Funding deadlines
Most funding opportunities have an application deadline. It is important to be aware of the different timescales and deadlines for each funding opportunity and be proactive to ensure you give yourself the best chance of securing funding.
Where possible, application deadlines for postgraduate research projects are set far in advance to give you time to secure your funding and for funders to assess multiple applications. As such, you may find you need to submit your funding application up to a year before you are due to start your degree.
Remember, missing deadlines can impact your chances of securing funding or starting your research journey on time. Discussing your funding opportunities with your supervisor and outlining an order of priority can help to prevent this.
These are the most critical deadlines in your postgraduate research journey as they determine when you must submit your application for a postgraduate research degree. However, some projects and funding bodies have early application deadlines, often with specific advantages for early applicants. Even if there is no early application deadline, applying early can enhance your chances of securing funding.
Some programmes have no application deadline and instead accept applications throughout the year, but even in these cases, it’s important to apply promptly.
If you’re seeking financial support, pay attention to scholarship deadlines. While some funding schemes may accept applications year-round, others will have a cut-off point. Ensure you check the specific details of the University’s funding opportunities via our Faculty funding search, as well as any other external awards you may be considering and plan accordingly.
While somewhat more relaxed than other funding options (as loans are non-competitive and so only your eligibility needs to be checked), if you are considering a postgraduate doctoral loan, it is still important to be aware of the deadlines around submitting your application. Submitting too late may mean you do not get the full amount you were expecting.
Be aware of funding confirmation deadlines. You must confirm your acceptance of scholarships or other funding offers before you begin your degree. For funding provided by The University of Manchester, a deadline for accepting an offer is normally given, typically two weeks from the point of the offer.
In the case of self-funded or government-funded postgraduate researchers, it is recommended that you provide proof of funds or a letter from your sponsor when you apply, or as soon as it becomes available.