Money from a university or other body, often based on household income or circumstances, that you generally do not repay.

How is a scholarship different?

Scholarships are often awarded for achievement or talent, such as academic results, sport or music, though terms vary and the two words are sometimes used interchangeably.

Sometimes the award is automatic once you apply for student finance and share your household income. Others need a separate application. Check each university.

As early as the university allows, often when you hold an offer or after you accept it. Some have deadlines before term starts.

Can I get more than one?

Often yes, if the rules allow. Check the terms for each award and any limits on combining them.

Bursaries and University Scholarships: How to Find and Apply

Beyond government loans, many UK universities offer their own financial support. Bursaries and scholarships can reduce the cost of studying, and they do not usually need to be repaid. Yet many go unclaimed, partly because students do not know about them and partly because the names and rules vary so much between institutions. A little research can pay off.

Awards, amounts and deadlines differ by university and year, and change regularly, so this guide avoids exact figures. Check each university's official pages. This is general information, not financial advice.

What they are

A bursary is usually money awarded on the basis of household income or personal circumstances. A scholarship is usually awarded for achievement or talent, such as strong academic results, sport, music or leadership. In practice, universities use the words in different ways, and some awards combine criteria. Read the description rather than relying on the label.

Awards may be paid as a cash sum, as a reduction in fees, as accommodation support or as a package of benefits such as equipment or mentoring.

Common types

You may find:

Household income bursaries, for students from lower-income families.
Academic scholarships, for high entry grades or exceptional performance.
Sport scholarships, for athletes at a high level, sometimes with coaching or facilities.
Music, arts and drama scholarships, for talented performers or creators.
Subject-specific awards, funded by departments, alumni or industry.
Access and widening participation awards, for students from underrepresented backgrounds, care leavers or young carers.
Estranged student and care leaver support, which may include year-round accommodation help.
Hardship funds, for students facing unexpected financial difficulty.
Awards for students from particular regions or schools.
International student scholarships, which are separate from home student awards.

Eligibility and amounts differ widely, so look at each university's list.

How to find them

Check the university's scholarships and funding pages for each course you are considering.
Look at department pages, since some awards are listed only there.
Contact the student funding or admissions team and ask what is available.
Search independent sources, such as charities, trusts and professional bodies, which fund students in particular fields.
Ask your school or college adviser, who may know local awards.
Keep a spreadsheet with deadlines, requirements and links.

Because these awards are often part of how universities compete for students, comparing them can influence your choice. Our guide to Student Finance England, Scotland, Wales and NI covers the government side.

How and when to apply

The process varies.

Automatic awards. Some bursaries are assessed once you have applied for student finance and shared household income with the university. You may not need a separate application.
Application awards. Others need a form, a personal statement, references or evidence.
Audition or portfolio awards. Music, art and sport scholarships may require performances or trials.
Deadlines. Some are tied to the application deadline, others to when you accept an offer or arrive.

Read the instructions for each award and note the date. If you are unsure, ask the university.

What evidence you may need

Depending on the award, you may be asked for:

Proof of household income, often through the student finance process.
A letter or evidence of care or estrangement status.
Academic results.
Evidence of sporting or artistic achievement.
References.
A personal statement, explaining why you deserve the award.

Keep copies of everything you send. If your circumstances change, tell the university.

Writing a strong application

If an award needs a statement, keep it clear and honest.

Read the criteria and address each one.
Give specific examples of what you have done.
Explain the difference the award would make.
Keep it concise and proofread it.
Do not exaggerate.
Meet the deadline.

If you have a story that is relevant, such as caring responsibilities or overcoming a barrier, share it plainly. Selectors read many applications, and clarity helps.

How awards are paid

Payment methods differ. Some awards are paid as a lump sum, others in installments, and others as reductions to your fees or accommodation costs. Some come with conditions, such as maintaining a grade or taking part in activities. Check how and when you will be paid, and what you need to do to keep the award.

Combining with other support

Many students receive a mix of government support, university bursaries and outside awards. Read the rules to see whether awards can be combined, and whether a bursary affects your other support. Generally, university bursaries do not reduce your government loan, but check the terms. Tell the university about any other funding you receive, if required.

A worked example

Imagine a student choosing between two universities. Both offer her a place on the same kind of course. One has a household income bursary that is assessed automatically, a subject scholarship she can apply for and a hardship fund. The other has a smaller bursary and no subject award. After comparing the total support over three years, the first university turns out to be noticeably cheaper for her, even though its fees are the same.

She found this only because she read the funding pages for each course and asked the admissions team a few direct questions. The lesson is that support is part of the real price of a university, and it deserves a place in your comparison.

Questions to ask each university

Which bursaries are automatic, and what do I need to do to receive them?
Are there scholarships for my subject, region or background?
Is the support guaranteed for every year of the course, or reviewed annually?
Do awards change if my household income changes?
Is there a hardship fund, and how do I apply?
Are there accommodation awards or discounts?
Do I need to maintain a grade to keep any award?

Write down the answers and keep them with your offer letters.

Support for particular groups

Universities often provide extra help for groups who face particular barriers. Examples can include care leavers, estranged students, young carers, refugees and asylum seekers, disabled students, mature students and students from areas with low participation in higher education. If you belong to a group like this, contact the university's student support team early. Many have named contacts who can explain the support and help with the paperwork, and some offer help before you even apply.

What if you do not qualify for a bursary

Not everyone meets the criteria for household income bursaries, but that does not mean there is no help. Merit scholarships, sport and music awards, subject prizes and outside trusts are open to students from all backgrounds. Employers, professional bodies and local charities also fund study. Look at the whole range, and apply for each award you meet the criteria for, even if the amounts are small. Several small awards can add up.

Keeping records and meeting conditions

Once you receive an award, read the conditions and keep a copy. Note any requirements such as minimum grades, attendance, volunteering or reports, and put the dates in your calendar. If you cannot meet a condition, contact the university early to explain, since many have flexibility for illness or other serious difficulties. Losing an award over a missed form is frustrating and often avoidable.

Where to get advice

Your school or college careers adviser, the university's student funding team and independent charities can help you find and apply for support. Ask them to read your application before you send it, and use their knowledge of local awards.

Common mistakes

Not looking for awards at all.
Missing deadlines.
Assuming that automatic awards apply without sharing income details.
Not reading the conditions.
Applying only for the most competitive awards.
Ignoring hardship funds when you need help.
Paying for help to find scholarships.

A quick checklist

Have I checked each university's funding pages?
Do I know which awards are automatic and which need an application?
Have I noted deadlines and evidence needed?
Have I asked about hardship and access support?
Am I keeping records of what I submit?

Final thoughts

University bursaries and scholarships can make a real difference to what you pay and how comfortably you live. Look early, read the rules and apply for every award you qualify for. Universities want students to find them, and asking costs nothing.