University of Bedfordshire - Access to Learning Fund

What the Access to Learning Fund gives you

You will receive a one-off grant from the University of Bedfordshire to cover additional costs not covered by your regular funding. There is no fixed amount. The size of the grant depends on your individual circumstances and the funds available. It can be used to cover living and study costs not covered by other funding, and can serve as emergency assistance in the event of financial hardship. The aim is to help you start, continue or complete your studies if financial difficulties are preventing you from doing so. The grant must not be used to pay tuition fees.

Who can apply

• University: You are enrolled at the University of Bedfordshire.
• Nationality: You are a UK (domestic) student. International students are not eligible to apply, as visa regulations prohibit them from accessing public funds.
• Study type: Full-time, part-time and distance-learning students are eligible to participate, as are students on dual study programmes, PGCE students and postgraduate students. Part-time and postgraduate programmes must last at least one year and comprise at least half the study load of a full-time programme.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Financial need: You must prove that you are in genuine financial hardship. The fund will check your income.
• Other funding first: You must have already claimed the full amount of the student grant or NHS scholarship to which you are entitled.
• Budgeting workshop: To be eligible for the scholarship, you must attend a workshop on budget planning.
• Priority groups: Special consideration is given to students with children, single parents, older students, former residents of student halls of residence, students from low-income families, students with disabilities and students in their final year.

How to apply

Please complete the online application form and upload the required evidence of your financial means. The application deadline for the 2025/26 round is 3. July 2026, and for the 2026/27 round on 9 July 2027, subject to the availability of funding in each case. The university will reply via your official student email address.

How realistic are your chances?

This fund is open exclusively to students from Bedfordshire and is awarded on the basis of proven financial need, meaning that the pool of applicants is limited to a single university. If you can demonstrate that you are in financial hardship, have already exhausted your full student funding and belong to one of the priority groups, your chances are good. As funds are limited and awards will cease once they have been exhausted, you should apply as early as possible in the allocation process.