University bursaries and scholarships
Scholarships, bursaries and grants are all there to help different students in varying situations. Find out what help is available and how to apply.
What’s the difference between bursaries and scholarships?
Scholarships and bursaries reward high achievement or support students with greater need. The money doesn't need to be paid back.
Bursaries are usually awarded to students based on their personal circumstances or if they come from a low-income family. Bursaries can help students who may face more barriers to attending full-time education, enabling them to access university.
Scholarships usually reward students who are outstanding in their subject, often sport or music. They generally need to be applied for and are quite competitive.
The two terms can be used interchangeably and each university has its own terminology. There can also be university scholarships to encourage or reward activities separate from studies, such as volunteering.
University scholarships and bursaries are available as extra financial help for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Most awards are for full-time students, and there are some awards specifically for international students. To be eligible, students must meet the criteria.
How do you find a university scholarship or bursary?
To find a university scholarship in the UK, you should consult UCAS and the websites and prospectuses of individual universities and colleges. If you're considering a collegiate university (a university comprising a number of separate colleges, like Oxford or Cambridge) check if there are awards from particular colleges.
There may be entrance scholarships awarded to new students entering university, or progression scholarships where financial support for the second year of study is conditional on successfully completing the first year.
If you don't think you'll fit the criteria for either a university scholarship or a bursary, you can still look at what bursaries and scholarships are available outside of universities. The criteria for these can be broader. They could be based on where you attended school, for example. Awards from external agencies or charities may be listed on university websites.
Tips for applying for a university scholarship or bursary
Consider your chances
If your parents are high-income earners, you may only be eligible for scholarships linked to achievement (whether academic or in music or sport) and/or a desire to study 'shortage' subjects. Check both the value of the award and how many are on offer.
Check if you need to apply and what the deadline is
Some awards need an application. Others may be awarded automatically. Automatic awards can include bursaries based on your personal circumstances, or if you achieve the specified grades in exams. Awards that need an application are likely to require the offer of a place before you can apply. Make sure you note any deadlines for applications.
Find out when you'll know if you're successful for an award
On the university's website, read the award's eligibility criteria, how to apply and when you can expect to hear if you’ve been successful. For bursaries dependent on income, you'll know if you're likely to meet the criteria when you get your student finance assessment. For other awards, you may not know until you get your exam results, long after you've made larger decisions.
Share your information with Student Finance
When you apply for your student loan, tick a box to allow your information to be shared with the universities you're applying to. This will allow them to assess whether you meet the criteria for a bursary. Your information won't be shared with anyone else.
Keep your eyes open for opportunities
Look out for special and unadvertised offers when you go to interviews and open days. Be particularly watchful during Clearing – some universities may increase bursaries and scholarships to fill their places.
Take care with your application
When completing your application, check it's grammatically correct with no obvious errors. Read the small print on any offers. There's also no harm in phoning a university if you come across difficulties in understanding the information.
Be realistic
Weigh up the total package, including any extras you may be charged over the year, and compare it with other universities you're interested in. Make sure to choose the right university for you, not because it offers more money.