Founded as the first civic university in the UK in 1900, the University of Birmingham has a long and rich history of welcoming and supporting students from diverse backgrounds. To continue this legacy, these newly-established scholarships will alleviate the barriers restricting students from under-represented backgrounds in pursuing postgraduate study. The financial support will be complimented by a range of developmental opportunities and support to ensure you are supported throughout all stages of your studies with us at Birmingham.

You can apply by using the button below or the form embedded at the bottom of the page.

• The deadline for round one applications closed 23:59 (UK time) on 31 March 2024.
• The deadline for round two applications is 23:59 (UK time) on 31 July 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

The Postgraduate Access Scholarship will be available to students:

1. Domiciled in the UK: Students recorded as Home for fee-status purposes are eligible, provided that they meet the other eligibility criteria
2. Studying full time or part time: A standard taught Masters course lasts one year if taken on a full-time basis, or two years if taken part time. Part-time courses lasting over two years will also be eligible for funding.
3. From a group that is evidentially underrepresented among the institution’s taught-Masters population: See the ‘Under-represented student criteria’ section below

Under-represented student criteria

Applicants will need to demonstrate that they are categorised within at least one of the following criteria:

• Completion of a University of Birmingham (Birmingham Scholar) or other University Widening Participation Scheme: Applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate University of Birmingham or other University Widening Participation scheme will be considered.
• Care Leaver: Applicants must have once been a care leaver, which includes spending three months or more in local authority care.
• Disability: Applicants are in receipt of DSA (Disabled Students Allowance) as an undergraduate student and/or currently receive DLA (Disability Living Allowance) or PIP (Personal Independence payment).
• Black and Ethnic Minority Background: Applicants from a black and minority ethnic group are encouraged to apply.
• Bereaved of or Estranged from Both Parents: Applicants who are bereaved of or estranged from both parents and are under the age of 25 are eligible. Estrangement is defined as having no communication or functioning relationship with either parent and no physical or financial support from them for at least 12 months.
• Caring Responsibilities: Applicants who have caring responsibilities for a family member or friend who could not cope without their support are eligible. This may be due to illness, disability, a mental health issue, or substance misuse.
• Household Income: Applicants with an annual household income of £42,875 or less at their permanent residence.

Awards will be allocated on the basis of merit – simply meeting the criteria will not guarantee that your application is successful. Successful awardees should be prepared to provide evidence of their identification within their selected group should verification be required. Please read the FAQs for further details.

Application Process

To be considered for an award, applicants must, by the deadline, have done both of the following:

• Made an application to their intended Masters programme: Please apply through the relevant programme page on the Course Finder section of the University of Birmingham website.
• Completed the Postgraduate Access Scholarships application form: You can complete the form by clicking the button at the top of the page, or by using the embedded form below.

The deadline for round one applications closed 23:59 (UK time) on 31 March 2024. The deadline for round two applications is 23:59 (UK time) on 31 July 2024.

If you are unsuccessful in one round, your application will automatically be carried over to the next round: you do not need to re-apply.