The Carnegie Trust for the University of Aberdeen is happy to announce the Carnegie Masters Grants for the academic year 2026/2027, aimed at supporting equitable access to postgraduate education in Scotland. This funding opportunity is available to eligible students who have secured admission to a Master’s programme at the University of Aberdeen.
The University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495, is one of the oldest universities in the United Kingdom. It was established by Bishop William Elphinstone as King’s College to provide education in northern Scotland. Later, in 1860, it merged with Marischal College, which had been founded in 1593, forming the modern University of Aberdeen. Over the centuries, the university has developed a strong reputation for teaching and research, contributing significantly to fields such as medicine, science, and the humanities.
Table of Briefs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Carnegie Masters Grants |
| Provider | Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland |
| Study Level | Master’s Taught or Research |
| Location | Scotland |
| Funding Type | Partial funding tuition + additional costs support |
| Eligibility | Low-income households, Scotland residents |
| Application Opens | 1 May 2026 |
| Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
Background
The Carnegie Masters Grants are a newly introduced initiative by the Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland aimed at improving access to postgraduate education across Scotland. Recognising that financial barriers often prevent capable students from pursuing higher studies, this grant specifically supports individuals from low-income households.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Carnegie Masters Grants, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be ordinarily resident in Scotland
- Demonstrate a meaningful connection to Scotland
- Come from a low-income household
- Hold an offer for an eligible taught or research Master’s programme at a Scottish university
- Not already possess a Master’s degree
- Be enrolling in full-time, part-time minimum 0.5 FTE, or distance learning study modes
Benefits
The Carnegie Masters Grant provides valuable financial support in the following ways:
- Covers a portion of Home-rate tuition fees beyond the loan offered by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland SAAS
- May also contribute to additional study-related costs, such as:
- Travel expenses
- Childcare
- Study equipment
The exact amount awarded depends on the applicant’s financial circumstances and information provided during the application process.
Application Process
Applying for the Carnegie Masters Grant involves a two-step process:
- Apply for a Tuition Fee Loan
- Submit an application to SAAS for a postgraduate tuition fee loan up to £7,000.
- Apply for the Carnegie Grant
- Once the loan application is complete, apply directly to the Carnegie Education Fund.
- Provide detailed financial and personal information to support your eligibility.
Applications must be submitted through the official Carnegie Trust platform.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 31 July 2026.
Conclusion
The Carnegie Masters Grants represent a significant opportunity for students in Scotland who face financial challenges but aspire to pursue postgraduate education. By bridging the funding gap left by standard loans, this initiative promotes fair access and empowers students to invest in their future.