Thinking about studying for a master’s or postgraduate qualification while continuing to work?
One of the biggest questions is often how to pay for part-time postgraduate study in Scotland.
The good news is that eligible students may be able to get financial support towards their tuition fees through the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). However, funding for part-time postgraduate study is different from the support available to full-time students.
This guide explains what funding may be available, who may qualify and what you should check before starting a part-time postgraduate course in Scotland.
Important: Funding rules and amounts can change. Always check the latest information with SAAS and your university before applying.
Is There Funding for Part-Time Postgraduate Study in Scotland?
Yes. Eligible students studying certain part-time postgraduate courses in Scotland may be able to apply for a tuition fee loan of up to £7,000.
The Scottish Government’s current information says funding for part-time postgraduate courses is subject to eligibility criteria, including rules relating to the length of the course.
However, the funding does not necessarily cover the full cost of your course.
Universities set their own postgraduate tuition fees, and the Scottish Government does not set a maximum postgraduate fee. This means there can be a difference between your tuition fees and the amount of funding available.
How Much Funding Can Part-Time Postgraduate Students Get?
For eligible part-time postgraduate study, the current tuition fee loan can be worth up to:
£7,000
The loan is intended to help with tuition fees and is normally divided across the years of study for a course lasting more than one academic year.
For example, if an eligible course lasts two years, the available loan is divided across the period of study rather than being paid as a single £7,000 amount at the beginning.
The amount you actually receive depends on your eligibility and the course you are studying.
Is There a Living-Cost Loan for Part-Time Postgraduate Study?
This is an important difference between full-time and part-time postgraduate study.
Current information indicates that part-time postgraduate students do not receive the same living-cost loan available to eligible full-time postgraduate students.
For 2026/27, full-time postgraduate students may be eligible for a living-cost loan of up to £6,900, but this support does not apply to part-time postgraduate study.
Therefore, if you are planning to study part time while working, you should budget separately for:
- Rent or mortgage
- Food
- Travel
- Childcare
- Bills
- Books and study materials
- Laptop or other equipment
- Any tuition fees not covered by funding
Who Can Get Part-Time Postgraduate Funding?
Eligibility depends on a number of factors.
These can include:
- Where you normally live
- Your residency status
- The university or provider
- The course you want to study
- Whether the course meets the relevant funding rules
- Whether you are studying full time or part time
- The duration and structure of the course
Meeting one requirement does not automatically mean that you qualify for funding.
Before applying, check your circumstances directly with SAAS.
How Long Can a Part-Time Postgraduate Course Be?
Course duration is particularly important.
Current Scottish Government information states that funding for part-time postgraduate courses is limited to courses that can be completed at no less than 50% of the pace of the equivalent full-time course.
Where there is no equivalent full-time course, the part-time course must generally be completed within three years.
This means you should not assume that every part-time master’s degree qualifies simply because it is offered by a Scottish university.
Always check the course against the current SAAS eligibility rules before enrolling.
Can You Work While Studying Part Time?
One of the main attractions of part-time postgraduate study is the ability to continue working.
For example, a working professional might study:
- Two evenings during the week
- Several hours at the weekend
- During annual leave when major assignments are due
The exact workload will depend on the university and course.
Part-time study can therefore be an option for people who want to develop their qualifications without leaving employment.
However, part-time does not mean low workload. You still need to allow enough time for reading, assignments, research and other academic work.
What If Your Tuition Fees Are More Than £7,000?
This is an important point to consider before applying.
The maximum tuition fee loan does not necessarily mean that your entire course will be free.
For example, if your eligible course charges more than the available funding, you may need to find another way to cover the difference.
Possible options could include:
- Personal savings
- Employer sponsorship
- University scholarships
- Bursaries
- Charitable funding
- Professional development funding
- Payment plans offered by the university
Check the university’s own funding information as well as SAAS.
Can Your Employer Help Pay for a Part-Time Master’s?
It is worth asking your employer whether they provide support for professional development.
Some employers have:
- Staff development budgets
- Professional qualification schemes
- Tuition assistance
- Learning and development programmes
- Study leave
- Flexible working arrangements
The availability of support varies considerably between employers.
If the course is directly relevant to your current role, you may have a stronger reason to discuss professional development support with your employer.
What About Online or Distance-Learning Postgraduate Courses?
If you are considering an online master’s because you work full time, do not automatically assume that an online course qualifies for the same funding as a campus-based course.
Funding eligibility depends on the specific course and circumstances.
Check:
- Who provides the course?
- Where is the provider based?
- Is the course eligible for SAAS funding?
- Is it classified as full time or part time?
- How long does it take to complete?
- Does the course meet the relevant funding requirements?
- Are there any attendance requirements?
Get confirmation before relying on funding to pay your tuition fees.
Part-Time Postgraduate Funding vs Full-Time Funding
The difference can be significant.
| Funding | Full-time postgraduate | Part-time postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee support | Available to eligible students | Available to eligible students |
| Tuition fee loan | Up to £7,000 | Up to £7,000 |
| Living-cost loan | Up to £6,900 in 2026/27 for eligible students | Not available |
| Course duration rules | Different rules apply | Specific duration requirements apply |
| Work alongside study | Possible | Often easier to combine with employment |
The exact amount and eligibility depend on your circumstances and the course.
For current 2026/27 figures, Scottish Parliament research confirms the £7,000 postgraduate tuition-fee loan and up to £6,900 living-cost support for eligible full-time postgraduate students.
What Should You Check Before Applying?
Before accepting a place on a part-time postgraduate course, check all of the following.
1. Course eligibility
Ask the university whether the specific course is eligible for SAAS postgraduate funding.
2. Course duration
Check whether the length of the part-time course meets the relevant funding requirements.
3. Tuition fees
Find out the total tuition fee, not just the annual amount.
4. Funding amount
Check how much of the tuition fee your available funding could cover.
5. Living costs
Remember that part-time postgraduate funding does not provide the same living-cost loan as full-time postgraduate study.
6. Application deadlines
Check the current SAAS application deadlines rather than relying on information from an old article.
7. Your residency status
Funding eligibility can depend on where you normally live and your residency circumstances.
Where Can You Check the Latest Funding Information?
The safest place to check your eligibility is the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
You should also check your university’s postgraduate funding page because universities can provide additional scholarships, bursaries and other support.
The Scottish Government also publishes information about student financial support and changes to the funding system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get funding for a part-time master’s in Scotland?
Eligible students may be able to receive a tuition fee loan of up to £7,000 for an eligible part-time postgraduate course in Scotland. Course and residency eligibility rules apply.
Does SAAS pay for a part-time master’s?
SAAS funding can contribute towards tuition fees for eligible part-time postgraduate courses. It does not necessarily cover the entire cost of the course.
Can I get a living-cost loan if I study for a master’s part time?
Current information indicates that the living-cost loan available to eligible full-time postgraduate students is not available to part-time postgraduate students.
Can I work while studying a part-time master’s?
Yes. Many people choose part-time study specifically because it can be combined with employment. However, you should check the expected workload before enrolling.
Can I get funding for an online master’s?
Possibly, but eligibility depends on the specific course and provider. Do not assume that every online or distance-learning master’s qualifies for SAAS funding.
What if my master’s costs more than £7,000?
You may need to find other funding for the remaining tuition fees. Check whether your university offers scholarships, bursaries, payment plans or other assistance, and ask your employer whether professional-development funding is available.
Final Thoughts
If you want to gain a postgraduate qualification while continuing to work, funding for part-time postgraduate study in Scotland is worth investigating before you decide whether to enrol.
The current system can provide eligible students with up to £7,000 towards tuition fees, but part-time students do not receive the same living-cost loan as eligible full-time postgraduate students.
The most important step is to check the exact course, duration, fees and eligibility requirements before making financial commitments.
Funding rules can change, so use this article as a starting point and confirm the latest information directly with SAAS and your chosen university.
WiseOpportunities.com provides general information only. Always check the latest funding rules and eligibility requirements with SAAS or the relevant funding authority before applying.
