My experience of paying for a Masters at Edinburgh

By Isa, from the USA, studying Developmental Science
I’m Isa and I’m an international fee-paying Master’s student from the USA and this is my experience of funding my studies at the University of Edinburgh. I hope these experiences and tips can help others navigate the financial aspects of postgraduate study abroad.
Why Edinburgh?
I moved to Edinburgh in September 2023 to start my MSc in Developmental Science. While I’m originally from the U.S., this isn’t my first time in Scotland. During my undergraduate years, I spent a semester here as an exchange student, and this positive experience influenced my decision to apply for postgraduate studies at Edinburgh.
Getting started: Tuition fees and payment plans
Before applying though, I wanted to fully understand the costs involved. The University’s website has a handy fee finder tool that helped me figure out my tuition fees and payment schedule. As a Master’s student on a 12-month programme, my tuition is split into three instalments, which align with my loan disbursements every four months. This arrangement has made managing payments straightforward.
Funding through FAFSA
A significant portion of my tuition is covered through U.S. Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). After completing the necessary paperwork, my loans are disbursed in instalments and sent directly to the University. Once the process was set up, I didn’t need to worry about ongoing administrative tasks regarding my fees – one less thing to worry about as a busy postgrad student!
Supplementing the loan: Scholarships and savings
While my loan covers most of my tuition, I had to find additional ways to fund the remaining balance. I’m fortunate to have received a small scholarship from my undergraduate university, which I know some universities in the States offer, so it is worth exploring this option. So, if you’re currently studying in the U.S. (or indeed elsewhere), my advice would be to check with your university to see if they offer any such postgraduate funding opportunities.
Working during my undergrad also gave me a chance to save money. Having had a full scholarship as an undergraduate, I was able to set aside funds to contribute to my postgraduate studies. Additionally, my parents have helped with some travel expenses and other costs, for which I’m incredibly grateful.
Part-time work in Edinburgh
I’ve also taken on part-time work while living in Edinburgh. Although my visa limits me to 20 hours per week, the income helps offset living expenses. If you’re considering this option, it’s essential to check your visa restrictions and ensure that part-time work won’t interfere with your studies.
Scholarships: Competitive but worth applying for
The University of Edinburgh offers scholarships, though availability depends on your programme and circumstances. I was eligible to apply for one, but it was highly competitive, and unfortunately, I didn’t receive it. However, don’t let this discourage you – even if you don’t succeed, exploring scholarships can introduce you to other funding possibilities.
My advice for future students
If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to do your research. Here are some strategies that worked for me:
- Contact the university: Reach out to the scholarship and funding teams at your prospective universities to learn about available options.
- Explore funding opportunities at home: Seek out scholarships, grants and loan funding options in your home country, and ask your undergraduate institution if they offer funding for postgraduate studies.
- Work and save beforehand: If possible, work and save money during your undergraduate years – every little helps!
Final thoughts
Affording a Masters degree and organising your finances to pay for it can be challenging. But I know from my own personal experience that with careful planning and resourcefulness, it’s achievable. Edinburgh has been an incredible place to pursue my studies, and if you’re considering studying here, I encourage you to start exploring your options early – you won’t regret it!