Bursaries & Scholarships
The grids summarise the types of bursaries (B) and
scholarships (S) available. The bursaries and scholarships listed are in
response to recent government policy and are intended to facilitate access to
university for all. For a more detailed description of the bursaries and
scholarships offered by universities consult OFFA (Office for Fair Access).
A number of points need to be borne in mind by the reader
when consulting these grids. The information was up to date and accurate at the
time of collation but some of the figures may be subject to change and the
reader should always check with universities for final details. Note that in
July 2009 the UK government announced an increase in the maximum tuition fee
level for students starting a full-time course in 2010–11 to £3,290 and the
increase of the maximum tuition fee loan to the same. The maintenance grant for
English university students will remain at £2,906 for 2010–11.
The grid does not provide a definitive summary of all
scholarships and bursaries offered by UK universities. Many universities have
had scholarships and bursaries schemes for years and this grid does not address
those opportunities. Again, consult individual universities for an overview of
the full range of their scholarships and bursaries.
The new funding arrangements in Scotland and Wales are both
separate from and different to those in England and Northern Ireland. However,
with effect from 1 September 2010, the funding arrangements in Wales and for
students normally resident in Wales, will change significantly, bringing them in
line with those for England and Northern Ireland. These are detailed below.
Remember, as with the other UK universities, conditions often apply to these
scholarships and you should consult the individual institutions for detailed
information.
The grids reflect as accurately as possible what is available in all four UK countries, but be aware that different conditions and eligibility prevail depending on residence. Please also note that the terms Bursary and Scholarship are used interchangeably by universities.
Scotland
- Non-Scottish domiciled student fees (20010–11):
£1,820 a year (£2,895 for medicine). Payment of fees can be deferred by
applying for a student loan administered by your LEA or devolved government.
Students who come from a low-income household in England or Northern Ireland
may also qualify for a HE grant of up to £2,906 a year for English students and
£4,840 a year for students normally resident in Northern Ireland. This is to
cover living expenses and is in addition to their student loan to cover fees.
- The Scottish Executive has announced that
English, Welsh and Northern Ireland domiciled students studying in Scottish
Universities and from low-income family backgrounds may be entitled to up to £329.
Wales
- Fees for undergraduate courses (2010–11) £3,290.
- NB: New students commencing their studies on
or after 1 September 2010 will not be eligible for
tuition fee grant.
- Welsh Bursary Scheme: the Welsh Assembly
Government has introduced this Scheme which provides a means-tested bursary of
up to £329 a year for students from lower-income families who choose to study
at a Welsh institution. This is available to students regardless of where they
live in the UK. The Welsh Bursary is administered by the universities and is
additional to any bursaries or scholarships that may be available from the
individual institutions themselves.
- The level of a
full Assembly Learning Grant/Special Support Grant will be £5,000
An Explanation of the Headings
- In receipt of full Maintenance Grant are bursaries for students from the lowest income families and these will have a MG (Maintenance Grant) of around £2,906 and a mandatory non-repayable bursary of at least £329. But, as the grid shows, this bursary will often be considerably higher than this minimum.
- In receipt of partial Maintenance Grant are students from low-income families who, whilst not receiving the full MG, will still receive a lower MG and, in addition, at many universities also the bursary shown.
- Living in region is defined by the university itself. For most, this will be the city or county where the university is located, but it could be wider than that, particularly for universities in rural areas.
- Living in specified postcodes will usually be for students who live in deprived parts of towns and cities where there is little tradition of entry to universities. But the university may also have other good reasons for targeting these districts.
- Bursaries for Placement/Year abroad students are provided for students working or studying away from their university.
- Progression from outreach will be for students who have already been involved in the outreach activities of the university. Most higher education institutions have developed strong links, sometimes called Compacts or Partnerships, with schools and colleges with which they have special arrangements for encouraging their students to apply to universities.
- Ethnic minorities are students from black and other ethnic communities where these are under-represented in the university student population.
- Disabled because, again, these students are often under-represented in universities.
- Care Bursaries for students coming from a care background.
