Find scholarships, bursaries, and grants
You could be eligible for more funding than you think.
Explore scholarships, bursaries, and grants matched to your background, achievements, or chosen course, and get support for your study and living costs.
Scholarship guidance for UK students
Here, we’ll cover what scholarships and bursaries are, how to find out what you might be eligible for, and essential tips for successful scholarship applications.
Scholarships are financial awards that reward your accomplishments, whether academic, athletic, artistic, or extracurricular.
They don't need to be repaid. With significant funding available across the UK each year, they're worth pursuing to reduce your university costs.
Scholarships vs bursaries and grants
Scholarships and bursaries are financial awards granted to students based on academic achievements, talent, need, or a combination of these factors. Unlike loans, scholarships don't require repayment, making them an invaluable resource for students who may need extra financial assistance.
Bursaries, on the other hand, are typically need-based awards that aim to support students facing financial hardship. They may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or specific educational costs. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Scholarships: usually awarded for something you’ve achieved, whether academic or extracurricular. For example: a scholarship for achieving the highest mark in first year, or a sports scholarship
- Grants: usually awarded based on personal circumstances or financial need. For example: you’re from an underprivileged background or have a disability. In particular cases, they can also be given for achievement
- Bursaries: always awarded based on financial need. For example: those from low-income families or people who have refugee status. Likely to be means-tested (based on your household income)
How to apply for scholarships
The application process for scholarships and bursaries will vary. Here are some general tips for how to apply:
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1
Prepare thoroughly
Collect academic transcripts, reference letters, and personal statements. Check deadlines carefully as some close early. Start your applications well in advance and tailor each application to highlight achievements that align with that specific scholarship's criteria.
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2
Show what makes you unique
Share genuine experiences and accomplishments that distinguish you from other applicants. While AI tools can help with drafting, don't use them to write your entire application, as reviewers can spot AI-generated content. Be authentic and honest as committees can easily detect exaggeration.
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3
Perfect the details
Complete every required section and include all documents. Use tools like Grammarly to catch errors, and ask teachers or mentors to review your work before submitting.
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4
Apply strategically
Don't limit yourself to one application. Quality matters more than quantity, so customise each application thoughtfully rather than rushing through many generic ones.
Tips for successful scholarship applications
Here are a few tips for a successful application:
- Highlight your unique qualities: Scholarships often seek candidates who stand out from the crowd. Showcase your unique talents, achievements, and show your personality in your application.
- Be personal: Don’t just write what you think the scholarship committee will want to hear; write what is true to your experience. Avoid exaggeration or dishonesty, as scholarship committees can easily detect insincerity.
- Be wary of AI: AI can be a helpful tool for making a first draft, but you shouldn’t use it to write your entire application (this also applies to writing your uni personal statement). Check out Blackbullion's guide on using AI for writing scholarship applications.
- Pay attention to detail: Make sure you have completed all required sections of the application and included all necessary documents. Here, free platforms like Grammarly can be helpful for catching typos and error, but also get a second pair of eyes to review your application before submitting.
- Apply for multiple scholarships: Don't limit yourself to applying for just one scholarship. The more you apply for, the higher your chances. That being said, quantity is always better than quality. Apply for multiple scholarships, but make sure you tailor each.
