Research degree funding
Undertaking a research degree is a long-term commitment. In order to focus on your studies, it is important to ensure your funding is in place for the full duration of your degree. You may fund yourself or obtain funding to support your research.
Below is a list of internal and external funding sources available.
We are proud to offer a number of different funding options to research students, including studentships, scholarships and bursaries. There are also external funding options that you can explore, such as loans, scholarships and grants. If you're an international student, you may also be eligible for funding from grant-awarding bodies in your own country.
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Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding Online
A web resource for prospective and current postgraduate students looking to fund their studies in the UK through grants from charities, trusts and foundations.
Campus: Both campuses
Eligibility: UK and international students
Discount: Variable
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Alumni Bursary
20% off tuition fees for self-funding postgraduate research students who are not in receipt of any other award and who obtained their previous degree from Loughborough University.
Campus: Both campuses
Eligibility: UK and international students
Discount: 20% off tuition fees
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China Scholarship Council
Scholarships will be available for Chinese students starting PhD studies from October 2025.
Campus: Both campuses
Eligibility: International students
Discount: 100% of tuition fees
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Commonwealth Scholarships
Loughborough University is delighted to take part in the Commonwealth Scholarship scheme.
Campus: Both campuses
Eligibility: International students
Discount: Full tuition fee waiver, a stipend for 3 years and travel to the UK
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Commonwealth Split Site PhD Scholarships
Awards are available to PhD candidates from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries to spend 12 months at a UK university as part of their doctoral studies in their home country.
Campus: Loughborough
Eligibility: International students
Discount: 100% off tuition fees
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Government PhD Loan
You can borrow up to £29,390 (2024-25) to cover the cost of your PhD.
Campus: Both campuses
Eligibility: UK students
Discount: Up to £29,390
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Government Sponsored Students
International students may be able to get sponsorship from the government in their home country to study at undergraduate, postgraduate and research level.
Campus: Both campuses
Eligibility: International students
Discount: Variable
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Hardship Support Fund
Available to all postgraduate students who experience unanticipated and serious financial difficulties.
Campus: Both campuses
Eligibility: UK and international students
Discount: Variable
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Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust Postgraduate Bursaries
Bursaries of up to £5,000 a year for UK students who are in financial need and have a parent or spouse, or are employed themselves, as a commercial traveller, pharmacist or grocer.
Campus: Both campuses
Eligibility: UK students
Discount: Up to £5,000
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Loughborough University Sanctuary PhD Scholarships
To cover 100% tuition fees plus a stipend for PhD studies for entries in April 2025, July 2025, October 2025 or January 2026.
Campus: Both campuses
Eligibility: UK and international students
Discount: To cover 100% tuition fees plus a stipend
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Postgrad Solutions Bursary
Five bursaries worth £2,000 each towards your postgraduate studies for the 2025/26 academic year.
Campus: London
Eligibility: UK and international students
Discount: £2,000
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Schlumberger Foundation Faculty for the Future Fellowships
The Schlumberger Foundation is accepting new applications for the Faculty for the Future Fellowships, awarded to women from developing and emerging countries to pursue PhD research in STEM subjects.
Campus: Loughborough
Eligibility: International students
Discount: Up to $50,000 per year
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Sir Thomas White Charity Loan
Eligible candidates from Leicestershire and Rutland can apply to borrow up to £10,000 interest-free for nine years to assist with the cost of a postgraduate course.
Campus: Both campuses
Eligibility: UK and international students
Discount: Up to £10,000
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Turkish Embassy Education Counsellor’s Office Scholarships
Loughborough University is delighted to offer the Turkish Embassy Education Counsellor’s Office Scholarships.
Campus: Loughborough
Eligibility: International students
Discount: Reduction in tuition fees
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