University Scholarships and Funding: Complete UK Guide
University costs add up quickly, but many students miss out on funding they're entitled to. This comprehensive guide covers every major source of financial support.
Government Student Finance
Website: www.gov.uk/student-finance
Every UK student should apply for government support - it's not means-tested for tuition fees.
Tuition Fee Loan
Covers full tuition fees (up to £9,250/year in England)Paid directly to your universityAvailable to all UK studentsRepay only after earning £27,295+ (Plan 2)Maintenance Loan
Helps with living costs:
Living at home: Up to £8,400/yearLiving away (outside London): Up to £10,227/yearLiving away (London): Up to £13,348/yearAmount depends on household income - apply even if you think you won't qualify for full amount.
Application Timeline
Applications open: February/MarchApply early: May-June (for September start)Deadline: Nine months after course start (but apply early!)The Scholarship Hub
Website: www.thescholarshiphub.org.uk
The UK's most comprehensive scholarship database. Free registration gives access to:
Searchable database of 3,000+ scholarshipsPersonalised matches based on your profileApplication deadline remindersTips for successful applicationsTypes of Scholarships Listed
Academic merit awardsSubject-specific scholarshipsDiversity and widening participationSports scholarshipsArts and creative scholarshipsRegional awardsApply to Uni
Website: www.applytouni.com
Combines scholarship information with application advice:
Scholarship search toolPersonal statement helpUniversity profilesStudent finance guidesScholarship Categories
University scholarships: Offered by institutions directlyExternal scholarships: From charities, companies, trustsProfessional body awards: For specific career pathsEmployer sponsorships: Work + study arrangementsPostgraduate Search Funding
Website: www.postgraduatesearch.com/funding
For those considering postgraduate study:
Masters scholarshipsPhD fundingResearch council awardsProfessional development loansNHS Bursaries and Funding
Website: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-bursary-students
Studying nursing, midwifery, or allied health professions? You may qualify for:
NHS Learning Support Fund
Training grant: £5,000/year (non-repayable)Parental support: Up to £2,000 extraRegional incentive: For areas with shortagesEligible Courses
Nursing (all fields)MidwiferyPhysiotherapyOccupational therapyRadiographySpeech and language therapyAnd more...University-Specific Scholarships
Most universities offer their own awards. Common types:
Academic Excellence Scholarships
Based on predicted/achieved gradesOften £1,000-5,000 per yearSome cover full feesWidening Participation Bursaries
For students from:
Low-income householdsFirst generation to attend universityUnderrepresented postcodesCare leaversSubject Scholarships
Often funded by employers or alumniMay include work placementsCommon in STEM, law, businessSports Scholarships
For talented athletesInclude coaching, facilities accessSome include financial supportHow to Find Scholarships
Step 1: Check Your University
Visit the student finance/scholarships pageLook for automatic awards (based on grades/income)Find application-based scholarshipsNote deadlinesStep 2: Use Search Engines
The Scholarship HubApply to UniTurn2Us grants searchYour local councilStep 3: Check Professional Bodies
If you know your career path:
Law: Legal education foundationEngineering: Institution of Engineering and TechnologyMedicine: Medical societies and charitiesAccountancy: Major firms offer sponsorshipsStep 4: Local Opportunities
Local councilsCommunity foundationsLivery companies (City of London)Regional charitiesScholarship Application Tips
Do
Apply early (first come, first served for some)Tailor each applicationFollow instructions exactlyProvide strong referencesProofread everythingDon't
Miss deadlinesUse generic applicationsUndersell yourselfForget to apply for everything you're eligible forLesser-Known Funding Sources
Disabled Students' Allowance
Website: www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa
Non-repayable grant for students with:
Physical disabilitiesMental health conditionsLearning difficulties (dyslexia, etc.)Covers specialist equipment, support workers, travel costs.
Care Leavers Bursary
If you've been in local authority care:
£2,000 bursary from most universitiesAdditional support servicesYear-round accommodation optionsChildcare Grant
For student parents:
Up to £188.90/week (one child)Up to £323.85/week (two+ children)Plus Parents' Learning AllowanceCreating a Funding Strategy
Apply for student finance first: The foundation of your fundingResearch university awards: Check before choosing your firmSearch external scholarships: Cast a wide netConsider part-time work: Universities have job shopsBudget carefully: Make your funding stretchDon't Give Up
Rejections are common - successful students often apply to many scholarships before winning one. Every application is practice for the next.
The funding is out there. Your job is to find it and apply.