SOAS Bursary

SOAS Bursary

You get a cash grant of up to about 5,300 EUR (£4,500) over your whole degree, paid straight into your bank account. That works out to roughly 1,780 EUR (£1,500) in your first year, in your second or third year, and in your final year. Each year's amount is split into three instalments. The money comes from SOAS University of London to help students with the greatest financial need. You get no payment in a language year abroad or in a repeat year.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting the first year of a full-time undergraduate or foundation degree at SOAS.
• New student: You do not already hold a first degree or a higher qualification.
• Residence: You normally live in England and count as a 'Home' student for tuition fee purposes.
• Financial need: Student Finance assesses your household income at £25,000 (about 29,500 EUR) or less. This counts even if you do not take out a maintenance loan.
• Priority: Places are limited, so meeting the criteria does not guarantee an award. Priority goes to care leavers, refugees, first-generation students, people from areas where few go to university, and those on the lowest household incomes.

How to apply

There is no separate application. You apply for UK Student Finance at gov.uk/student-finance and agree to share your income details. SOAS then checks your eligibility automatically. If you cannot take out loans for religious reasons, contact the funding office to be income-assessed another way.

How realistic are your chances?

This bursary is only for English-resident Home students with a household income of £25,000 or less, so the eligible group is already narrow. Places are limited and not everyone who qualifies gets one. Priority goes to the lowest incomes, care leavers, refugees and first-generation students. If you clearly fit one of those priority groups, your prospects are good.