Postgraduate Access Scholarships

Level of study
Postgraduate taught masters
Subject area
Arts and Law, Engineering and Physical Sciences, Life and Environmental Sciences, Medicine and Health, Social Sciences
Nationality
UK
Type of Award
University
Deadline for applying
Closes 31/07/2025

Award Description

Our Postgraduate Access Scholars will benefit from:

  • A £4,000 financial contribution towards tuition fees
  • A special induction event before you start postgraduate study
  • Invitation to become a Birmingham Scholar upon starting postgraduate study
  • Tailored study support from the Academic Skills Centre, study abroad opportunities, mentoring and careers opportunities
  • Enrolment onto the Postgraduate Professional Development Award
  • Access to an alumni mentor
  • Access to the Masters Consultancy Challenge and employability skills sessions
  • Access to a named postgraduate careers adviser for careers guidance support

Value of Award

£4,000 tuition fee waiver and wrap-around support

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Postgraduate Access Scholarship, you must:

  • have submitted a study application to the University of Birmingham for a Masters degree commencing in the 2025/26 acddemic year. The Masters must be an eligible 180-credits and has a one-year duration if studied full-time or a two-year duration if studied part-time;
  • be classified as a Home student for tuition fee payments;
  • and, identify as belonging to at least one of the under-represented groups at the University (see 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.

How to Apply

To be considered for an award, applicants must, by the deadline, have done both of the following:
  • 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.
  • Completed the Postgraduate Access Scholarships application form: You can submit an application by following the below link and completing the scholarship form.

The deadline for round one applications is 23:59 (UK time) on 31 March 2025. The deadline for round two applications is 23:59 (UK time) on 31 July 2025.

If you are unsuccessful in one round, your application will automatically be carried over to the next round: you do not need to re-apply.

Website
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/fees-funding/postgraduate-access