How to fund your course

Wherever you choose to study, there are ways of finding help with funding your course.

Sponsorship by employers

In technological, scientific and, sometimes, business areas, funding may occasionally be made available for a research topic of interest to employers. This funding is normally applied for at department level and through research teams rather than by individuals. Some students may make personal arrangements to have part-time study fees paid for by their employers. If you’re in work and thinking about a postgraduate course related to your current career, consider asking your employer whether they would pay at least part of the costs. Ensure you present your request in a way that highlights the benefits that your employer would derive from your study.

Finding information on funding at your institution

Your careers service will have publicity on its noticeboards and website about funding opportunities announced by grant-awarding bodies and institutions. You can also discuss your options with a careers adviser.

Tips

• Recognise that funding is limited and is highly competitive to obtain.
• Begin your search for funding at the same time as you initiate your search for a place, and make sure to follow up on all awards as they are announced.
• All the rules about applying for a place come into play when applying for funding, maybe more so. It is most important to pay attention to your ‘personal statement’ and questions relating to work and future plans.
• Go to your careers adviser and tutors for advice when filling out your application for funding.
• Keep an eye on deadlines for funding applications: some fall as early as 1 March.

We would like to thank Colette Aungier, Careers Adviser, Trinity College, Dublin for her assistance with this article. This article appeared in postgradireland 2008.

Print  |  Download  |  Email

This article has been viewed 4312 times.