tuition, Education and Textbook Amounts Certificate - University outside of Canada) form. These will be automatically created and emailed to all full-time Canadian campus based students in February and March by Student Fees and Income Management.

Distance learning students

Distance learning students will require a TL11D (Tuition Fees Certificate – Educational Institutions outside Canada for a Deemed Resident of Canada) form. This should be requested through the DL Fees Team (dlfees@le.ac.uk).