In this guide
4. Postgraduate masters and doctoral students
Eligible postgraduate students, who study full-time or part-time on a postgraduate master’s course or a postgraduate doctoral course, are able to apply for a contribution towards costs postgraduate loan.
Students must be under 60 years old on the first day of the first academic year of their course to access a postgraduate loan.
The postgraduate loan will be paid directly into the student’s bank account, usually in 3 instalments, once they have registered on their course and attendance has been confirmed by the university each term.
Postgraduate Master’s and Doctoral loans are for the duration of the course and are not based on household income.
The latest funding amounts for eligible students are published in the ‘Rates of postgraduate student support’, available via the Student Finance Wales Information Notices webpage.
Alongside a postgraduate loan, eligible students may be able to apply for the Postgraduate Disabled Students’ Grant.
Applications for funding should be made through Student Finance Wales. Follow Student Finance Wales on X (Twitter) and Facebook for the latest updates.
Bursaries and scholarships
Some universities may offer their own bursaries, scholarships and hardship funds. Student Support Services can inform students of what additional financial help may be available from their university.
Postgraduate students may be eligible to get a bursary from the NHS Student Award Services. Students can’t receive a postgraduate loan if getting an NHS bursary.