Funding for postgraduate study

It’s important to find out about postgraduate funding in good time. Even if this is available for your course, the number of funded places could be limited.

Postgraduate Students Allowance Scheme (PSAS)

For detailed information visit Students Awards Agency for Scotland postgraduate funding information.

The PSAS offers support to a limited number of eligible students to undertake a single short course of professional or vocational training, mostly at Diploma level. Because the demand for awards for postgraduate study far exceeds the level of Government resources, students are not guaranteed to receive an award. Allocation of awards depends on whether the postgraduate course is considered to be quota or non-quota.

PSAS: Quota Courses

These courses are allocated a set number of awards (a 'quota'), and the institutions running these courses nominate students for an award. This means that there is competition between courses for quota awards, and between students for support for those courses.

As part of the Scottish Quota, the Law Society of Scotland receives 300 awards for applicants to undertake the Diploma in Legal Practice at Scottish Institutions.

PSAS will also allocate 150 awards to students who want to take a quota postgraduate course outside Scotland.

PGCE, PGDE and Postgraduate Diploma in Community Education

For these courses the support arrangements will be the same as for an undergraduate course i.e. student loan, bursary etc. If you are taking the post graduate diploma in Community Education your college or university must nominate you for a funded place.

For students undertaking a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) or Professional Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in a priority subject their fees and living costs will be met. Visit the Students Awards Agency for Scotland website for the current list of eligible subjects.

Social Work Courses

Awards for postgraduate social work courses in Scotland are the responsibility of the Scottish Social Service Council (SSSC). Visit the Scottish Social Services Council - throughout Scotland website for more information.