University College London is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the UCL Master’s Bursary 2026, a financial award designed to support students from lower-income backgrounds who wish to pursue full-time or part-time postgraduate taught studies. The bursary reflects UCL’s long-standing commitment to widening participation and ensuring equitable access to higher education for academically capable individuals regardless of financial circumstances.
University College London (UCL) was founded in 1826 as the first university in London and the first in England to admit students regardless of religion, gender, or social background. It was established to create a more inclusive and accessible approach to higher education, breaking away from the traditional university model of its time. Over the years, UCL has grown into one of the world’s leading research universities, known for its innovation, academic excellence, and global impact across science, medicine, technology, social sciences, and the humanities.
Table of Briefs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | UCL Master’s Bursary 2026 |
| Value | £10,000 for one academic year |
| Number of Awards | Up to 200 bursaries |
| Eligible Students | Prospective UK, Ireland, and qualifying Ukrainian students |
| Eligibility Basis | Financial need household income £42,875 |
| Eligible Programmes | All postgraduate taught standalone Master’s |
| Application Deadline | 25 June 2026 |
Background
The UCL Master’s Bursary was developed to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented and deserving students from accessing postgraduate education at University College London (UCL). Recognising that many prospective students come from households with limited financial resources, UCL aims to make higher education more inclusive by offering substantial financial support for Master’s study.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the UCL Master’s Bursary, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be ordinarily resident in the UK or Ireland with Home fee status, or be a Ukrainian student with Home fee status under the Ukraine Scheme
- Have started undergraduate studies in 2012/13 or later
- Have an annual household income of £42,875 or less
- Must not have previously received this bursary for a past Master’s course
- Must have submitted a complete admission application to UCL, including references, for a full-time or part-time standalone Master’s degree beginning 2026/2027
Benefits
- Each recipient receives £10,000
- Bursary applies for one academic year
- For part-time or 2-year full-time Master’s students: bursary is paid 50% per year
- Can be combined with other financial awards as long as total funding rules are met
- The bursary is first applied to tuition fees, and any remaining funds are paid in three equal instalments during the year for living expenses
Recipients must inform the UCL Student Funding Office about any additional funding they receive.
Application Process
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Submit your full admission application for a standalone Master’s at UCL including references.
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Visit the Master’s Funding Awards page on the UCL website to access the bursary application form.
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Complete and submit the bursary application before the closing deadline.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 25 June 2026.
Conclusion
The UCL Master’s Bursary is more than just financial support it is an opportunity to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities without the burden of financial pressure. With 200 bursaries available, eligible students have a strong chance of success if they prepare early and apply carefully.