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International Postgraduate Research Funding

Everything you need to know about Postgraduate Research funding at Northumbria University for International applicants. Navigate between the tabs to find out more about our funding options for different academic years.

2026/27 - International 2025/26 - International

2026/27 Postgraduate Research Funding and Scholarships

This information is for applicants with Overseas fee status applying to study at Northumbria University in the academic year 2026/27.

In this changing world Northumbria is dedicated to support our students to achieve their ambitions, to encourage their curiosity, creativity and confidence, so they can confront the challenges of the future head on. 

Masters or Postgraduate Research study may give your career the edge you need to reach your goals, or to change direction. Northumbria offers affordable fees and payment plans for Masters and MRes/PhD study.

Financial support opportunities have associated eligibility conditions, therefore it is essential applicants consider all requirements and observe application processes and deadlines.

Postgraduate Research Scholarships

Alumni Discount for continuing and former Northumbria students.

Other Sources Of Postgraduate Research Funding

There are a number of other sources of funding available. There are Government backed schemes such as the Professional and Career Development Loans (PCDL) and many private providers offer loans to students that help to contribute towards tuition fees and living costs whilst studying. We would always encourage students to research the full range of options for funding, and ensure that they are completely clear about what they are signing up for before they commit.

Sources of funding that might be worth investigating include:

In relation to loans, Northumbria University does not endorse or recommend any particular companies or products, and it is important to check all details and terms and conditions before applying for or taking out a loan, ensuring that you are aware of repayment schedules, and interest rates and other charges that might be applied.

Professional and Career Development Loans (PCDL) are bank loans to pay for courses and training that help with your career or help get you into work. You may be able to borrow between £300 and £10,000. Loans are usually offered at a reduced interest rate and the government pays interest while you’re studying.

Providers, such as Future Finance, offer loans to cover tuition fees and costs of living, with variable interest rates depending on your credit history. (N.B. Northumbria does not endorse or have any connection with Future Finance and we are not able to advise on specific financial products of this or other companies.) Loans are available for both UK and international students (including EU). Loans generally have arrangement fees and may require a guarantor. Repayments may start before you have graduated from your course and, where this is the case, you must ensure that you are able to meet the loan repayments in addition to meeting all of your other course and living costs.

 

Research Studentships

Northumbria University offers a range of funding schemes to support research students. These include full-time Doctoral studentships including payment of a stipend and home fees.

These may be funded wholly by Northumbria University or in collaboration with external partners. In addition, Doctoral studentships funded by UK Research Councils may be on offer at Northumbria.

If you are an applicant from overseas, you should also consider if funding opportunities are offered by your own government. To view all current studentships vacancies at Northumbria, visit our research degree opportunities page.

 

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the main UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives.  The CSC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)  The CSC operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and is a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. 

Commonwealth Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are offered to citizens from low and middle income Commonwealth countries.  The majority of scholarships aim to contribute to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth.

Northumbria University is in partnership with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) for the below scholarship.

The CSC’s family allowances are intended to be only a contribution towards the cost of maintaining your family in the UK. The true costs are likely to be considerably higher, and you must be able to supplement these allowances to support any family members who come to the UK with you.  For more information, see the current Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows, available on the CSC website under Handbook, Policies and Forms. 

For queries, please email: pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk

 

Last updated: 01/10/2025

2025/26 Postgraduate Research Funding and Scholarships

This information is for applicants with Overseas fee status applying to study at Northumbria University in the academic year 2025/26.

In this changing world Northumbria is dedicated to support our students to achieve their ambitions, to encourage their curiosity, creativity and confidence, so they can confront the challenges of the future head on. 

Masters or Postgraduate Research study may give your career the edge you need to reach your goals, or to change direction. Northumbria offers affordable fees and payment plans for Masters and MRes/PhD study.

Financial support opportunities have associated eligibility conditions, therefore it is essential applicants consider all requirements and observe application processes and deadlines.

Postgraduate Research Scholarships

Alumni Discount for continuing and former Northumbria students.

Other Sources Of Postgraduate Research Funding

There are a number of other sources of funding available. There are Government backed schemes such as the Professional and Career Development Loans (PCDL) and many private providers offer loans to students that help to contribute towards tuition fees and living costs whilst studying. We would always encourage students to research the full range of options for funding, and ensure that they are completely clear about what they are signing up for before they commit.

Sources of funding that might be worth investigating include:

In relation to loans, Northumbria University does not endorse or recommend any particular companies or products, and it is important to check all details and terms and conditions before applying for or taking out a loan, ensuring that you are aware of repayment schedules, and interest rates and other charges that might be applied.

Professional and Career Development Loans (PCDL) are bank loans to pay for courses and training that help with your career or help get you into work. You may be able to borrow between £300 and £10,000. Loans are usually offered at a reduced interest rate and the government pays interest while you’re studying.

Providers, such as Future Finance, offer loans to cover tuition fees and costs of living, with variable interest rates depending on your credit history. (N.B. Northumbria does not endorse or have any connection with Future Finance and we are not able to advise on specific financial products of this or other companies.) Loans are available for both UK and international students (including EU). Loans generally have arrangement fees and may require a guarantor. Repayments may start before you have graduated from your course and, where this is the case, you must ensure that you are able to meet the loan repayments in addition to meeting all of your other course and living costs.

 

Research Studentships

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC) provides the main UK government scholarship scheme led by international development objectives.  The CSC is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)  The CSC operates within the framework of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) and is a vivid demonstration of the UK’s enduring commitment to the Commonwealth. 

Commonwealth Scholarships enable talented and motivated individuals to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development, and are offered to citizens from low and middle income Commonwealth countries.  The majority of scholarships aim to contribute to the UK’s international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education, and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth.

Northumbria University is in partnership with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) for the below scholarship.

The CSC’s family allowances are intended to be only a contribution towards the cost of maintaining your family in the UK. The true costs are likely to be considerably higher, and you must be able to supplement these allowances to support any family members who come to the UK with you.  For more information, see the current Handbook for Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows, available on the CSC website under Handbook, Policies and Forms. 

For queries, please email: pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk

 

Last updated: 01/10/2025

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