Postgraduate study opens doors to advanced careers, deeper expertise, and higher earning potential. Yet for many talented graduates, the financial jump from undergraduate to master’s or research level creates real pressure. What if a straightforward £500 cash bursary existed specifically to support students who already overcame significant financial barriers during their first degree?
The University of Bradford Postgraduate Bursary 2026/27 does exactly that. This targeted award helps ambitious UK and eligible EU graduates who previously received full maintenance support ease the cost of full-time postgraduate study. It reflects Bradford’s long-standing commitment to widening participation and social mobility.
Whether you are planning a taught master’s or a research degree, this bursary could provide meaningful breathing room so you can focus on your academic and professional goals rather than financial stress.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: UK
- Host University: University of Bradford
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships/PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: UK and EU Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: £500, etc.
Overview of University of Bradford Postgraduate Bursary
The Postgraduate Bursary is a cash award of £500 paid directly to eligible self-funding students. It is not a fee discount or loan repayment support. Instead, it puts money in your pocket on receipt of a valid application.
The university designed this bursary for graduates who received full maintenance support during their undergraduate studies and are now progressing to postgraduate level while paying their own fees. It recognises the extra challenges faced by students from lower-income backgrounds and aims to remove one barrier as they take the next step in their education.
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Because the application process is simple and the award is paid quickly once approved, this support can arrive exactly when you need it most – at the start of your postgraduate journey.
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Who Is Eligible for the University of Bradford Postgraduate Bursary 2026/27?
Eligibility is carefully defined to reach the students who need it most. You must meet every one of the following criteria:
- UK or eligible EU status — You must be from the UK or an eligible EU country. If you are from the EU, you must have completed your undergraduate degree in England to qualify.
- Full-time postgraduate study — You must be enrolled on a full-time taught master’s programme or a full-time postgraduate research programme and be paying your own fees (self-funding).
- Recent graduate — You must have graduated from your undergraduate degree within the last 10 years.
- Previous full maintenance support — You must have received a full maintenance grant from your Local Authority or the Student Loans Company in your final year of undergraduate study. Alternatively, if you started your undergraduate studies from September 2015 onwards, you must have received a full means-tested maintenance loan from the Student Loans Company.
- Self-funding status — You cannot be in receipt of another full scholarship or sponsorship that covers your postgraduate fees.
This focus on students who received the maximum maintenance support during their undergraduate years means the bursary specifically supports those from the most financially disadvantaged backgrounds. It continues the principle of widening opportunity that the University of Bradford champions.
Note: Students may claim only one discount or bursary from the University of Bradford. For example, you cannot receive both the Alumni fee discount and this Postgraduate Bursary.
How Much Is the Bursary and When Is It Paid?
The award is a one-off payment of £500. It is paid as soon as your valid application is received and processed. There is no complicated assessment or long wait. For students on research programmes, you may receive a maximum of three bursary payments across the duration of your studies (typically one per academic year, subject to continued eligibility).
This cash can help with books, research materials, living costs, or reducing the hours you need to work alongside your studies – giving you more time to excel academically.
Which Courses and Students Qualify?
The bursary applies to:
- Full-time taught master’s programmes
- Full-time postgraduate research programmes
You can explore the full range of postgraduate courses at the University of Bradford on the official postgraduate courses page: https://www.brad.ac.uk/postgraduate/courses/
Eligible countries and regions include England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and several British Overseas Territories (full list available on the official bursary page).
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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for the University of Bradford Postgraduate Bursary
The application process is refreshingly straightforward:
- Confirm you meet all eligibility criteria listed above.
- Email bursaries@bradford.ac.uk with your full name and UB number (your University of Bradford student or applicant number).
- The bursaries team will send you the official application form.
- Complete and return the form with any required supporting information.
- Once your application is validated, the £500 is paid directly to you.
Research students should note that they can receive up to three payments, but must re-confirm eligibility for each year.
Contact for questions: Email: Bursaries@bradford.ac.uk Phone: 01274 236505 In person: MyBradford in the Richmond Building
Key Deadlines and Important Terms
- Closing date: 31 July 2027
- Applications are assessed on receipt of a valid form, so early applicants may receive funds sooner.
- The bursary cannot be combined with other University of Bradford discounts or bursaries (such as the Alumni fee discount).
- You must be self-funding your postgraduate programme.
Because the deadline sits well into 2027, you have time to plan your postgraduate application, secure an offer, and then request the bursary form. However, applying early helps you budget confidently for the year ahead.
Why Choose the University of Bradford for Postgraduate Study?
The University of Bradford consistently ranks first in England on the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) Social Mobility Index, topping the table for five consecutive years. This achievement reflects the university’s genuine success in supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve strong graduate outcomes.
With 73% of research rated as internationally excellent or world-leading (REF 2021), Bradford offers a strong research environment alongside practical, career-focused taught programmes. The university’s emphasis on social inclusion, industry connections, and student support creates an environment where students from widening participation backgrounds can thrive.
Many postgraduate students also combine this bursary with the government Postgraduate Master’s Loan or Doctoral Loan, creating a more sustainable funding package. You can learn more about postgraduate loans at https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan
Tips to Make the Most of This Opportunity
- Gather your UB number and any documents related to your previous maintenance support early – the form will guide you on exactly what is needed.
- Consider how the £500 fits into your overall postgraduate funding plan alongside loans, part-time work, or savings.
- If you are on a research programme, plan ahead for potential future payments by staying in contact with the bursaries team each year.
- Explore the full scholarships page for other opportunities: https://www.bradford.ac.uk/scholarships/
- Start your postgraduate course search now so you can secure an offer and then quickly request the bursary form.
Final Thoughts: A Small Award with Significant Impact
The University of Bradford Postgraduate Bursary 2026/27 may be £500, but for the right student it can represent freedom – freedom to focus on your dissertation, take an unpaid internship that advances your career, or simply reduce financial anxiety during an intensive year of study.
If you graduated within the last 10 years, received full maintenance support as an undergraduate, and are planning full-time postgraduate study while self-funding, this bursary was created with you in mind.
Ready to take the next step? Email bursaries@bradford.ac.uk today with your name and UB number to request your application form. The deadline is 31 July 2027, but the sooner you apply, the sooner you can start planning your postgraduate future with greater financial confidence.
For the official details and to begin your application process, visit the University of Bradford Postgraduate Bursary page: https://www.bradford.ac.uk/scholarships/postgraduate-bursary-2026-27/
Your postgraduate journey deserves every possible advantage. This bursary could be the support that helps you make it happen.