Extra money to pay for university

    Students in higher education can apply for money directly from their university or college on top of any other student finance – you don’t have to pay this money back.

    Bursaries, scholarships and awards

    Each university or college has their own rules about bursaries, scholarships and awards. For example:

    • who qualifies
    • how much you can get
    • how to apply

    Bursaries are like grants and don’t have to be paid back. You get your bursary directly from your university or college.

    Talk to your student support service to find out what’s available.

    On a low income – the National Scholarship Programme

    You can apply for a bursary from the National Scholarship Programme if your household income is £25,000 a year or less

    The bursary can be one or more of the following:

    • a cash bursary of up to £1,000
    • help with tuition fees and accommodation
    • a free foundation year (a programme that helps students meet the entry criteria for a higher education course)

    If you’re awarded a cash bursary it’s paid directly into your bank account by your university or college.

    Contact your university or college to find out how and when to apply.

    Leaving local authority care

    If you’ve been in local authority care, you can apply for:

    • a one-off bursary of £2,000 from your local authority
    • a bursary from your university or college