Postgraduate Access Scholarships

Domiciled in the UK: Students recorded as Home for fee-status purposes are eligible, provided that they meet the other eligibility criteria Students of any nationality can apply for the Postgraduate Access Scholarship provided they are eligible for Home fees and self-identify as belonging to at least one of the applicable under-represented groups. Funding for this scholarship aims to address the under-representation of students from widening participation backgrounds progressing onto a postgraduate taught degree in the UK. Household Income: Applicants with an annual household income of £42,875 or less at their permanent residence. What are the eligible nationalities and countries?

Funding for this scholarship aims to address the under-representation of students from widening participation backgrounds progressing onto a postgraduate taught degree in the UK. The Postgraduate Access Scholarship will be available to students: Domiciled in the UK: Students recorded as Home for fee-status purposes are eligible, provided that they meet the other eligibility criteria Studying a 180-credit postgraduate taught degree full-time or part-time: A standard taught Masters course lasts one year if taken on a full-time basis, or two years if taken part time. Part-time courses lasting over two years will also be eligible for funding. You must be commencing your studies in the 2027/28 academic year. From a group that is evidentially under-represented among the institution’s taught-Masters population: See the ‘Under-represented student criteria’ section below Under-represented student criteria Applicants will need to demonstrate that they are categorised within at least one of the following criteria: Completion of a University of Birmingham (Birmingham Scholar) or another university's Widening Participation Scheme: Applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate University of Birmingham or other university Widening Participation scheme will be considered. Care Leaver: Applicants who have once been a care leaver, which includes spending three months or more in local authority care. Disability: Applicants who are in receipt of DSA (Disabled Students Allowance) as an undergraduate student and/or currently receive DLA (Disability Living Allowance) or PIP (Personal Independence payment). Black and Ethnic Minority Background: Applicants from a black and minority ethnic group are encouraged to apply. Bereaved of or Estranged from Both Parents: Applicants who are bereaved of or estranged from both parents and are under the age of 25 are eligible. Estrangement is defined as having no communication or functioning relationship with either parent and no physical or financial support from them for at least 12 months. Caring Responsibilities: Applicants who have caring responsibilities for a family member or friend who could not cope without their support are eligible. This may be due to illness, disability, a mental health issue, or substance misuse. Household Income: Applicants with an annual household income of £42,875 or less at their permanent residence. Awards will be allocated on the basis of merit – simply meeting the criteria will not guarantee that your application is successful. Successful awardees should be prepared to provide evidence of their identification within their selected group should verification be required. Please read the FAQs for further details. What are the eligible nationalities and countries? Students of any nationality can apply for the Postgraduate Access Scholarship provided they are eligible for Home fees and self-identify as belonging to at least one of the applicable under-represented groups.

1. Made an application to their intended Masters programme: Please apply through the relevant programme page on the Course Finder section of the University of Birmingham website.
2. Completed the Postgraduate Access Scholarships application form: You can complete the form by clicking the button at the top of the page, or by using the embedded form below.
3. Domiciled in the UK: Students recorded as Home for fee-status purposes are eligible, provided that they meet the other eligibility criteria Household Income: Applicants with an annual household income of £42,875 or less at their permanent residence. Students of any nationality can apply for the Postgraduate Access Scholarship provided they are eligible for Home fees and self-identify as belonging to at least one of the applicable under-represented groups.
4. Successful applicants will be contacted typically within 3-4 weeks after the respective scholarship application deadline has passed.