University College London is offering the Master’s Bursary for the academic year 2026/2027 to support students from lower-income backgrounds pursuing postgraduate studies. The bursary provides £10,000 in financial assistance to eligible students enrolling in a full-time or part-time postgraduate taught Master’s programme at the university. Awarded based on financial need, this initiative aims to help talented students access high-quality education and reduce financial barriers to postgraduate study.
University College London (UCL) was founded in 1826 in London as one of the first universities in England to welcome students regardless of religion or social background. It was established to provide modern higher education and became the first university in England to admit students of any faith and later one of the first to admit women on equal terms. Over time, UCL grew into a leading research university and is now a key member of the University of London, known worldwide for its academic excellence and innovation.
Table of Briefs
| Key Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | UCL Master’s Bursary |
| Provider | University College London |
| Scholarship Value | £10,000 |
| Number of Awards | Up to 200 bursaries |
| Eligible Applicants | Prospective postgraduate taught students |
| Selection Criteria | Financial need |
| Eligible Fee Status | Home UK and Ireland domicile and Ukrainian students with Home fee status |
| Programmes Covered | All postgraduate taught programmes |
| Household Income Limit | £42,875 or less per year |
| Study Level | Master’s Degree |
| Application Deadline | 25 June 2026 |
| Result Announcement | Late July – Early August |
Background
The UCL Master’s Bursary was created to support students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds who wish to pursue postgraduate education at University College London. Recognizing that financial constraints often prevent capable students from continuing their studies, the university offers this bursary to help cover tuition and living expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UCL Master’s Bursary, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
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Be ordinarily resident in the UK or Ireland and eligible for Home fee status, or be a Ukrainian student granted Home fee status under the Ukraine Scheme.
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Have started their undergraduate study no earlier than the 2012/13 academic session.
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Have an annual household income of £42,875 or less.
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Not have previously received the UCL Master’s Bursary for a previous Master’s degree.
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Submit a complete admission application including references for a full-time or part-time standalone Master’s degree at UCL starting in 2026/2027.
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The Master’s programme must be standalone not part of an integrated undergraduate degree such as MEng or MPharm.
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Applicants must complete all 180 credits during the programme and cannot import credits from previous study.
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Students applying for 1+3 programmes (MRes + MPhil/PhD) are not eligible.
Benefits
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Scholarship Value: £10,000
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Number of Awards: Up to 200 bursaries available for the 2026/2027 academic year.
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Duration:
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Normally one year.
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For two-year or part-time programmes, the bursary is split into two payments 50% each year.
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Payment Structure:
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The bursary is first applied to tuition fees.
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Any remaining amount is paid to the student in three equal instalments during the academic year to support living costs.
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Combination with Other Funding:
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Students may hold this bursary alongside other scholarships or funding, depending on the total amount received.
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Recipients must inform the UCL Student Funding Office about any additional funding they receive.
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Application Process
Students interested in applying for the bursary should follow these steps:
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Apply for Admission:
Submit a complete application for a postgraduate taught Master’s programme at UCL. -
Prepare Required Documents:
Ensure all supporting documents and references are submitted with the admission application. -
Visit the Master’s Funding Awards Page:
Access the official funding portal to complete the bursary application. -
Submit the Application Before the Deadline:
Ensure the bursary application is submitted before the official deadline. -
Wait for Notification:
Successful applicants will receive notification after the evaluation process.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 25 June 2026.
Conclusion
The UCL Master’s Bursary is a valuable opportunity for students from lower-income households who wish to pursue postgraduate education at University College London. By providing financial support of £10,000, the program helps reduce tuition and living expenses, allowing students to focus on academic achievement and career development.