What are scholarships?
Scholarships are financial awards given to high-achieving students, or students with greater need, where the money doesn’t need to be paid back. They’re designed to help you with your studies and can supplement student loans and other grants or bursaries you may be eligible for.
Many universities offer scholarships specific to their courses. You need to apply for these and the process can be competitive. External organisations also offer over £4.5m worth of funds each year, so it’s worth looking wider than your uni to see what else is on offer to you.
What scholarships are available to UK university students?
Scholarships can be awarded for many different reasons. Often, this is dependent on the type of university or organisation that's awarding them. Here are some of the different types of scholarships available:
Academic excellence scholarships
These are offered to students who achieve high grades in their school exams. They are one of the most popular scholarships available, and offer a range of rewards. For example, your uni might give you a set amount of money over your degree or a discount in tuition fees.
Personal circumstances
These types of scholarships are based on things that are specific to your personal situation. This might be the area in which you live, whether you’ve been in care, what your parents do, or based on your religion. Refugees and asylum seekers also have access to specific scholarships. The funding might come from local authorities, religious organisations, or charities.
Financial need
More often called grants or bursaries, these scholarships give money to students who are in need financially. As with all scholarships there will be specific financial criteria you need to meet to access this funding. This might include details of your annual household income, as well as information on any benefits, investments or savings.
Music scholarships
If you’re a talented musician or singer you could apply for a music scholarship. Often, these scholarships won’t expect you to be studying a music subject, as they aim to encourage musical activities separate from your studies.
Sports scholarships
If you’re a keen athlete or sportsperson, you might be awarded a sports scholarship. In most cases you’ll need to continue your sport either for a university team or at a local or national level.
Vocational scholarships
These types of scholarships are becoming more and more popular as UK companies and professional organisations offer funding as well as work experience and mentoring as part of the offer. They will likely focus on a specific trade or career path relevant to the subject you’re studying.
Interests and hobbies
There are some scholarships available which relate to extra-curricular activities, such as showing a commitment to social engagement or improving the lives of others. The funding for this is likely to come from charities, trusts or foundations.
Other scholarships
Increasingly, scholarships are being offered by companies asking students to apply by submitting an essay or a video. These are usually offered by businesses looking to achieve greater brand awareness among the student population.
How do I find scholarships?
Not sure how to find scholarships? Here's where to look:
Your chosen university
The first place to look to find scholarships is your chosen uni. If you know where you’re going to study, take a look at their website and see what scholarships they offer. You might find they list scholarships or grants in partnership with other funders.
You could also contact the Students’ Union welfare office or student services department. They may be able to point you towards other funds that fit your situation.
We also list scholarships and bursaries on the Whatuni university profile pages.
External scholarship providers
The Scholarship Hub is your next stop. This is a free online database of all the scholarships available to UK or EU students, including university offerings as well as those from businesses, charities and other organisations. So even if you haven’t yet decided which uni you’ll be going to, the Hub is a good place to look and compare what’s on offer.
Turn2Us is a charity that supports people in financial need through practical help and advice. You can search for grants as well as read guidance on how to apply for financially assessed funding.
Disabled students might find the Disability Rights UK website useful. It lists a range of opportunities as well as advice on applying.
It’s also worth looking directly into different charities, especially if they relate to your personal circumstances.
Careers service
If you’re still at school it’s definitely worth chatting with your careers advisors. They should be able to point you in the right direction for your circumstances, or support you throughout any scholarship applications you might make.
Top tip: don’t stop looking!
New scholarships are being created all the time and they're not only offered to new students. There are scholarships for current students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Keep an eye out while you’re studying and you could be awarded some extra cash to support you along the way.
Need more student finance advice? Check out our complete guide to student finance!