Key Summary
FAQs
What is a bursary and how does it work in the UK?
A bursary is extra financial support that can help with the cost of studying, and you do not usually have to repay it. Universities, colleges and some specialist schemes set their own eligibility rules. A bursary may be based on household income, personal circumstances, course, care experience or another criterion, and payment methods vary.
Who is eligible for a university bursary in the UK?
There is no single UK eligibility rule. One university may target students from lower-income households, while another may support care-experienced students, estranged students, disabled students or people on particular courses. Check each scheme individually because income thresholds, residency rules, study level and evidence requirements can all differ.
Do you have to pay a bursary back?
Usually not. GOV.UK says extra money from a university or college does not usually have to be repaid. However, scheme conditions still matter. An overpayment, withdrawal from a course or a change that makes you ineligible can affect what happens to money already awarded.
What is the difference between a bursary and a scholarship?
Bursaries are often associated with financial need or personal circumstances, while scholarships are often linked to academic achievement, sport, music or another form of merit. These are conventions rather than universal naming rules. Universities design their own schemes, so always read the eligibility criteria instead of assuming the title tells you exactly how an award works.
How much money can you get from a university bursary?
There is no universal UK bursary amount. Awards can vary from relatively small one-off payments to larger annual support packages, depending on the university or scheme. Some institutions use household income bands, while others pay a fixed amount to eligible students. Check the current scheme page for the exact value, payment dates and conditions.
Can you get a bursary as well as a student loan?
Often yes. GOV.UK says students may be able to get money directly from their university or college on top of other student finance such as loans. The exact interaction depends on the scheme and your circumstances, so check the bursary terms and tell the relevant organisation about other support when the application asks for it.
Do I need to apply for a bursary or is it automatic?
It depends on the scheme. Some universities automatically assess eligible students using information available through student finance or their own records, while others require a separate application and evidence. Never assume you will be considered automatically. Check your university funding pages early and note any deadlines before the academic year begins.
What is the NHS Bursary?
The NHS Bursary is a specific funding scheme for eligible medical or dental students who normally live in England. Depending on eligibility, support can include non-means-tested and means-tested elements, a tuition fee contribution and additional allowances. It is not a universal bursary for every healthcare student.
Can international students get university bursaries in the UK?
Sometimes. Eligibility depends entirely on the university or funding scheme. Some awards are restricted to home-fee students or specific residency groups, while others are designed for international students. Check nationality, fee-status and residency conditions carefully, and do not assume that being ineligible for UK government student finance makes you ineligible for every university award.
How can I find bursaries I am eligible for?
Start with your university or college funding pages and search for bursaries, scholarships and hardship funds. Check course-specific support and official schemes relevant to your circumstances. GOV.UK's extra financial help guidance is also useful for identifying types of support available alongside standard student finance.
Applying for student financing can sometimes be more difficult than applying to uni. In this article, we help to answer queries surrounding, what is a bursary? – and how does it work? This guide will help you better understand how these grants work in the UK.
What is a bursary?
A bursary is a type of grant that provides financial support for those who need extra help funding their studies. Because of this, students who qualify for a bursary do not need to pay it back, as it is not a loan.
Bursaries are provided to students by the government or educational organisations. This type of funding helps to cover the cost of university. This includes paying for tuition and distributing sums of money to students, which can be used to pay for uni essentials such as transport and textbooks – or even accommodation.
Who is entitled to a bursary in the UK?
Uni students over the age of 18 years old can apply for a bursary. Before the student starts their course, the student’s household income is assessed. This is because bursaries will only be awarded to students who earn under a certain income.
Students entitled to a bursary will receive £85.90 a week if they are supported by their parents. Students who are self-supported are entitled to £108.55 a week if they qualify for a bursary.
Bursaries sometimes only consider students with a lower household income. Other bursaries take into consideration course choice and income. For example, some students that study medical courses could be entitled to a bursary.
Students are eligible for a bursary if they earn a lower income and are aged between 18 and 25. However, each contract is different. In some cases, financial needs and academic achievement are prioritized over the age of a student by organisations and governments.
Some bursaries also only accept applicants from a specific race or background. Others require students to have earned certain grades at school.
How to apply for a bursary in the UK?
To apply for a student bursary, you will need:
- A certified copy of a valid ID: This can include a driving license or passport
- Proof of your household income: Such as payslips
- Proof of your address: This could include Utility, phone, or internet bills
- A Letter of Motivation: The student applying writes this letter. It should include the reasons for applying and the student’s various attributes. A letter of motivation is like a cover letter that you would write when applying for a job application.
- Proof of your Academic records: This should be an official document that contains all your qualifications and grades earned during the student’s lifetime.
Different unis and organisations may have different requirements. You can also visit Gov.uk for a general idea of the different services and grants that the government provide.
Click here to read further about applying for different awards!
What is the difference between a bursary and a scholarship?
Scholarships are awards that are more likely to fund students based on their academic achievement. However, bursaries, are more likely to provide financial help to those who need it most.
Both these awards, fund students with the aim to cover students’ expenses for further education. They both also sometimes take into consideration the academic performance. Although, scholarship awards are more likely to do so. Only some bursary providers look at a student’s previous grades.
However, this can depend on the company and the nature of the bursary the student is applying for.
What are the benefits of bursaries?
Bursaries help to provide financing for students who cannot always afford to attend uni or further education. This means that obtaining a degree is more obtainable for people of diverse economic backgrounds.
Bursaries also help to enhance the student experience. This is because students are spending less time stressing over finances.
Overall, bursaries are meaning further education is becoming more accessible to all students!
Check out our guides to different bursaries available for UK students, such as the NHS bursary or the teacher training bursary