Reading Equity Student Bursary

Providing financial support to Black and mixed Black heritage students with a household income of up to £27,000. To qualify, students must have a home address in an area with low higher education participation (POLAR4 or TUNDRA quintile 1 or 2) or in a generally disadvantaged area (Indices of Multiple Deprivation quintile 1 or 2), as recorded on their RISIS student record. This support is part of our Access and Participation Plan commitments, and can be awarded in addition to the Reading Bursary.

Am I eligible?

A new student starting their studies in 2025/26 will need to meet each of the following eligibility criteria to be awarded the Reading Equity Student Bursary:

1. Come from a Black African, Black Caribbean or mixed Black African, Black Caribbean ethnic background- see website for more information
2. Be registered on a full-time undergraduate programme with an assessed household income of up to £27,000 that is confirmed by their Student Finance Authority in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland entering in 2025/26 for year 1 of study, and;
3. Have a home address recorded on their RISIS student record that falls within an area of low participation of young people progressing into higher education (POLAR4 or TUNDRA quintile 1 or 2) or be considered to be from an area of general disadvantage according to the governments Indices of Multiple Deprivation quintile 1 or 2. Please note that if you are a recipient of the University Care experienced and estrangement bursary the requirement to meet this eligibility criteria will not apply.

Applying for the Reading Equity Student Bursary

Eligible students do not need to apply for this funding. It will be awarded automatically to eligible students who meet the criteria above and give consent to share their financial information as part of their Student Finance Authority means-tested application.  Eligibility will be assessed on an annual basis according to the eligibility criteria in place for that particular academic year.