University of Cambridge - Cambridge Bursary Scheme

What the Cambridge Bursary Scheme gives you

You will receive a grant of up to about 4,025 EUR per year (up to £3,500) for the entire duration of your studies, which you will never have to repay. The amount depends on your household income: the lower your income, the more you will receive, although the amount decreases to a small sum as your income approaches the income threshold. You can use the money to cover tuition fees, living costs, or both. Certain groups also receive a Enhanced Bursary, an additional supplement. Students of medicine and veterinary medicine can receive up to around 6,440 EUR (£5,600) per year during their clinical years. Former care leavers (students who were in care and no longer receive parental support) can receive up to around 9,600 euros (£8,350) per year, including additional support. The University of Cambridge administers the programme. Each year, it pays out over £10 million to more than 3,300 students, which is roughly one third of its UK undergraduate students.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You are a full-time undergraduate student at the University of Cambridge. It does not matter which college you are enrolled at.
• Degree: This is your first degree, with a few exceptions for medical students on postgraduate programmes.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Nationality: You are a student from the UK.
• Fees: In Cambridge, you pay the tuition fees applicable to home undergraduates.
• Financial need: Your household income is less than £62,215 per year. Almost half of all benefit recipients are entitled to the maximum amount.

How to apply

No separate application is required. You will automatically be considered as soon as you apply for a student loan from your regional funding agency and authorise them to check your household income. This body is ‘Student Finance England’, ‘SAAS’ in Scotland, ‘Student Finance Wales’ or ‘Student Finance Northern Ireland’. Your loan application must be approved by the end of the relevant academic year by 30 June. There is no interview or selection process.

How realistic are your chances?

This isn’t a competition. If you meet the income and enrolment criteria, you’ll receive the grant automatically – so there’s no upper limit that you could miss out on. The most important thing is that you provide proof of your household income via ‘Student Finance’ and have your loan approved before the deadline on 30 June. If you miss this means test, you’ll miss out on the funding – so make sure you sort it out well in advance.