The Birmingham Masters Scholarship offers over 200 awards of £3,000 each as a tuition fee discount for students commencing their Masters in 2026. This scholarship aims to support the brightest and best Home fee-paying applicants to alleviate financial barriers to postgraduate study.
The University of Birmingham, a prestigious Russell Group institution, provides this scholarship as part of its £1.4 million commitment to Home postgraduate students. With a strong civic history and focus on talent retention in the Midlands, the university offers robust academic and personal support to help graduates excel in a competitive global job market.
Birmingham Masters Scholarship Benefits
- £3,000 tuition fee discount per scholar
- Over 200 scholarships available
- Open to Home fee-paying students domiciled in UK or Ireland
- Priority given to graduates from Midlands-based universities
- Can be held alongside other scholarships (except full tuition fee scholarships)
- Applicable to eligible 180-credit taught Master’s courses
Birmingham Masters Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
- Not an alum of the University of Birmingham
- Domiciled in the UK or Ireland and eligible for Home fee status
- Self-funded or applying for a postgraduate government loan
- Not currently enrolled on a postgraduate programme
- Commencing an eligible 180-credit Masters course in 2026
- Eligible courses: LLM, MA (Taught), MSc (Pre-reg), MSc (Taught), MPH, MEd, MBA, MPA
- Ineligible courses include MA/MSc by Research, MRes, Integrated Masters, PGDip, PGCert, PhDs, EngD, and programmes at Dubai Campus
How to Apply for Birmingham Masters Scholarship?
- Apply for an eligible 180-credit taught Master’s programme via the University of Birmingham’s Course Finder, including all required documents (references, transcripts, English language certificates if applicable)
- Obtain the application ID from the Master’s programme application
- Complete and submit the Birmingham Masters Scholarship application form, ensuring the correct application ID is included
- Submit both applications by the relevant round deadline: 8 December 2025 (Round 1), 30 April 2026 (Round 2), or 31 July 2026 (Round 3)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Birmingham Masters Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Do I need to submit a study application?
Yes, students must submit an application to study one of the eligible courses before applying to the scholarship. If you only apply to the scholarship and don’t submit a course application, the University will not be able to award you the scholarship; scholarship offers are entirely contingent upon you having an offer to study on one of the above eligible courses.
What is the eligibility criteria? Which courses are eligible?
The Birmingham Masters Scholarships are available to students who are not an alum of the University of Birmingham, domiciled in the UK or Ireland with Home fee status, self-funded or applying for a postgraduate government loan, not already registered on a postgraduate programme, and commencing an 180-credit Masters course in an eligible subject in 2026. Eligible courses include LLM, MA, MSc, MPH, MEd, MBA, and MPA.
What is the judging criteria?
Eligibility is determined by a University selection panel based on academic excellence and previous study, professional qualifications and achievements, priority given to graduates from Midlands-based universities, and other University or College subject priorities. Priority consideration is allocated to students who have completed a degree at a Midlands-based university.
I am an international student. Am I eligible for scholarship funding?
No. Funding for this scholarship aims to support Home fee-paying students. To be eligible, students must meet the nationality or residency status criteria to qualify for the UK government’s postgraduate masters’ loan. However, the University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students.
What are the terms and conditions of the scholarship?
You should familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions of the Birmingham Masters Scholarship before applying and, if successful, before accepting the scholarship. All offers are bound to these terms and conditions, and any scholarship offers may be revoked if any terms and conditions are not met.
When will I hear the outcome of my application?
Applications are reviewed after their respective deadlines. Successful applicants are typically contacted within 3-4 weeks after the scholarship application deadline. A scholarship offer email will be sent to awardees to accept or decline the offer. Students made a reserve will be contacted as reallocated scholarships become available.
How do I accept and receive payment?
If offered the scholarship, you must complete the acceptance form in your awarding email. After accepting, you need to accept your study offer and complete online registration to receive the £3,000 tuition fee waiver. Delays in completing online registration will delay the scholarship payment.
Is the scholarship paid to the University or to me?
The Birmingham Masters Scholarship is a £3,000 fee waiver applied directly to your tuition fees. It cannot be exchanged for monetary value or paid directly to you. When paying the remainder of your tuition fees, you only need to pay the remaining value minus the £3,000 waiver.
Can I hold other scholarships alongside the Birmingham Masters Scholarship?
Generally, you can hold other scholarships in conjunction with the Birmingham Masters Scholarship, except any scholarship that covers the full tuition fee. If you also receive the Postgraduate Access Scholarship, your Postgraduate Access Scholarship tuition fee waiver will be awarded at a 50% rate.
If I defer my course entry to the next year, can I still receive the scholarship?
No. The scholarship cannot be deferred and is only tenable for one year. If you choose to defer your studies, you will need to re-apply for the scholarship in the next cycle if available.
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