Funding a Masters degree can be difficult, especially when considering tuition fees and living cost. A great way to help fund your degree is to see what scholarships are available. When applying for a Masters degree, make sure to research the range of scholarships available at UoB. Scholarships are available to many different students and can help with discounts on tuition fees.
Hear from a few of our postgraduate students about the funding they have received.
Birmingham Masters Scholarship
Ruvimbo Mangandaire, MSc Computational Neuroscience and Cognitive Robotics student
Prior to commencing my Masters programme, I, like many, had looming concerns regarding my financial circumstances and what possible financial support I could receive to help me get through my postgraduate programme. Fortunately, I was eligible for the Birmingham Masters Scholarship which is offered by the university to students commencing a postgraduate taught degree in each respective academic year.
I applied during the summer preceding my Masters programme as per the deadlines outlined on the university website. The process for applying for the scholarship was relatively simple. Once I had received the acceptance letter and completed registration, I received correspondence via email that the scholarship would be automatically deducted from my tuition and I had no further actions required.
I received the scholarship as a deduction in my tuition for the first semester alongside receiving the first instalment of my student loan. The deduction in my scholarship was of great help since this meant that as I was settling in during my first semester at university I now had some extra cash to help me with bills, groceries, transport etc. The scholarship offered me incredible financial relief alongside general peace of mind that I could continue through the year with more focus on my studies, academic responsibilities and extracurricular activities.
Throughout my journey as postgraduate student I have been immensely grateful for the transformative impact of this scholarship and the extent to which it has further enriched my journey as a student at the University of Birmingham.
Elspeth McGuigan, MSc Genomic Medicine student
The Birmingham Masters Scholarship is a £2,000 tuition fee discount available to self-funded, UK home students. This scholarship is for “bright” students and aims to recognise the importance of retaining talent in the Midlands, prioritising students that have graduated from Midlands universities.
The first steps of the application are personal details and details about the course you have applied for. After this you should include a copy of your degree transcript followed by a personal statement.
Some of my top tips for the application include:
1. Check if you are eligible and apply before the deadlines.
2. Apply even if you don’t think you will get it! Although I am from Birmingham, I did not graduate from a university in the Midlands for my undergraduate degree, but I still received the scholarship!
3. Highlight your academic strength in your personal statement.
4. Show your passion for your course.
5. Include why you want to study in Birmingham.
6. Include your plans for the future and career path.
This scholarship has been a big help for me in funding my Masters degree. Make sure to apply for scholarships and highlight your strengths and personality! Good luck with your applications!
College of Arts and Law Masters Scholarship
Kanak Mishra, LLM student
The College of Arts and Law (CAL) Masters Scholarship has been one of the crucial factors in my decision to pursue a Masters programme (LLM) abroad. Coming from a middle-class family in India, I did not have the finances to self-fund the entirety of my LLM, hence, I applied for the CAL Masters scholarship. The application process is fairly short and simple. A student can google CAL Masters Scholarship at UoB and will be directed straight away to the official scholarships webpage.
The student has to fill out only one scholarship form to be considered for all the Masters-level scholarships. This step single-handedly relieves the pressure and saves time applying for multiple scholarships. While filling out the application form, the student is first asked general questions, followed by specific questions on what makes them a suitable candidate for being awarded the scholarship. Lastly, the applicant is requested to provide the name and contact details of two referees within the scholarship application form itself.
In terms of answering the question of what makes you a fit candidate for the scholarship, I suggest the applicant highlight their extra-curricular activities as much as their academic merit and be sure to answer that question within the suggested word limit.
It is an extremely humbling experience for me to be the recipient of this scholarship. It has taken a huge financial burden off my chest which in turn has further motivated me to meaningfully contribute to the diversity of the student community at UoB through my rich intercultural experiences.
Dean’s Responsible Business Scholarship
Hoang Le, MSc Accounting and Finance student
Receiving the Dean’s Responsible Business Scholarship has been a truly transformative experience during my postgraduate studies at the University of Birmingham. Originating from Vietnam, a small and developing country, this scholarship’s financial support played a pivotal role in granting me access to one of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions.
Following my undergraduate studies, I diligently worked as an audit assistant while actively pursuing scholarships for overseas education. Two years of real-life exposure allowed me to discern the contemporary challenges my country faces and identify the knowledge needed to address them. The Dean’s Responsible Business Scholarship perfectly aligned with my aspirations, as it resonated with my goal of becoming a lecturer, imparting knowledge on sustainability, and contributing to my homeland.
Navigating the application process was a crucial part of this journey, and I consider myself fortunate to have made it in time. The University’s website provided comprehensive information about the scholarship, and the application process was well-explained through email communication. This transparent and accessible approach not only streamlined the application process but also instilled confidence in me as an applicant.
After attending the University of Birmingham, the MSc course exceeded all my expectations, offering not only a challenging academic curriculum but also a supportive ecosystem. As my financial burden was eased with the scholarship, I have time to benefit from the vital intellectual and mental support through access to various support teams at the University, including career guidance, academic skills assistance, and mental health resources.
As I immersed myself in my postgraduate studies, a deep sense of gratitude enveloped me for the scholarship. It not only opened doors to unparalleled educational opportunities but also empowered me to meaningfully contribute to sustainable development upon my return to Vietnam. The Dean’s Responsible Business Scholarship has been instrumental in shaping my academic journey, fostering personal growth, and equipping me with the resources to make a positive impact on my community and beyond.