School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh - Taught Postgraduate Bursaries

What you get

You will receive your full tuition fees paid for a one-year Master’s programme with on-campus teaching at the University of Edinburgh, starting in September 2026. For most programmes, this amounts to approximately 23,500 euros (20,100 GBP) if you are paying UK tuition fees. If you are paying international student tuition fees, the amount is higher, at approximately 53,000 euros (45,410 GBP). The School of Biological Sciences awards up to two of these scholarships. A scholarship is a grant that you do not have to repay. It is awarded to high-achieving applicants who would otherwise be unable to afford the programme.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting a full-time Master’s programme comprising taught modules, not a research-based programme. You do not yet hold a Master’s or doctoral degree, nor are you about to obtain one.
• Field of study: You enrol on one of the eligible degree programmes in the life sciences, such as biotechnology, biochemistry, bioinformatics, ecology, evolution and biodiversity, evolutionary genetics, or synthetic biology and biotechnology.
• University: You’re studying at the University of Edinburgh.
• Offer in hand: You have already received an offer – whether conditional or unconditional – which you have accepted or intend to accept. It must remain valid until a decision has been made.
• Not otherwise funded: You are not fully funded by an employer and do not yet receive a full scholarship.
• Grades: Selection is based primarily on your academic performance.
• UK applicants: You are a British national, live in the UK and meet at least one of the criteria for a disadvantaged background, such as having spent time in care, receiving a maintenance grant or an SAAS grant whilst studying for a bachelor’s degree, or living in one of Scotland’s most deprived areas.
• International applicants: You are a national of a low- or middle-income country listed on the OECD’s DAC list as a recipient of development aid, and you are not from a G8 or EU country.

How to apply

Please do not apply until you have already been admitted – via the university’s scholarship system. You will be notified of the result in June 2026. You may request an extension to the deadline for paying your tuition fees whilst you await the result.

How realistic are your chances?

This funding is awarded on a highly selective basis: a maximum of two places per school, a shortlist of degree programmes, and additional criteria relating to disadvantaged backgrounds or regional origin. This keeps the pool of eligible applicants small, meaning that a well-suited applicant with excellent grades and a firm offer of a place has a genuine chance of success. As places are limited, you should apply as soon as you have received your offer of a place.