Ignite Your Success (Bursary) / Ignite your Journey (Vorbereitungsprogramm)

Ignite Your Success (University of Southampton)

You get a bursary (a grant you do not repay) of £6,000 (about 7,000 EUR) over three years. It is paid as £2,000 (about 2,300 EUR) in each of your first three years. The University of Southampton runs this programme with money from its alumni, for undergraduates from under-represented backgrounds. Alongside the money you get one-to-one support from Ignite Coordinators, workshops on time management, wellbeing and money, and paid work experience in your first year. You also get mentoring (regular guidance from someone more experienced): peer mentoring from senior students in year one, then career mentoring from working professionals in years two and three. In return you take part in at least six programme activities each year.

Who can apply

• University: You have a place to study an undergraduate degree at the University of Southampton for 2026/27.
• Study phase: This is your first undergraduate degree.
• Field of study: Any undergraduate subject.
• Nationality and fees: You are a UK or EU student with home-fee status.
• Background: You meet at least one of these: you received Free School Meals at secondary school; you have been in local authority care or have a care-experienced background; you are estranged from your parents and under 24 when your studies start; you live in one of the 20% most deprived areas in the UK; or you completed the Ignite Your Journey preparation programme.

How to apply

You cannot apply yourself. If you are eligible, Southampton invites you by email once you hold a place. Applications for 2026/27 open in late August or early September 2026. If you are shortlisted, a panel invites you to an interview with questions about your application.

How realistic are your chances?

The eligible group is fairly narrow: you must already hold a Southampton place, have home-fee status and meet one disadvantage criterion, and you are only invited if you fit. If that describes you, respond to the invitation and prepare for the interview, because the panel decides who gets a place. A clear, well-prepared case matters.