“Postgraduate” and “PhD” scholarships often get used interchangeably — but they fund very different journeys, with different expectations.
Postgraduate (master’s) scholarships
Usually 1–2 years, coursework-based, and designed to build career-ready expertise. Funding tends to be more accessible and less research-focused — a great fit if you want to specialize before entering the workforce.
PhD scholarships
Typically 3–4+ years, centered on original research under a supervisor, often including a stipend as compensation for research/teaching work — closer to a job than a coursework degree.
How to decide
- Want to move into industry with specialized skills? A funded master’s is usually faster and more flexible.
- Want to become a researcher, academic, or specialist in a niche field? A PhD scholarship is the better long-term investment.
A note on funding availability
PhD scholarships are often easier to secure than master’s funding, since universities rely on PhD students for research output — worth knowing if funding is your main constraint.
Not sure where you stand? Hum Scholars offers a free CV and profile assessment to help you find the right scholarships and next steps — no pressure, no pricing, just clarity.