The Carnegie Masters Grants are a new funding initiative launched by the Carnegie Education Fund to improve access to postgraduate education in Scotland. The programme is designed to support individuals from low-income households who wish to pursue a taught or research master’s degree at a Scottish university.
This initiative forms part of a broader commitment to fair access and widening participation in higher education, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent capable students from advancing their studies.
The grant provides financial assistance that contributes towards tuition fees that are not fully covered by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) loan. In addition to tuition support, eligible applicants may also receive funding for essential study-related expenses such as:
- Travel costs
- Childcare support
- Academic equipment and materials
Each application is assessed individually, and the level of support awarded is determined based on the applicant’s financial circumstances and study needs.
Purpose of the Grant
The Carnegie Masters Grants aim to:
- Increase participation in postgraduate education among students from disadvantaged backgrounds
- Reduce financial barriers to higher education in Scotland
- Support academic progression and skills development
- Encourage access to both taught and research-based master’s programmes
- Strengthen social mobility through education
By addressing both tuition and associated study costs, the programme ensures that eligible students can focus on their academic journey without excessive financial pressure.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for a Carnegie Masters Grant, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be ordinarily resident in Scotland
- Must have a meaningful connection to Scotland
- Must come from a lower-income household
- Must hold an offer for an eligible taught or research master’s programme at a Scottish university
- Must not already hold a master’s qualification
- Must be studying full-time, part-time (minimum 0.5 FTE), or via distance learning
These criteria ensure that support is directed towards students who demonstrate both financial need and academic readiness for postgraduate study.
Ineligible Programmes
Certain types of postgraduate study are not covered by the Carnegie Masters Grants. These include:
- Postgraduate certificates or diplomas (such as PGDip, PGCert, PGCE, and PGDE)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes
- MPhil degrees
- PhD or doctoral-level programmes
The grant is specifically targeted at taught and research master’s degrees only.
Application Process
The application process for the Carnegie Masters Grants is structured in two stages:
- Applicants must first apply for a postgraduate tuition fee loan of up to £7,000 through the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
- After receiving or applying for the SAAS loan, applicants can then apply to the Carnegie Education Fund for additional support to cover remaining tuition costs and eligible study-related expenses.
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year open on 1 May 2026. The applicant guidance document is made available in advance to help prospective students prepare their submissions.
All applications are submitted directly to the Carnegie Education Fund. Further detailed instructions and eligibility clarifications are available through the official Carnegie Trust information portal.
Deadline
- Application closing date: 31 July 2026
- Late applications are not considered after this deadline
Study Context – University of Aberdeen
The Carnegie Masters Grants are available to students studying at Scottish universities, including the University of Aberdeen, one of the United Kingdom’s historic institutions known for its strong research output and diverse postgraduate programmes.
The university also supports prospective postgraduate students through events such as virtual open days, where applicants can engage with academic staff, explore programme options, and learn more about student life in Aberdeen.
Key features of studying at the University of Aberdeen include:
- A wide range of taught and research postgraduate programmes
- Strong academic and research communities
- Access to funding and scholarship opportunities
- A supportive environment for international and home students
Key Benefits of the Carnegie Masters Grants
- Financial support for tuition fees not covered by SAAS loans
- Possible assistance with additional study-related costs
- Increased access to postgraduate education for low-income students
- Support for both part-time and full-time study modes
- Encouragement of academic progression and research development
Additional Information
Further details, including full eligibility rules and application guidance, can be found via the Carnegie Trust official resources.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all requirements before submitting their application to ensure compliance with funding criteria.
