University of Leicester Bursary Scheme

For courses starting in the academic year 2026/27, the University of Leicester Bursary Scheme can help you if you have:

• completed a University of Leicester progression programme, (Access Leicester: Medicine, Access Leicester: STEM - NB. students who complete online pathway programmes will not be eligible for this bursary) or
• completed the Sutton Trust Pathways to Law or Pathways to Banking and Finance programme (NB. students who complete an online pathway programmes will not be eligible for this bursary), or
• completed a UKWPMED partner programme, or
• completed the Realising Opportunities programme, or
• a postcode identified as Index of Multiple Deprivation Quintile 1 (IMD Q1), indicating an area of high deprivation (check whether your postcode is identified as IMD Q1, see additional information from the government about Student Finance, and read further information below). And
• have a household income of £30,000 or less as verified by Student Finance*.

*For us to verify that you have a household income of £30,000 or less, you will need to be means tested by Student Finance. This will happen automatically if you are taking out a student loan, however, for those that do not wish to take out a student loan you are still able to be means tested by following the guidance to be assessed for the means tested (higher rate) Maintenance Loan but requesting a Maintenance Loan of £0 when prompted.

If you are eligible, we will give you £1,000 cash for each year of your course (not including an industrial placement). This will be paid to you at the start of semester 2 (mid-February if you start your course in September, or mid-July if you start your course in April) usually through your Student Loan Company account.

Additional eligibility criteria 2026/27

• You must be classified as a home student for fee purposes
• You must not have previously completed a degree
• You must be a full time, campus-based student
• You must be registered as a full-time undergraduate student at the University of Leicester

Available for all subjects, including Medicine**.

There is no need to apply for the University of Leicester Bursary. Your eligibility for this bursary will be automatically assessed based on the above criteria at the end of your first semester (January for September starters and June/July for April starters). Please ensure the University has your most up to date details, and if appropriate that your details are up to date with the Student Loans Company. We will email you at your university email address  at the end of Semester 1 to inform you that you’ve been awarded the bursary and that you will be receiving the payment mid-February for September starters or mid-July for April starters.

**Medical students
If you are a medical student and are awarded the University of Leicester Bursary, you will receive this for the first four years of your degree. You will not receive the University of Leicester Bursary for the fifth year of your degree because you will receive funding for fees and living costs directly from the NHS. Medicine Foundation Year students are not eligible for the University of Leicester Bursary at any point during their foundation year or subsequent degree. Alternative funds are available via the foundation year programme.

For full details please visit our website.