University of Nottingham - Nottingham Potential Bursary

Nottingham Potential Bursary

You will receive about 1,150 EUR (£1,000) per academic year. For a three-year degree programme, the total amount is approximately 3,450 EUR (£3,000). This is a grant, not a loan, so you will never have to repay the amount and can use it in whatever way makes the most sense to you. The University of Nottingham will transfer the amount to your bank account, usually in three instalments spread throughout the year. There is no limit on the number of places: anyone who meets the criteria will receive the funding. The funding is aimed at students from the UK who may have faced barriers to accessing university due to their background or personal circumstances.

Who can apply

• University: You are starting your first full-time bachelor’s degree at the University of Nottingham.
• First degree: You have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree programme.
• Field of study: Any topic is fine.
• Fee status: You have ‘Home’ status in the UK, which means you pay the standard UK tuition fees rather than the fees charged to international students.
• Income check: ‘Student Finance’ has carried out a thorough assessment of your household income.
• No other award: You will not receive a Maycock-Whileman scholarship or an alumni scholarship.
• One extra condition: Either your household income is between £0 and £35,000 and you have gained entry via an ‘Access’ route or on the basis of professional qualifications, or you have financially dependent children or adults. Alternatively, you may have completed one of Nottingham’s support programmes (additional support measures designed to facilitate your entry to university), such as the Sutton Trust Summer School, ‘Realising Opportunities’ or a specified number of sessions as part of ‘Ambition Nottingham’, ‘Pathways to Medicine/Veterinary Medicine’ or ‘IntoUniversity’.

How to apply

You apply once via an online form after you have enrolled as a student. An automatic reassessment takes place each subsequent year. If you have qualified for a funding programme, you do not need to submit a separate application. For 2026/27, the application period begins on 21 September 2026 and ends on 18 June 2027. Submit your income assessment application to Student Finance by 3 May 2027. Late applications will not be accepted.

How realistic are your chances?

There is no selection process here: places are unlimited, so if you meet the criteria, you will receive the money. The real question is whether you meet the eligibility criteria, particularly your status as a ‘home’ student in the UK, the low household income and at least one of the additional conditions. Make sure your ‘Student Finance’ assessment is carried out in good time, as missing this deadline is the main reason why eligible students end up missing out.