The University of Reading, located in Berkshire, England, traces its origins to the establishment of the Schools of Art and Science in 1860 and 1870, respectively. In 1892, it was founded as University College, Reading, serving as an extension college of Christ Church, a constituent college of the University of Oxford. The institution received its Royal Charter in 1926, officially becoming the University of Reading.
The university is a public institution, operating under a governance structure that includes a Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and a Council responsible for strategic oversight. The Chancellor serves as the ceremonial head, while the Vice-Chancellor handles day-to-day administration.
The Council comprises members from within and outside the university, ensuring diverse representation in decision-making processes.
Throughout its history, the University of Reading has undergone significant developments. In 1947, it acquired Whiteknights Park, which became its principal campus.
The university expanded further in 1989 by merging with Bulmershe College of Higher Education, broadening its academic offerings and resources. In 2008, it merged with Henley Management College to form the Henley Business School, enhancing its reputation in business education.
The university has been recognized for its contributions to various fields. It has received the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education multiple times, acknowledging excellence in areas such as environmental science and typography. The institution is also known for its research in climate science, agriculture and business.
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Today, the University of Reading continues to be a leading institution, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It maintains a global presence with campuses in the UK and Malaysia, reflecting its commitment to international education and research.
Degree Level and Eligible Programs
The University of Reading Master’s Scholarships 2025/26 cater exclusively to postgraduate students pursuing a master’s degree (MSc, MA, MRes or equivalent) at the university.
One of the biggest advantages of this scholarship is that it applies to almost every master’s course available at the institution. Regardless of the subject, students will find multiple funding opportunities under this scheme, making it a comprehensive financial support program.
Eligible Subjects
The University of Reading Excellence Scholarship covers all postgraduate subjects, ensuring that students from various academic disciplines can benefit from financial aid. Whether you’re interested in science, business, social sciences, arts or professional studies, this scholarship ensures broad coverage across disciplines.
Benefits: Generous Scholarship Amounts for UK and International Students
The University of Reading Master’s Scholarships offer various funding amounts to cater to different categories of students. The scholarship amounts vary based on student nationality and the chosen academic school, with generous awards designed to ease the financial burden of postgraduate education.
Scholarship Funding Breakdown
For International Students:
- £10,000 (available for selected high-achieving students)
- £5,000 (available for a wider group of applicants)
- £3,000 (available exclusively for Henley Business School students)
For UK Students:
- £5,000 (available for a large number of UK-based applicants)
- £2,500 (for additional qualifying students)
These financial awards significantly reduce the cost of tuition and, in some cases, offer additional support for living expenses. The higher value scholarships are usually awarded based on academic merit, leadership potential and professional aspirations.
Who Can Apply? Eligible Nationalities for the University of Reading Scholarships
One of the best aspects of the University of Reading Master’s Scholarships is their inclusivity. These scholarships are available for both domestic (UK-based) and international students, allowing applicants from all nationalities to apply.
Regardless of where you are from, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you stand a chance to secure substantial financial support for your postgraduate studies at the University of Reading.
Eligibility Criteria: Do You Qualify for the University of Reading Master’s Scholarships?
To qualify for the University of Reading Excellence Scholarships and other funding opportunities, students must meet specific eligibility requirements. Below is a detailed breakdown of the general and program-specific criteria:
General Eligibility Criteria
- Must be applying for a master’s degree program at the University of Reading.
- Open to both UK-based and international students.
- Applicable to almost all full-time and part-time master’s programs (excluding flexible learning and modular part-time master’s courses).
- No separate application is needed – students are automatically considered for this scholarship once they receive an offer for their chosen course.
- Applicants must hold an offer before 1 July 2025 to be eligible.
- No deposit is required to be considered for the scholarship.
The University of Reading aims to make education as accessible as possible and these scholarships eliminate unnecessary barriers, allowing more students to secure funding without additional application hurdles.
Special Scholarships at the University of Reading
1. Alumni Master’s Scholarships
The Alumni Master’s Scholarships are specifically for former students of the University of Reading.
- The university offers 10 awards of £3,000 each, which are paid directly as a contribution towards living costs.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have previously completed an undergraduate program of at least 120 credits at the University of Reading.
- Open to those who have completed one term as a Study Abroad student at the university.
- Must be pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Reading.
- Eligible students will be contacted directly by the university with application instructions.
2. Climate Stripes Scholarship
The Climate Stripes Scholarship is designed for international students with a passion for climate science.
- The scholarship provides £10,000, split into:
- £5,000 tuition fee discount
- £5,000 living expense grant
Eligibility Criteria
- Must hold an offer for one of the following master’s programs:
- MSc Applied Meteorology and Climate
- MSc Atmosphere, Oceans and Climate
- MSc Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence
- Open to international students only.
- Application Deadline: 29 May 2025.
3. SPCLS Centenary Bursary
The School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences (SPCLS) provides the SPCLS Centenary Bursary to promote diversity, equality and inclusion in psychology-related fields.
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to UK students from under-represented backgrounds.
- Must be applying for a postgraduate program in Psychology at the University of Reading.
- Scholarship provides a £2,000 tuition fee reduction and a £2,000 bursary.
4. Rotary Graduate Scholarship Programme
The Rotary Graduate Scholarship provides an impressive USD 30,000 financial aid package for students from low- or middle-income countries.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be from a country outside the UK with a low or middle-income economy.
- Must hold an offer for one of the following one-year master’s courses:
- MSc Environmental Management
- MSc Climate, Environment and Development
- Must demonstrate alignment with Rotary’s environmental focus.
- Application Period: 1 January 2025 – 7 March 2025.
5. Henley Business School Scholarships
The Henley Business School provides competitive funding options for both UK and international students.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must apply for a master’s degree at Henley Business School.
- Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and leadership potential.
- International students can receive up to £3,000 in funding.
How to Apply for the University of Reading Master’s Scholarships
Applying for these scholarships is straightforward:
- Visit the University of Reading Scholarship Page for detailed eligibility criteria.
- Apply for your desired master’s course using the university’s online application system.
- Excellence Scholarships are automatically considered once an offer is issued.
- For scholarships that require an application form, apply via the me@reading portal.
Why Choose the University of Reading?
The University of Reading is one of the UK’s leading institutions, recognized for its strong research, diverse academic programs and robust scholarship offerings. With over £2 million allocated for postgraduate financial aid, the university remains committed to supporting talented students in achieving their educational and career goals.
The University of Reading Master’s Scholarships 2025/26 offer an exceptional opportunity to receive financial aid while pursuing world-class education.
- With multiple funding options covering a variety of disciplines, students can focus on their studies without financial stress.
- The deadline for the Excellence Scholarship is 1 July 2025, so applicants must act quickly to secure their funding.
Don’t miss out – apply today!