Personal Circumstances Scholarship (Means-tested Undergraduate Scholarship) der University of Leeds

What you get

You get about 3,500 EUR per year for three years (£3,000 a year, roughly 10,500 EUR in total), paid in cash instalments. You do not pay the money back, and it comes on top of any government student loan. If you grew up in the care system, or you have no family support because you are estranged from your parents, you get an extra 2,300 EUR per year (£2,000). You also join the Plus Programme: one-to-one advice, group workshops, mentoring (a personal adviser guides you), social events and monthly newsletters throughout your studies. This is a means-tested scholarship from the University of Leeds, which means your household income decides if you qualify.

Who can apply

• University and level: You are starting the first year of a full-time, funded bachelor's degree at the University of Leeds.
• First time at university: You have not studied at university before. You can still apply if you are moving up from a foundation year, or if you dropped out in your first year elsewhere and still qualify for full tuition-fee funding at Leeds.
• Nationality: You are a UK student paying the full UK undergraduate tuition fees. International students cannot apply.
• Household income: Your household income is £42,875 a year (about 50,000 EUR) or less.
• Student loan: You qualify for a UK maintenance loan from Student Finance England, Scotland, NI or Wales. You must apply for the income assessment even if you do not want the loan.
• No other award: You do not receive another scholarship or bursary at the same time, and no outside body pays your fees.
• Full-time only: Part-time students cannot apply. Medicine and dentistry students can apply and get the money for their first three years.
• Background (bonus): Selection also favours your case if you are the first in your family to study, completed an access programme, had a disrupted school time, or live in an area where few people go to university.

How to apply

Apply through the online form on the university website. You can do this before you have a place offer or a final income assessment. Applications for 2027 entry open in March 2027. Late applications are not accepted.

How realistic are your chances?

Places are limited and competitive, so meeting the income limit does not guarantee an award. Only UK students from low-income households qualify, and selection favours applicants who can show real disadvantage, such as being care-experienced, estranged or first in the family to study. If that clearly describes you, your prospects are solid. If you miss out, you may still get the automatic Leeds Bursary.