BU Estrangement Bursary

The BU Estrangement Bursary provides additional support if you are a new student joining us in September 2026 and have have been classed as estranged by Student Finance England.

Our Estrangement Bursary is available to all new undergraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria specified below. For those commencing their studies with us in the 2026/27 academic year in Year 1 (level 4), it offers up to £9,000 over three years of study (up to £12,000 if you are studying a Foundation Year and paying the higher tuition fee of £9,535).

The bursary does not need to be repaid and can be used towards paying your rent or to support your living costs whilst at university.

You'll be automatically awarded the bursary as long as you meet the eligibility criteria so there’s no need to apply. As long as you still meet the criteria, you’ll continue to receive the bursary every year you’re studying at BU (unless you’re on a placement year).

To be eligible for a BU Estrangement Bursary, you must:

• be classed as estranged by Student Finance England
• be registered as Home for fee status; and
• live in England and have been ordinarily resident in England for three years prior to the start date of your course*
• be eligible for both the Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan from Student Finance England
• be a new student for September 2026 entry, actively participating on an Undergraduate BU or Wiltshire College Salisbury** course (excluding HNC/HND) on a full or part-time basis
• be paying the higher tuition fee of £9,535 if studying a Foundation Year
• have a household income of £25,000 or less***.

*Students who are ordinarily resident in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are excluded from receiving the BU Estrangement Bursary due to alternative funding arrangements being available to them. Ordinarily resident has been defined as 'habitual and normal residence in one place.’ It means that you live in a country year after year by choice through a set period, apart from temporary or occasional absences, such as holidays or business trips. Living here totally or mainly for the purpose of receiving full-time education does not count as being ordinarily resident. The course start date is defined as 1 September for September entrants and 1 January for January/February entrants.

**Applies to: BA (Hons) Film Production and Cinematography. If you're studying at one of our other Partner Colleges, you will need to contact them for information about financial support.

***You will need to meet the eligibility criteria each year in order to qualify for the full bursary.