What is a bursary for university?

University bursary options are available for multiple courses. If you’re looking to continue your education, our guide provides a detailed breakdown of the most important factors. Understanding whether you’re eligible to claim a bursary gives you the peace of mind you need to focus solely on your studies. We’ll also cover what funding is available and whether a bursary is the right choice for you.

Whether you’re considering an Undergraduate degree, a Master’s, an MBA, or a PhD, our guide provides everything you need to know. 

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what university bursaries are, the types available, and what you need to apply. 

The University of Warwick offers a diverse range of bursaries and scholarships, facilitating open access to world-class education for everyone. Our MBA scholarships in particular are well-known and highly sought-after, and we have more than £1.5 million in MSc scholarships available.

Find the right course for you or get in touch for support.

What is a bursary for university?

A bursary is a financial award that is available to some students and doesn’t need to be repaid. Various factors determine the availability of a bursary, such as the financial or socioeconomic status of the student. The amount that is available varies depending on the provider, but it can be a good way to access higher education if you’re unable to afford it on your own.

Previous Master’s student Maxim Ali reflects on the impact his Warwick Business School bursary had on his academic journey:

“The bursary was instrumental in shaping my educational path. It granted me the financial stability necessary to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to my studies. This support allowed me to redirect vital resources towards enriching my learning experience. The financial assistance not only provided practical benefits but also served as a powerful motivational force.”

What's the difference between bursaries and scholarships?

A bursary is available to students who come from a low-income household or are part of an underrepresented demographic. They’re available to cover study-related costs for those who meet the eligibility requirements. A scholarship is different because it can be awarded for more reasons. For example, it may be related to income or demographics, but it can also be based on academic ability, art, or sporting aptitude. As a result, there are no guarantees you can get one, and they are competitive in nature.

You can learn more about what university scholarships are in our guide.

Who is entitled to a university bursary?

There are a range of factors that determine eligibility for bursaries. The type of bursary will also impact whether you can claim it. A government bursary has fewer requirements, but a bursary from a trust will often have some form of achievement expectation if you want to claim it. Common factors include:

• Household income 
• Underrepresented backgrounds 
• Disabilities or long-term health conditions 
• Academic achievement 
• Sporting achievement 
• Alumni discounts

Who offers student bursaries?

Universities

A university bursary is available for many reasons, such as coming from a lower-income household, being a care leaver, or being part of an underrepresented demographic. At the University of Warwick, you can get bursaries for these reasons, as well as other factors such as being estranged from your parents. You typically don’t need to apply for a bursary separately as it’s assessed when you apply for student funding.

Charities and trusts

Charities and trusts may also offer bursaries to students. These are typically only available to specific groups of people and are usually aligned with the charity or trust’s aims. One example is Heropreneurs, which offers bursaries for entrepreneurs from the military community.

Professional bodies and associations

Some professional bodies will offer bursaries to students who come from less well-represented demographics to encourage them to become part of a specific industry. Two examples are the NHS, who offer nursing bursaries, and schools that offer teaching bursaries. These are just two examples from hundreds of industries, so it’s worth checking to see if your prospective job offers a bursary.

How do you find a university bursary?

Your first port of call is to check the university's web pages to see what information they have listed in their funding sections. You can also speak to the people in the university admissions team, who will have access to details about the university bursaries they offer. Open days are another way to find more information about what you can claim. Checking charities and trusts is another useful tip, as you may be able to find a bursary that will be relevant to your potential future job.

How to apply for a bursary for university

The following tips for applying for a university bursary will help you understand the steps to follow to apply for an available bursary. 

Research available bursaries

Your first step is to research what’s available to you. Check what your prospective university offers while also looking into any potential additional bursaries. Government bursaries don’t require an extra application after completing your student finance form. If you’re obtaining a student loan, it’s a good idea to tick the box to share your information with any schools you’re applying to. That way, the university will be able to consider whether you’re eligible for extra support, potentially through a university bursary.

Check eligibility criteria

Make sure you check whether you can claim the bursary. Your personal circumstances will determine whether you can claim, and it’s important to ensure you meet the requirements. For example, if your household income is too high, you won’t be eligible for many bursaries. You also won’t be able to claim a bursary for a specific industry if you don’t intend to work in it. It’s always best to check that you are eligible to avoid disappointment and wasted time.

Apply early

The earlier you apply, the better chance you have of receiving confirmation in time. Although some bursaries have deadlines for applying, waiting too long can cause you to miss out on the funds. It’s important to remember that bursary deadlines don’t always line up with UCAS and university application deadlines, so don’t just assume that they’re the same. Find out when it needs to be received and set yourself a reminder so you don’t miss the deadline. 

If you're applying for student finance, be aware that late student finance applications can lead to delays in receiving your funding. Therefore, you should apply as early as possible to avoid financial stress at the start of the term.

Prepare necessary documentation

The necessary documentation for a university bursary goes beyond identification documents. You also need to provide evidence and references from relevant people. If you have to be within a certain income band to claim the bursary, you’ll need to provide proof of this. If you must be part of a specific demographic, a reference from a respected figure within that community will prove that you’re eligible. Make sure you check what’s needed and compile all documents to be part of your application.

Discover university bursaries from Warwick Business School

There are a range of university bursaries available at the University of Warwick, with scholarships also forming part of the selection. They’re available to help students focus on their studies by removing some of the stresses that financial issues can cause. If you want more information about financial assistance, the Warwick Undergraduate Scholarships and Bursaries Programme is available for business management and finance undergraduates. If you want to continue your studies, there are also MSc and MBA scholarships available. You can also check our courses to see what’s available to you.