University of Bristol Bursary

University of Bristol Bursary

You get up to about EUR 2,900 per year (£2,500). This is a grant you never have to pay back. The University of Bristol gives it to lower-income undergraduates, and the amount rises as your household income falls:

• About EUR 2,900 (£2,500) if your household income is £10,000 or below
• About EUR 2,300 (£2,000) up to £20,000
• About EUR 1,750 (£1,500) up to £30,000
• About EUR 1,150 (£1,000) up to £40,000
• About EUR 580 (£500) up to £50,000

Part-time students get a share of this based on the tuition fee they pay. The money goes straight into your bank account in three instalments, on 27 October, 9 February and 30 March. You can receive it in every year of your course as long as you still qualify. Depending on how much you get, you can also buy a discounted sports pass.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are studying your first undergraduate degree at the University of Bristol.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Enrolment: Full-time, or part-time if you started on or after 1 August 2020.
• Home student: You are a UK home student, living in the UK and paying home tuition fees.
• Financial need: Your household income is £50,000 (about EUR 58,000) or below. You have also applied to your regional funding body for a means-tested government loan (one based on your household income) and agreed to share your income details.
• National grant: If you are from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you also need the relevant government maintenance or learning grant. The Bristol bursary still runs up to £50,000 even where that national grant stops lower.
• Not eligible: You cannot get it for a second undergraduate degree, a year in industry, an NHS-funded year, or if you are registered as 'exams only'. EU students qualify only with the right settlement status.

How to apply

There is no separate application. You apply for means-tested support from your regional funding body (Student Finance England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or SAAS for Scotland). When you apply, you agree to share your income data automatically. The university then emails eligible students about their award in the autumn term. You must claim the bursary by the start of the summer break each year.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a competitive award. Bristol pays it to thousands of students every year, and there is no selection panel. If you are a home undergraduate with a household income of £50,000 or below, and you have applied for means-tested student finance, you get it. Just make sure you apply for that funding and consent to sharing your income, or the university cannot pay you.