Cardiff University - Cardiff University Bursary

What the Cardiff University Bursary gives you

You will receive 500 GBP per academic year (approximately 590 EUR), which will be paid directly into your bank account and which you can spend on whatever you like. This payment is in addition to any maintenance grants and loans from the UK Government that you are already receiving; so this is extra money, not a replacement. Cardiff University in Wales pays this amount to full-time students from low-income households. You can continue to receive it for each academic year, provided you meet the eligibility criteria. You will receive the payment by the end of your first semester.

Who can apply

• Degree level: You are starting the 1 academic year of a full-time Bachelor’s degree programme at Cardiff University, and this is your first stage of higher education.
• Field of study: Open to all disciplines, with the exception of NHS-funded degree programmes, PGCE teacher training programmes and work-based training years.
• Funding status: You are eligible for UK student finance to cover your living costs.
• Financial need: Your household income, as determined by your student finance office, is less than 35,000 GBP (approximately 41,000 EUR) per year.
• Tuition fees: You will pay at least 6,000 GBP in tuition fees for the year.
• Data consent: In your application for student finance, you agreed to allow your income details to be passed on to the university. If you tick the box to withdraw your consent, you will not be able to receive the grant.

How to apply

No separate application is required. Cardiff will automatically assess your eligibility for funding based on the household income details provided in your application for a UK student loan. For the academic year 2025/26, the Student Loans Company must confirm your household income to the university by 15 June 2026. You will be informed before the end of your first semester whether you are eligible for funding.

How realistic are your chances?

This is not a selection process: if you meet the income and academic eligibility criteria, you will be awarded the scholarship. Around 4,500 students in Cardiff received it in 2023/24. The only real hurdle is of an administrative nature. You should therefore ensure that your student finance assessment is completed in good time and that you have not refused the university access to your income details.