Funding for postgraduate study can be difficult to find, unless it is a specifically funded course such as teaching or social work.

University of Leicester Funding Opportunities

Start by looking at the Graduate School website for information on funding opportunities specific to studying at the University of Leicester.

Research Councils

There are seven Research Councils which award grants to support research through postgraduate study although the competition is high.

Look at the individual websites for further information and also read the relevant section on the prospects website:

• Arts and Humanities Research Council: http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/
• Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council: http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/
• Economic and Social Research Council: http://www.esrc.ac.uk/
• Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/
• Medical research Council: http://www.mrc.ac.uk/
• Natural Environment Research Council: http://www.nerc.ac.uk/
• Science and Technology Facilities Council: http://www.stfc.ac.uk/

Charitable Funding

There are some charities which may consider support towards the costs of studying.  See our pages on charities; the following websites may also assist in finding relevant organisations:

• www.turn2us.org.uk
• www.guidestar.org.uk
• http://www.family-action.org.uk/section.aspx?id=1403

Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland-based students between the ages of 18 and 35 may be able to apply for an interest-free loan to assist with their studies.  The following two charities can assist in this way providing you meet their full criteria:

• Harry James Riddleston Charity of Leicester
• Sir Thomas White Loan Charity*

(*as long as the applicant has lived in the beneficial area for the past 5 years - or that is where there family home is if they have been away studying - then they can do their post graduate education anywhere in the world).

Most reference libraries stock grant-making directories and of particular interest will be the Educational Grants Directory (published by Directory for Social Change) which is also held in the University's David Wilson Library.

Bank Loans

Certain banks administer a ‘Professional and Career Development Loan’ which can help to fund a range of courses of up to two years in length.  See further information on the Government’s direct.gov website

University Hardship Funds

It is rare for postgraduate students to qualify for assistance from these very limited funds, which cannot be used to assist with the cost of tuition fees.  Most of the funds administered by the University of Leicester are provided by the Government with fairly strict eligibility criteria.  With regard to postgraduates there is an expectation that you will have made realistic provision to meet all your course and living costs before commencing a course.  However, where a student has exceptional costs such as related to childcare or disability, an award may be considered.  Also, if you are already studying and you experience a significant and unexpected change in circumstances, particularly towards the end of your studies, you may also be considered for some assistance.

You are encouraged to contact a student Finance Adviser in the Student Welfare Service for further information and advice regarding issues of financial hardship which arises during your studies.

Further information

A useful source of information and advice is Prospects, the graduate careers website which covers advice on postgraduate funding, including Research Councils, charities and bank loans.

The Government also offers some information and advice on it's direct.gov website.