Newcastle University Opportunity Scholarship

Newcastle University Opportunity Scholarship

You get a cash bursary of up to about 2,300 EUR per year (2,000 GBP), paid in three instalments across the academic year. A bursary is a grant you do not pay back. The exact amount depends on your household income:

• About 2,300 EUR (2,000 GBP) if your household earns 25,000 GBP or less.
• About 1,450 EUR (1,250 GBP) for incomes between 25,001 and 35,000 GBP.
• About 870 EUR (750 GBP) for incomes between 35,001 and 40,000 GBP.

If you are care experienced or estranged from your family, you get the full 2,000 GBP whatever your income. Newcastle University runs this bursary itself, partly funded by donations from former students, to help students from lower-income backgrounds. The amount is reassessed every year, so it is not guaranteed for your whole course.

Who can apply

• University: You are a registered undergraduate at Newcastle University who started between 2014/15 and 2026/27.
• Degree level: This is your first degree. You cannot apply if you already hold an honours-level degree or equivalent.
• Money you need: Your household income is 40,000 GBP or below, or your student finance body classes you as care experienced or estranged (living independently of your family).
• Income check: Student Finance England, Wales or Northern Ireland, or the Student Awards Agency for Scotland has assessed your income, and you have agreed to share those details with the university.
• Field of study: Most subjects qualify. You cannot claim it if you receive an NHS bursary (for example in the final year of Medicine or Dentistry) or study a PGCE teacher-training course.
• Placement years: Years with a reduced tuition fee because you are on a work placement are not funded.

How to apply

There is no separate application. The university checks your eligibility automatically using the income data you shared with your student finance body, usually when you apply for your Maintenance Loan. If you qualify, the Student Loans Company emails you between registration and early November to tell you where to find your award letter.

How realistic are your chances?

There is no competition or ranking here. Every enrolled Newcastle student who meets the income and eligibility rules receives it. If your household income is 40,000 GBP or below, or you are care experienced or estranged, and you have completed your income assessment and agreed to share it, you get the money. The one thing that can trip you up is forgetting to share your income details, so make sure you do.