Additional Student Funding

Numerous external organisations, including charities and trusts, are ready to support students on their journey. While competition for these awards often exceeds availability, and some may offer modest amounts, around £200, every contribution can make a difference. We encourage you to explore this website section alongside the university’s information on scholarships and student funding, as every opportunity counts in shaping your future.

Searching for Additional Funding 

There are many online tools and databases that can help students find funding opportunities. Different funds have specific eligibility criteria based on factors like your field of study and your location. Some funds are broader and accept applications from a wide variety of people. It's a good idea to check these resources to find funding options that suit you: 

• The University’s Scholarships and Student Funding team has a searchable database that lists bursaries, scholarships, and other financial aid options for prospective students.
• The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) maintains a register of educational endowments. Check your eligibility for these funds here. 
• The Postgraduate Search site hosts a database of postgraduate scholarship opportunities at universities across the UK. 
• The UK Council for International Student Affairs website provides some beneficial information on funding opportunities for international students.
• The Scholarship Hub offers funding from universities, companies, charities, trusts, and other organisations. It also provides information about sponsored degrees and degree apprenticeships. This is a great resource for UK students looking for scholarships.
• Turn 2 Us’ website includes a grant search tool. This tool helps people with low incomes or financial problems. It also shares information about different educational trusts, making it useful for students. 

Further Funding Sources 

Carnegie Trust - Undergraduate Tuition Fee Grants 

The scheme aims to assist Scottish undergraduate students who are unable to receive government funding for tuition fees following withdrawal from a previous course of study, academic repeats, or because of their residence status. Further information is available here. 

Independent Society of Musicians

Several funding opportunities are available to help cover the costs of undergraduate and postgraduate studies in music and related fields. These include support for tuition fees, instrument purchases, and studying abroad. Check the individual websites for details about eligibility, how to apply, and deadlines - further information is available here.

Funds for Women Graduates (FFWG) 

FFWG offers emergency grants to graduate women who face an unforeseen financial crisis while studying or researching at higher education institutions in Great Britain. It also grants living costs to female students in the final year of a PhD or DPhil programme. Further information is available here. 

RHS Masters’ Scholarships

The RHS Masters’ Scholarships provide £5,000 each to support students from underrepresented groups in academic history. Established in 2022, the program aims to encourage Black, Asian, and other minority students to pursue research in this field.

Focused on early-stage academic training, these scholarships help those lacking financial means pursue a Master's in History. The funds can be used for tuition, living expenses, and other costs associated with their studies. Recipients will also become Postgraduate Members of the Society. More information on eligibility and application is available here.

Postgraduate Degree Level Support (via PAG)

Students who already hold a postgraduate qualification (level 7) may be eligible for small grants from the Professional Association Group (PAG). These grants are designed to help with essential living costs or items such as clothing, furniture, or home repairs.

To qualify, you must:

• Be aged 18 or over and permanently resident in the UK with recourse to public funds.

• Have claimed (or are in the process of claiming) all state benefits you’re entitled to.

• Applied to your own occupational benevolent fund first (if applicable).

• Have savings below £6,000 (if under pension credit age) or below £10,000 (if over pension credit age).

While PAG cannot help with debts, medical fees, or vehicles, their support can make a real difference to everyday essentials. More information on eligibility and application is available here.

Muirhead Trust Grants

The Muirhead Trust offers grants (usually £500–£1,000) to support female students of Scottish origin, or those who have lived most of their lives in Scotland. Preference is given to those studying in Scotland.

Funding is available for students pursuing careers in:

• Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, or Pharmacy

• Science and Engineering, including Biological and Chemical Engineering and traditional Engineering subjects

Please note: PhD funding, Biomedical, Environmental, Forensic Science, Life Sciences, and Arts & Humanities are not eligible.

Applicants must provide academic transcripts or, if entering their first year, evidence of an unconditional offer. More information on eligibility and application is available here.

Ameobi Hardship Fund for International Students

AHFIS seeks to assist international students whose funding has suddenly ceased due to circumstances beyond their control. Such students must be studying or conducting research at any UK institution of higher learning. The grant is a contribution towards the completion of the beneficiary's studies and/or research, not to pay tuition fees in full.

Gilchrist Educational Trust

Grants to Individuals: Applications are considered from students who have made proper provision to fund a degree, or higher education, course, but find themselves facing unexpected financial difficulties which may prevent completion of it; also from students who are required, as part of their course, to spend a short period studying abroad.  Applicants must be full-time students at a British University. 

Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust - FE, HE, and PG

Grants of up to £3,000 per year are available to UK-resident undergraduates in financial need who have a family connection to the grocery industry, community pharmacy, or commercial travelling.

Dewar Arts Awards 

The fund supports students under the age of 30 who live or work in Scotland (non-UK students can apply using their Scottish postal address), demonstrate outstanding talent in any art form and are without the financial means to achieve their full potential.

Highland Children’s Trust 

The organisation supports students who are under 25 from the Highland Council area of Scotland, studying for a first degree and finding it hard to manage financially at University or College.

The Sidney Perry Foundation 

The foundation assists students under the age of 35 who are pursuing their first or further degrees at UK institutions. Grants are designed to serve as supplementary financial support for students, helping to cover additional costs related to their education.

McGlashan Trust 

The trust awards grants to students for postgraduate study. Applicants must be under 30 years of age, born in Scotland or planning to study in Scotland, and must be able to demonstrate current financial challenge with little or no access to family support; priority is given to supporting students facing socioeconomic challenge.

Last updated May 2026