University of York Masters Scholarship 2026 – Funding Guide

Imagine pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of York in the UK with significant financial support. The University of York is a prestigious Russell Group research university in England, and it offers Masters scholarships to help talented students cover tuition fees. For the 2026/27 academic year, York’s key awards (such as the International Masters Achievement Scholarship and the Global Impact Masters Scholarship) provide substantial funding – up to £10,000 or £8,000 – for eligible postgraduate students.

These awards are aimed at international (including EU) applicants and are automatically granted to qualifying candidates (no separate scholarship application needed). In this guide, we’ll explain the opportunity in detail: what the University of York Masters scholarships are, who can apply, what they cover, the application steps and deadlines, and tips to strengthen your application.

Overview of the Scholarship and University

The University of York is a public research university in York, England, established in 1963. A member of the elite Russell Group, it now enrolls over 18,000 students from 150+ countries. York is known for academic excellence and a supportive campus environment. To help Masters students fund their studies, the university advertises “scholarships, bursaries and other funding” for tuition and living costs. In practice, the main York Master’s scholarships for 2026 are:

• Global Impact Masters Scholarship (2026/27): Awards £5,000–£8,000 (first year only) to students from selected countries (e.g. USA, Canada, India, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.).
• International Masters Achievement Scholarship (2026/27): Awards up to £10,000 (first year only) to international (incl. EU) students.

Both are partial tuition scholarships – the funds apply to first-year fees only – and are automatically applied if you meet the criteria and hold an offer at York. In addition, York offers other fee discounts and partnerships (e.g. 10% loyalty fee reduction, 25% Chile/Colombia discounts, etc.), while eligible UK/EU students can access government Master’s loans. Read on for full details of eligibility, benefits, and how to apply for these funding opportunities at York.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for University of York Masters Scholarships, applicants generally must meet all of the following:

• York Admission: Have a conditional or unconditional offer for a full-time postgraduate taught (Master’s) programme at York (e.g. an MSc or MA) by late August 2026.
• Fee Status: Be classified as an international (overseas) fee-paying student (if the award is for international students). (York’s site notes that these scholarships are for those paying overseas rates.)
• Nationality/Residency: Meet the specific country criteria. The International Masters Achievement Scholarship is open to all international (including EU) students. The Global Impact Scholarship is open only to nationals/domiciles of certain countries (e.g. USA, Canada, India, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Pakistan, etc.). Check the official list of eligible countries to confirm.
• No Full Sponsorship: Not already holding a 100% tuition scholarship or being fully sponsored by another agency. (York will not award the scholarship if you have a separate full-fee sponsorship.)
• Program Requirements: Intend to study for one academic year (full-time) on the eligible course (e.g. a 12-month MSc/MA). Certain courses are excluded: for example, programs at Hull York Medical School, some nursing streams, international pathway or distance learning courses, and PGCert courses are not eligible.
• English/Academic: Meet York’s standard entry requirements (typically a 2:2 UK bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and any English language standards.

Meeting the above criteria is essential – if in doubt, contact York’s admissions for clarification. Keep documentation ready (offer letter, transcripts, passport) to prove your eligibility.

Coverage / Benefits

The University of York Masters scholarships offer the following financial support and benefits:

• Partial Tuition Scholarships: The main awards reduce tuition fees (for Year 1). The International Masters Achievement Scholarship provides up to £10,000 off first-year tuition. The Global Impact Scholarship provides £5,000 – £8,000 off first-year tuition (amount varies by country: e.g. USA/Canada £5k; India/SE Asia £6k; South Asia/Africa £8k).
• Fee Discounts: York offers several discounts. For example, if you previously studied at York, you may get a 10% loyalty discount on fees. In some country-specific cases, York grants 25% fee reductions: e.g. for Chilean students under Becas Chile or Colombians with COLFUTURO funding.
• Full Funding (where available): Certain schemes can cover all costs. The British Council’s HESPAL Scholarship (for Palestinian academic staff) offers a full tuition fee waiver plus living stipend for Gaza students at York. (This is not a York-administered scholarship, but York participates in the program.)
• UK Government Loans: Home (UK) and qualifying EU students can apply for a UK Postgraduate Master’s Loan (up to ~£12,167) to help cover tuition and living costs. While not a York scholarship, this is key funding for domestic students.
• Other Funding: Many departments and external organizations offer bursaries, grants, or prizes. Check your department’s website and York’s funding pages for departmental scholarships or research grants.

Note: Most University-funded scholarships only cover tuition fees, not living expenses. Only schemes like HESPAL cover living costs. You should budget for accommodation, travel and living on your own unless you secure separate funding.

Host Country & University Info

The University of York is located in the historic city of York in Northern England (UK). Founded in 1963, York is now a world-class, research-intensive campus offering modern facilities and a friendly collegiate community. The city of York itself is known for its rich history and student-friendly atmosphere. As a Russell Group university, York offers a high standard of education; its 2023 student body exceeded 18,000 learners from over 150 countries.

England and the UK are highly ranked destinations for Master’s degrees. A taught Master’s in the UK typically lasts one year full-time, letting students graduate faster than in many other countries. International students in York benefit from a multicultural campus (over 24% of York students are from overseas), English-language instruction, and strong employability support. The UK also permits postgraduate work visas for international graduates, easing career prospects. This combination of quality education and life in the UK makes a York Masters an attractive opportunity.

Application Process (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose Your Course: Decide on the Master’s programme you want to study. Check its specific entry requirements (most taught Masters at York require at least a UK 2:2 or equivalent). Verify language requirements and any course-specific deadlines.
2. Apply Online for Admission: Submit your application through York’s online portal (find your course on the York website). Apply before the deadlines (28 Aug 2026 for international applicants, 4 Sept 2026 for UK/home applicants). Ensure you complete all sections.
3. Upload Supporting Documents: You will need to provide academic transcripts, references, a personal statement, and proof of English proficiency (if required). York’s system will prompt you for these; you can upload documents during or after submission.
4. Await and Accept Your Offer: York will review your application. If accepted, you will receive a conditional or unconditional offer letter by late summer 2026. Carefully follow instructions to accept your offer and the scholarship. For example, York requires you to formally accept the scholarship via a link in your offer email, as well as accept the course offer itself. You may also need to pay a tuition deposit (commonly £3,000) by the date specified in your offer. (Failure to accept or pay on time may result in losing the award.)
5. Automatic Scholarship Award: If you meet the eligibility, York will automatically award the scholarship when it issues your offer. You do not need to submit a separate scholarship application for the International Masters Achievement or Global Impact scholarships; simply securing your York admission is enough.
6. Prepare for Enrollment: After accepting your offer and scholarship, apply for a UK student visa (if international) and arrange accommodation. Keep track of any remaining requirements (e.g. final transcripts). York’s academic year typically begins in late September/early October.

Important Deadlines

• Application Deadlines: 2026 entry deadlines for York Master’s courses are 28 August 2026 (international applicants) and 4 September 2026 (UK/home applicants). (Some programs may close earlier, so check the course page.)
• Scholarship Eligibility: To qualify for scholarships, York must have issued your offer by the cut-offs. For the International Masters Achievement Scholarship, you need an offer by 28 August 2026. For the Global Impact Scholarship, you need an offer by 31 August 2026. Also complete your fee-status assessment (overseas or home) by those dates.
• Offer Acceptance: After your scholarship offer arrives, act quickly. You must formally accept the scholarship and pay any required deposit by the dates specified in your offer letter. Missing these can forfeit the award.
• Other: If you are applying via any sponsorship or loans (e.g. COLFUTURO), note those deadlines too (e.g. York’s COLFUTURO discount requires applying by 2 March 2026).

Tips for Applicants

• Start Early: Give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Research your course, gather documents, and apply well before deadlines.
• Strong Personal Statement: Tailor your application essay to York’s program. Highlight your academic achievements, career goals, and why York is the right fit for you. Show passion and clarity.
• Highlight Leadership & Experience: York looks for motivated students. Emphasize leadership roles, research projects, volunteering, or work that demonstrates initiative and global perspective.
• Proofread and Reference: Make sure your application and personal statement are error-free. Secure solid reference letters from professors or employers who can vouch for your qualifications.
• Check Eligibility Carefully: Double-check all criteria for each scholarship. For example, confirm your nationality is eligible for the Global Impact award, and that you meet the academic requirements.
• Ask Questions: If unclear about any step, contact York’s admissions or international office. They can advise on documentation and scholarships.
• Stay Organized: Keep a checklist of deadlines and submitted items. Regularly check your email (including spam folder) for communications from York.

Conclusion

The University of York Masters Scholarships 2026 are golden opportunities for students seeking quality education in the UK. With substantial tuition awards (up to £10,000) and a world-class campus in historic York, these scholarships can make your Master’s affordable. We encourage every eligible student to apply and share this information with friends who might benefit. Start your application early, meet the criteria, and take advantage of these grants. Good luck with your application – your future starts here!

Your future is calling – go for it!

FAQ

What is the University of York Masters Scholarship?

It refers to York’s financial awards for incoming postgraduate taught students. Key examples are the International Masters Achievement Scholarship and Global Impact Scholarship, which are partial tuition awards for 2026/27.

Who is eligible for these scholarships?

Generally, international (incl. EU) students with a full-time Master’s offer at York by late August 2026 are eligible. The Global Impact Scholarship requires specific nationalities (e.g. USA, Canada, India, etc.), while the Achievement Scholarship is open to all international students.

How much funding is provided?

York’s International Masters Achievement Scholarship provides up to £10,000 towards first-year fees. The Global Impact Scholarship offers £5,000–£8,000 (depending on your country). These amounts apply only to year-one tuition.

How do I apply?

Apply to your chosen Master’s program at York through the online portal by the relevant deadline. There is no separate scholarship form – if you meet the criteria, York will automatically consider you for the scholarship when you receive your offer.

When are the deadlines?

York’s admission deadlines for 2026 are Aug 28, 2026 (international applications) and Sept 4, 2026 (UK/home). Scholarships require you to have a York offer by 28 Aug 2026 (for the Achievement Scholarship) or 31 Aug 2026 (Global Impact).

Can UK (home) students apply for funding?

Yes. UK students aren’t eligible for the international scholarships, but they have other support: for example, York’s Postgraduate Loyalty Discount (10% off fees) and UK Master’s loans. Also check York’s UK funding page for any home student bursaries.