Explore our postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that are available to postgraduate students, from tuition fee discounts to subject-specific cash scholarships to support your learning.
Some are automatically awarded, which means you don't need to make an application and will receive them automatically if you're eligible. Others require an application that will assess your eligibility – please note applying doesn't guarantee you'll receive it.
What is it?
20% waiver on the full cost of course fees to reward loyal alumni who return to study a postgraduate degree at the University.
Who can apply?
Alumni (graduates of the University) who enrol on a full or part-time postgraduate course (MA, MSc, LLM, MBA, Mphil, PhD, Dprof, DBA, EdD, or PhD by Existing or Creative Works) delivered at either of our Sunderland campuses starting between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025.
How much will I get?
You’ll receive a 20% fee reduction.
How do I apply?
You do not need to apply for this scheme; if you are eligible, then you will automatically receive the discount.
When can I apply?
You do not need to apply. When you enrol onto your course, if you are eligible the award will be automatically applied.
How will I be paid?
The discount will be automatically applied.
When will I receive my award?
You'll receive your award when you enrol onto your course.
Our We Care bursary offers support for students who are either care-experienced or estranged from both parents/carers. The support includes a bursary award worth £2,500 for each year of full-time study.
Who can apply?
You must be a ‘home’, ‘refugee’, ‘asylum seeker’, or ‘overseas island’ student on an eligible course.
You must be studying a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course.
You must meet our definition of being care experienced or an estranged student.
How much will I get?
The We Care Bursary awards £2,500 cash to eligible students for each year of full-time study, based on academic progression. Over a three-year course this bursary would be worth £7,500, over a four-year course, worth £10,000 and over a five-year course, it would be worth £12,000.
You can apply for the We Care Bursary from March 2024 via your myApplication account once you have applied to study with us.
How will I be paid?
All cash payments will be made into a UK bank account of your choice. It is your responsibility to enter your bank details onto your myApplication account to enable these payments to be made.
When will I receive my award?
If you are starting your course in autumn 2024, payments are made on the fifth working day of November, January, April, and July each year. The £2,500 bursary will be paid in four instalments of £625 throughout each year you progress in your studies.
The Aziz Foundation Scholarships Programme offers 100% tuition fee master's scholarships to support British Muslims to study at UK universities. The scholarships are aimed at those who wish to advance in their careers and bring positive change to their communities and beyond.
Who can apply?
You must be a Home student studying an eligible postgraduate course. please see our additional information for a full list of eligible courses.
The application and awards process will be carried out over two cycles in 2024:
Cycle
Application dates
Interview dates
Award dates
1
15 January – 28 March
February – April
Mid-May
2
2 April – 14 June
May – July
Late July
The deadline for applications for cycle one is 12 noon Thursday 28 March 2024.
The deadline for applications for cycle two is12 noon Friday 14 June 2024.
The earliest start for courses we can consider is June 2024.
If your course starts between June – August 2024, you must apply during cycle one, otherwise, your application will not be considered.
For courses starting from September 2024, you may apply in either cycle.
How will I be paid?
These scholarships are being given as Zakat. Therefore, applicants will need to self-assess to determine their Zakat eligibility using the Islamic Relief and/or NZF Zakat calculator as an indicator.
When will I receive my award?
You will receive your award when you have successfully enrolled onto your course.
Please note, this is an external scholarship provided by the Aziz Foundation and all applications and awards are administered by the Foundation.
The Robson Arts and Design Committee meet annually in September to award this scholarship programme. You must submit your application by Friday 6th September 2024.
How will I be paid?
Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust and payment will be agreed at point of award.
When will I receive my award?
You’ll receive your award prior to your course commencing.
The North-East Postgraduate Discount provides a 20% fee discount on the full cost of course fees for specified full-time and part-time postgraduate courses.
Who can apply?
You must be a ‘home’, ‘refugee’, ‘asylum seeker’ or ‘overseas island’ student on an eligible course.
You must have a local connection to the north-east region.
The discount is available to students who have experienced financial hardship due to the cost-of-living challenges.
If you have any questions about your eligibility for any of our scholarships or bursaries, or need support with your application, please get in touch with the team on 0191 515 2865 or scholarships@sunderland.ac.uk and they'll be happy to help!
Student Financial Guidance
Our Student Financial Guidance team provide expert financial guidance to students and prospective students on a wide range of issues, so you can get expert help before you even apply for university. The service is free, confidential, impartial and non-judgemental.