Heading to university is an exciting time but can also bring financial worries. Tuition fees, living costs, and study materials can add up quickly. Thankfully, many grants, bursaries, and scholarships are available to help UK students manage their expenses without adding to their student loan debt. The best part? These forms of financial support don’t need to be repaid!
What’s the Difference Between Grants, Bursaries, and Scholarships?
Before diving into the details, it’s essential to understand the distinction between grants, bursaries, and scholarships:
- Grants are usually awarded based on financial need. Government bodies, universities, or charitable organisations often provide them to help students from lower-income households.
- Bursaries are like grants but are often provided directly by universities. They may be awarded based on financial need, specific criteria (such as care leavers), or unique circumstances.
- Scholarships are awarded based on merit, such as academic achievement, sports performance, or artistic talent. Some scholarships also focus on supporting students from specific backgrounds or underrepresented groups.
Grants Available to UK Students
Grants are a valuable resource for students facing financial challenges, and in 2024, there are several key options:
Please remember the following information:
a) Maintenance Grants (Northern Ireland and Wales)
While Maintenance Grants have been phased out in England and Scotland, students in Wales and Northern Ireland can still access this type of funding.
– Northern Ireland: Students can receive up to £3,475 per year depending on household income.
– Wales: The Welsh Government Learning Grant offers up to £10,124 per year, depending on income.
These grants are usually means-tested, meaning they depend on your household income.
b) Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
DSA is available across the UK to students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health conditions, or specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia. It covers costs related to study needs, including specialist equipment, non-medical helpers, and travel costs.
DSA is not means-tested, meaning it’s available regardless of household income.
c) Childcare and Parents’ Learning Allowance
Additional grants are available for students with children to help cover childcare costs or other expenses related to studying while being a parent.
– Parents’ Learning Allowance: Up to £1,915 per year.
– Childcare Grant: Covers up to 85% of childcare costs (up to £188.90 per week for one child).
University Bursaries
Most UK universities offer bursaries, which are generally based on financial need, but there are sometimes additional criteria. These bursaries are a great way to ease the pressure of living costs and are often less competitive than national grants or scholarships.
Types of Bursaries
Income-Based Bursaries: Many universities offer bursaries for students from low-income families. Students with a household income of less than £25,000 may qualify for support, though amounts and eligibility vary by institution.
Care Leavers and Estranged Students: Many universities provide specific bursaries for students who have been in care or are estranged from their families. These bursaries can offer significant financial help.
Hardship Funds: These are emergency bursaries for students facing unexpected financial difficulties during their studies. Each university manages its hardship fund, and students must provide evidence of financial need.
How to Apply
You typically apply for bursaries through your university’s Student Services or Financial Aid Office. However, eligibility criteria and application deadlines vary widely.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for academic excellence, sporting achievements, and other talents and can help reduce the financial burden of the university while recognising students’ skills and abilities. There are different types of scholarships:
a) Academic Scholarships: These are awarded to students with outstanding grades in their A-levels, Highers, or other pre-university qualifications. Many universities offer automatic academic scholarships based on entry results. For example, some universities offer up to £3,000 per year for students achieving top A-level grades (such as AAA* or above).
b) Sports Scholarships: Students who excel in sports may be eligible for a sports scholarship. Many universities support student-athletes, including financial aid, access to top training facilities, and tailored academic support. Team GB athletes, those competing at a national level, or those with the potential to compete internationally are often targeted for sports scholarships.
c) Artistic and Creative Scholarships: Talented musicians, actors, or artists can benefit from scholarships that help fund their studies while supporting their artistic growth. Scholarships may include financial awards, access to performance opportunities, mentoring, or unique resources.
d) Scholarships for Specific Backgrounds: Some scholarships are aimed at students from specific communities or underrepresented groups. For example:
– The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation: Supports Black African and Caribbean heritage students to cover the total cost of university tuition.
– The 93% Club Scholarship Aims to support students from state-school backgrounds who may face barriers to higher education.
How to maximise your chances of success in getting funding
There are more people than scholarships and bursaries available. You will need to compete with others to win this additional funding. Here are some tips to maximise your chances of receiving grants, bursaries, and scholarships:
1. Start Early: Research your options and apply when applications open. Some scholarships have early deadlines.
2. Tailor Your Applications: Highlight why you meet a particular grant or scholarship criteria. For merit-based scholarships, demonstrate your achievements.
3. Look Beyond the Obvious: Explore scholarships or bursaries tied to your background, heritage, or special interests. Many local charities, professional organisations, and businesses offer niche scholarships that are less widely known.
4. Don’t Rely on One Application: To increase your support chances, apply for multiple grants, bursaries, and scholarships.
Final Thoughts
Grants, bursaries, and scholarships are crucial resources for UK students in 2024. They offer valuable financial support without the burden of repayment. Whether you need help covering your tuition fees, living expenses, or specific study needs, there’s likely a form of aid that fits your situation. So, take the time to explore your options, gather the necessary information, and apply early. With the proper support, you can focus more on your studies and less on financial stress.
