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Letter to Apply for Postgraduate Funding

By: Kate Simpson BA, MA - Updated: 19 Nov 2023 | comments*Discuss
 
Postgraduate Study Funding Degree

Postgraduate education is an expensive business. Many students are put off studying altogether by the cost, while others are forced to take a job alongside.

There is funding available for postgraduate study. This can come from a range of different sources. If you require some financial help to get you through your course you need to consider who best to approach, and how best to approach them.

What are Studentships?

In some cases, a place on a postgraduate programme of study will come with funding. This is known as a studentship.

The terms of studentships vary. Some will cover both your tuition costs and your living expenses, while others will cover one of the two. Others still will simply give a lump sum that you can spend at your discretion.

Studentships are a great way to fund your postgraduate study. But they can be very difficult to come by. The number of studentships available has been scaled back, and competition for this funding is very high. Often, institutions reserve them either for those with exceptionally high academic performance and those who would otherwise be unable to complete their study.

Where Should I Look for Funding?

If you cannot get a studentship, or if it will not cover the full cost of your study, you may need to look elsewhere for funding. There is a large number of bodies and organisations that could potentially provide funding – but many of these only give money to individuals in very specific circumstances.

Many charities and charitable trusts provide money for postgraduate study. Some of these bodies accept proposals from individuals in any circumstance, and studying in any discipline. Others, meanwhile, will only consider applications from those conducting research in certain areas or studying in a specific field.

You might also choose to investigate sponsorship from private individuals. Scholarships of this sort are often administrated by your place of study – but you may also choose to pursue them yourself.

The following is a letter seeking financial support from a private individual. It should serve, however, as a good springboard for funding applications to various other bodies.

Example Letter

Your Name
Anytown
Postcode

Dear [Name]

I am a prospective postgraduate student. I have recently graduated from Anyuniversity, where I was awarded a first-class honours degree in Anysubject.

Having completed my undergraduate degree, I am now keen to continue my studies. I would like to further specialise in Anysubject, with the ultimate intention of carrying out a research-based PhD.

Unfortunately, I cannot currently afford to pay my own way through a postgraduate course. Despite being the recipient of a scholarship from Anyuniversity, the combined cost of tuition fees and living expenses is simply unworkable.

I am therefore writing to ask whether you would consider offering some form of sponsorship to help me complete my course. I understand that you have existing links with Anyuniversity, and that you have previously, and very generously, sponsored students through postgraduate study.

My academic record is excellent, and I have been lucky enough to receive excellent references from my undergraduate tutors. My final marks were amongst the best in my graduating year. I intend to devote myself entirely to my postgraduate study, and would eventually like to forge a career in the field.

Please find attached my undergraduate references, along with a breakdown of my final marks.

Any help that you might be able to offer would be very gratefully received.

With thanks and best wishes,

[Signature]

What if I am Unsuccessful?

Of course, there is no guarantee that your request will be successful. If it is not, and you have exhausted all other potential avenues of funding, you need to consider whether or not you can truly afford to complete your course.

Many people choose to take on a part-time job to help them finance their postgraduate study. While this may well be an option, you should remember that it could detract from your study. Wherever possible, try to take a job that is flexible enough to allow you to concentrate on your study – at least during the times at which you will have the most work.

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Interesting thanks for sharing
Chama - 19-Nov-23 @ 2:41 AM
I am Medical Laboratory Scientist having graduated with a BSc in Microbiology. I am certified as an Associate of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN). I desire to further my education at the graduate level but I am impeded by lack of finance. Can you be of help to me in drafting letter to both organizations and individuals in this respect. Thank you Sincerely, Chiedu C.Nwokike
NONE - 21-Nov-20 @ 8:06 AM
My name is Najiya jahan from India. I want to learn masters in computer sciences and software engineering inRheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-UniversitatBonn in Germany and it is a public university in Germany.Germany provide free education in public university .Butin order to study there ihave to show my financial status,most of the German universities asking for $12380 (9 lakh indian rupees) as a security . But i have no financial ability.i need sponsor,Please help me.Any help that any one might be able to offer would be very gratefully received with thanks and best wishes.
naji - 3-Mar-20 @ 5:52 AM
Please help me to write a motivational letter for nsfas funding.. I dont know how to start
Dna - 14-Feb-20 @ 10:56 AM
Good evening please have been offered admission to further my education for a postgraduate program and i need help in writing application letter for scholarship before Thursdayplease. thank you very much
frimpslizz - 28-Jan-20 @ 9:57 PM
I want you to help me to write a letter for a diploma educational sponsorship .
Mac Fred - 6-Oct-19 @ 1:35 PM
I am a graduate from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. I graduated two years ago and was awarded Division One in Geography. I now opt to further my education in either Environmental Management and Quality Control or Geographic Information Systems (GIS), since job is hard to come by in my country today, but do not have any form of sponsorship... I've tried on many occasions to apply for grants from the government without success. Kindly assist me find scholarship so my dream of becoming both a GIS Specialist and an Environmentalist will be actualized.
Jacob - 8-Aug-19 @ 2:37 PM
To whom it may concern, Aim a Tanzanian male admitted to study Master of Integrated Sanitation Management at the University of Dar es salaam year of 2019/20 commencing from October 2019, aim writing this massage to seek any help in terms of advice and financially since i can not afford to pay my self all expenses required by the college. I hope thorough the completion of this program i will add value in sector of Sanitation for the improving human healthalso for promotion of economic development through my country and worldwide.
Mginga Jr - 2-Aug-19 @ 9:38 PM
Needs help in writing an application for a research phd scholarship from the government of Australia. I graduated with first class in statistics field in University of Sri Jayewardenepura , Sri Lanka
kith - 17-Jul-19 @ 8:49 AM
I'm a 2nd year undergraduate student in BAdmin Public Administration at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. I am employed but unable to fund my studies and took study loan for 1st year. I'm battling paying off the loan and at the same time 2nd year fees are due. I was awarded a "Best overall academic achievement " for my 1st (2018) year performance. My employer cant sponsor me because of financial challenges the institution is experiencing. I out looking for private sponsorship. Anyone out there?
KG - 9-Jul-19 @ 5:40 AM
I have applied to Sharda Univeristy in India to continue study MBA - Finance and Banking Program. ACCEPTED AND ISSUED OFFER LETTER FROM SHARDA UNIVERSITY. My documents have been reviewed against the University's criteria and advised yesterday that I was one of the successful APPLICANT. ISSUED offer letter with 20% scholarship off from Tuition Fee. However, I was told to pay the following: TUITION FEE USD 3500 = 11500 in PNG KINA. HOSTEL FEE USD 2200 = 6600 in PNG KINA ADMISSION FEE USD 500 = 1500 in PNG KINA TOTAL AMOUNT TO BE PAID K 19600 I take it as a rare OPPORTUNITY. Therefore, I am writing to to help me with Sponsor letter to my GOVERNOR as well as Local Memeber. Other friends and Relatives, NGO are also on target
PUMEX - 5-Jul-19 @ 3:47 AM
Needs help in writing an application for a postgraduate scholarship from the government of Ghana before this Friday. Thanks
kelvin - 29-May-19 @ 5:19 PM
Hello. I am Gifty, can you please help me out on how to writea good sponsorship letter to fund for my master degree program. Thank you.
Obaapa - 21-May-19 @ 12:26 PM
Needs help in writing an application for a postgraduate scholarship from the government of Ghana. Thanks
Crow - 28-Apr-19 @ 10:47 AM
Thank you more it is very interested letter format. i grasp more knowledge to apply.
Tekle - 31-Mar-19 @ 12:38 PM
I am mechanical engg.i am completed my BE in this year..I want 2take admissions for ME( post graduation) i want write sponsorship letter from company to my clg for giving me admission with 2 years experienced in the company
Tejaswini pandit Bel - 12-Jul-18 @ 9:18 AM
many graduate students fail to continue their studies because of funding. something must be done
Professor - 5-Jul-18 @ 1:04 PM
I want to studying my business english (diploma) in u.k but I have no school fee.
Ramsie - 18-Jun-18 @ 6:32 AM
hello...i am looking for sponsership for my phd study. i did my m.th (holistic child development ) in practical theology. mh sincerst request to help me for my higher education...thank you
luckyhope - 30-May-18 @ 8:56 AM
I have gain admission to offer bachelor of technology in mechanical engineering and am not able to pay my fees to enroll in the program so please help achieve my goal
instructions - 24-Oct-17 @ 9:43 PM
Hello Dear My name is Geoffrey i am a graduate of Geology wit second class honours. i was recently offered admission to study MS.c Engineering Geology by the University of Portsmouth and the start date is September 2017. the tuition fee is £14,400, acceptance fee of £2000 and accommodation £4760. please help me with a sample of how the letter will be. i want to sent it my my state government. kind regards
jefz - 21-Jul-17 @ 7:37 AM
to whom it may concern,i recently graduated from university of eldoret, Eldoret(kenya) with first class honours in science with education(chemistry and biology) its been always my dream to pursue masters degree and PhD unfortunately i lack the finance since i come from a very humble family. I am seeking for a well wisher who may help fund my education and enable me achieve my dream. Any help will be highly appreciated. Thank you
co-law - 13-Apr-17 @ 9:30 AM
Am a third year student nurse at Daeyang University herein Malawi Africa, am looking for sponsors or funds for my tuition fee to continue with my studies, as per now i have fee balance of $ 1,300 of which I have no other way of getting the money from, with this i cannot proceed with my studies. Am ready to receive any help that any one might be able to offer with thanks and best wishes. Caroline Nkanda
Caroll - 31-Mar-17 @ 6:20 PM
To whom it may concern, I hope this reaches you in good faith. I am a recent graduate in International Business with Mandarin, since graduating I have taken up a post in fast growing tech company but I wish to further more education to become more employable. I have recently started a business venture with something I love in the hopes it will allow to reach the goal of funding my postgraduate course. During my degree and studied and worked in 3 different countries which grew me into the adult I am now. I learnt so much about the world and most importantly myself, who and what I wanted to become. This has then lead me choose my PGC abroad in New York. I have applied twice for my course and I have not been successful as I did not meet the required work experience. I took that feedback onboard and endeavoured to work so I could achieve my goal. I have done everything in order to make sure I am accepted and now the only thing holding me back is funding. I would be entirely grateful if you could consider helping reach my goal. Kind Regards Toni
Toni - 13-Mar-17 @ 1:29 PM
I'm an shs graduate in Ghana,seeking for sponsorship to further my education to become a lawyer.I wish to study in the UK but have no funding in terms of accommodation,feeding and tuition for my university expenses as well as my visa,passport and plane ticket. Help is highly welcomed and gratefully appreciated.
nanakay - 11-Feb-17 @ 10:53 PM
I want to learn for my Msc. in quality and productvty mangt at the Universiti St. Marys but my V Bosssaid to me, that i have to write an application letter andASKING sponsorship for the STUDY TO THE campany where i work, Please help me with a sample letter of it. Kind regards,
kebena.bula - 9-Feb-17 @ 12:13 PM
I want to learn Bachalor of theology in Uk.But i have no finacial ability i need sponsor,P;ease help me.Thanks.
pastor - 6-Jan-17 @ 12:17 PM
Hello.,am looking for a sponsorship who can help me in my further studies..I'm a degree holder of Facult of education. looking forward to take my Master degree or postgraduate course of human resources and management or any related course. Thank you
Pawler - 27-Sep-16 @ 10:43 AM
Hello, i am Emmerenciawith a high school certificate Verykeen to continue my studies. I would like to further specialise in Banking and Finance or Education.Unfortunately, I cannot currently afford to pay my own way through becausethe combined cost of tuition fees and living expenses is simply unworkable.I am therefore writing to ask whether you would consider offering or directing me tosome form of sponsorship to help me go through any of the above mentionedcourses. This could be individual or group i will appreciate that very much. Please can i be connected with some sponsors. Please help me am dying over here. Regards.
Ere - 15-Jun-15 @ 4:38 PM
Thanks a lot for your good work. My story is long but to be brief, am a 3rd year student at Moi University to join 4th year this May 2015. Am kindly asking for any well wisher to sponsor me finish my studies, as per now i have fee balance of Ksh. 175,900 of which I have no other way of getting the money from, with this i cannot proceed with my studies. Any help that any one might be able to offer would be very gratefully received with thanks and best wishes. Regards; Henry Odude.
odude - 4-May-15 @ 9:34 AM
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