Alternative sources of funding
To get the most out of your research degree, it's important to ensure you can cover the costs. There's a variety of internal and external funding options you can consider.
Funded research projects
We advertise funded research projects, often referred to as 'studentships', throughout the year. We also host a variety of funded Doctoral Training Programmes, which offer structured postgraduate research training as part of a Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) or Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP).
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded research projects and Doctoral Training Programmes typically cover living costs and tuition fees at home level. You may be able to access additional funding to cover the cost of other related training and development opportunities. Find out more about UKRI studentships and doctoral training and funding for international research. If you’re unsure if you’re classed as a home student or an international student, check your tuition fee status.
Scholarships and awards
Applying for scholarships and awards can help to cover all or part of your tuition fees and other expenses. We offer a range of scholarships and awards for UK and international postgraduate research students. You can use our Scholarships finder to explore awards you may be eligible for.
Charities and trusts
There are many national and international organisations who offer financial support to postgraduate researchers. Some funding is available to prospective students, and some to students who’ve already started their postgraduate research.
Funding is usually awarded based on two main criteria: academic excellence and/or economic hardship. The funds provided will vary. You may need to apply to more than one source if you need funds to cover the duration of your study.
Funding bodies
Example funders include:
To find organisations that offer funding, you can explore digital databases such as Turn2us. You can also look at The Grant's Register, an annual printed guide which details funders worldwide. Copies of The Grants Register can be accessed through the University Library, most large public libraries and British Council libraries.
Employee sponsorship
Employee sponsorship is when an organisation or company agrees to provide financial assistance to students while they study.
If you’d like to be sponsored by your employer, you should approach your line manager, human resources, or training and development team proposing how postgraduate research can improve your skills and benefit the organisation. If your proposal is approved, you’ll need to agree the terms and conditions of the sponsorship. This should cover:
- The amount the company are willing to sponsor you
- Working and study hours
- The amount of time required to complete the research
- Any allowance for learning materials.
We recommend that you send the agreed proposal to sponsors@liverpool.ac.uk.