Fee reductions for postgraduate study

Learn about how University of Sussex staff can apply for a reduction in fees for postgraduate study.

From December 2024, University staff can apply to receive an 80% reduction in their fees for a postgraduate taught course or postgraduate research course (not including PhDs) at Sussex. If the programme of study is deemed to be a requirement for your current role or the future development of your role, a full fee waiver may be considered.

Who is eligible for a reduction in their fees?

To be eligible for the scheme, you must:

Have completed at least one year of employment with the University
Have a contract that lasts the duration of the course (or be prepared to take financial responsibility for funding any remaining years once your contract has ended)
Not be undergoing any formal performance or disciplinary related process
Not be working in a role that is directly related in delivering the programme of study as this could pose a conflict of interest or unfair access to course related information

Please note:

Sub contracted staff, including SEF and Chartwells contracted staff, are not eligible for this scheme
If you leave employment with the University, the tuition fee reduction will stop with immediate effect. You will need to pay any outstanding fees in full
The scheme does not apply to any BSMS courses
Postgraduate Researchers, PhD students and Doctoral Tutors are not eligible for this scheme

Time off during working hours

The scheme does not include the right to time off during normal working hours. Where teaching/working takes place during a normal working day, you must discuss with your line manager whether you can be given time to attend as part of your development or consider flexible working options that enable you to make up the time lost.

Your line manager/Head of Department would be expected to consider requests in line with our current Flexible Working Procedure and where practicable, accommodate requests for flexibility (but with a specific time duration associated with the course length) to enable you to attend the course.

As with all flexible working requests, due regard must be taken to balancing the request and benefits for talent development against the University’s business/operational needs and impact on colleagues. It will be important to consider that teaching times may change from term to term.

Overall, line managers are encouraged to support staff and make arrangements to accommodate those who wish to study wherever possible.

Fees

Tuition fees

If you meets the eligibility criteria, you will either be eligible to apply for:
- an 80% fee reduction, meaning the you pay only 20% of the tuition fee or
- a full fee waiver (only applicable for those staff identified as be required to undertake a the qualification for their role)
The fees normally payable are as published on the University’s tuition fees web pages and are determined by the chosen course and the academic year.

Please note that any agreement to reduce fees will be limited to one financial year. As such, you must reapply for fees to reduced for any subsequent year.

Will my School, Division or Department be charged the remaining 80% fees?

No. The waiver cost will be coded to the academic department owning the course as this department will get the full fee income and the cost of the waiver will net against it, leaving a net 20% benefit to them.

Other related expenses

The University will not waive any additional charges or expenses incurred as part of you studying on the course, for example library fines, tuition materials, late registration fees or reassessment fees. If you successfully complete the course and are eligible to attend Graduation, the normal charges will apply and be your responsibility.

How do I apply?

Before applying, it's important that you:

Research the course you wish to study and are confident that you meet the entry requirements
Consider how you will manage undertaking a significant course of study alongside your working commitments
Plan with your line manager around how you will manage your time when working and studying
Carefully read through the fee reduction guidance for applicants 2024 [PDF 184.91KB]

You can then apply by completing the fee reduction/waiver online form.

Please note that the usual application deadline for the fee reduction scheme is 31 January each year.

Once you have completed the form, it will be sent for approval from your line manager, your Head of School or Divisional Director, the Executive Dean or Chief Operating Officer, and then the Chief Financial Officer or their delegated designate. For full waivers, the form will also go to the HR Executive team for approval.

Contact us

Organisational Development
Human Resources
Sussex House
E od@sussex.ac.uk
T 01273 606755 ext 4806