Tuition and Funding
Investing in your future is a big decision — and at the University of Birmingham, we’re committed to helping you make it achievable. Whether you’re looking for scholarships, discounts, loans, or employer support, there are several ways to make your online postgraduate degree more affordable.
Explore the funding opportunities below to see what you may be eligible for.
You can fill out the form or visit the tuition page of your programme of choice to find out how much you should expect to pay. Our Student Recruitment Coordinators can also answer questions and share additional details about tuition and funding.
Learn more today
Keen to learn more? Our expert team is ready to answer any questions you may have.
We can also communicate with you via WhatsApp. Please let us know if you would like to be contacted this way in our initial communication with you and we will update your preferences.
Your funding options
These funding methods are just some of the options available. Our financial guide for postgraduate students contains more information about these and other less well-known funding options.
Online Birmingham Masters Scholarship (£3,000)
We’re proud to support high-achieving students joining selected online postgraduate programmes in 2026 with a £3,000 scholarship, applied across your module fees. This award helps you gain a world-class education while balancing your professional and personal commitments. For Spring 2026, our deadlines to apply are:
Online MBA (February):
- Round 1: Closes 9th January 2026
- Round 2: Closes 6th February 2026
Online MSc Mental Health, Online MSc Bioinformatics, Online LLM in Environmental and Energy Law, Online Masters in Public Administration (March):
- Round 1: Closes 16th January 2026
- Round 2: Closes 13th February 2026
Further opportunities:
Explore our postgraduate scholarship and funding database.
There may also be other UK-based scholarships you can apply for too. Contact The British Council or Embassy in your country to find out more.
Explore the Study Online Student Scholarship.
Discounts
We offer a range of tuition discounts designed to help you reduce the overall cost of your online postgraduate degree. Please speak with us to discuss your eligibility before you apply:
1. Early Bird
Secure your place early and receive 10% off your first module for Spring 2026 entry. Simply accept your unconditional offer and register on your programme by 23:59 (GMT) on the specified deadline below:
a) Online MBA (includes specialisms and pathways): Friday 23rd January 2026
b) Online MSc Mental Health, Online MSc Bioinformatics, Online LLM in Environmental and Energy Law, Online Masters in Public Administration: Friday 2nd February 2026
2. Refer A Friend
Current applicants or enrolled students may refer a friend to join an online programme. If the referred student successfully enrols in an eligible programme, both students will receive 10% off their next module.
Eligible programmes include: Online MBA (includes specialisms and pathways), Online MSc Mental Health, Online LLM in Environmental and Energy Law, Online Masters in Public Administration).
3. Alumni
University of Birmingham alumni wishing to study an online programme (selected online courses only), are eligible for a 10% discounted tuition rate. The discount is usually applied by taking 10% off the total tuition fee amount or at each module payment. Alumni discount is not available for graduates of short courses and is only applied to full masters programmes. If you believe you might be eligible for an alumni discount, please speak with your student recruitment coordinator. These discounts are always discussed and, if deemed eligible, are approved as part of the application process.
4. Group Discounts
Where more than five students are joining from the same employer at the same time, we will accept a 10% reduction on tuition fees. This discount will always be discussed, and if deemed eligible, it will be approved as part of the application process. Please speak with us to find out more.
Postgraduate Loan
UK and EU students looking to pursue a masters programme in the UK may be eligible to apply for a non-means-tested loan from the British government via the Student Loans Company (SLC).
Private postgraduate student loans may also be suitable. You should consider sources and types of funding carefully and ensure that it meets your precise needs.
Find out moreEmployer Funding
If you think your employer would consider helping you pay for one of our programmes, you’ll need to make a strong case and to back it up with evidence.
It’s likely your employer will expect a return for their contribution, such as a commitment to work for the company for a set period of time, or otherwise repay the cost of your programme.
Ask your HR department or manager if they would consider reimbursing your programme tuition fees to improve your value to the company.
4 ways online degrees benefit you and your employer
The following points may be useful when you speak to your employer about funding.
1. BECOME A MORE EFFECTIVE EMPLOYEE
As an online student with the University of Birmingham, you will be able to apply your new skills and insights immediately in your role. You don’t have to wait until you graduate to add value to your organisation.
2. Save your company money
By contributing to your education, your employer is securing your future with the business, saving them money on interviewing, hiring and training someone else. On average, it costs 6–9 months’ salary to replace an employee.1
3. Study around work commitments
100% online learning gives you the flexibility to study around your existing work commitments, so there’s no need to take a career break to further your development.
4. Demonstrate your value
Point out how your unique skills benefit the business. Many companies agree to fund employee upskilling or re-skilling, highlighting the value that employers place on retaining top talent.