University of Ulster - University Access Bursaries

What the Access Bursary gives you

You will receive a one-off payment of about 560 EUR (roughly £485) for the year, which is equivalent to 10% of your annual tuition fees. The amount will be paid directly into your bank account, usually on the last Monday in March, and does not need to be repaid. You can receive this payment again in each year of your degree, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. The grant is provided by Ulster University in Northern Ireland and helps students from low-income households to afford their studies.

Who can apply

• Where you live: You usually live in Northern Ireland.
• Your course: You are undertaking a full-time degree programme leading to your first bachelor’s degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at Ulster University, for which the full tuition fees apply.
• Household income: According to Student Finance NI’s assessment, your household income is £19,203 or less.
• Bank account: You have a bank account in the UK, so the money can be transferred to you.
• Subject: Most degree subjects are eligible. Exceptions are degree programmes in nursing, healthcare professions and – for students from Northern Ireland – social work, as these students receive additional state funding.

How to apply

No separate application is required. Simply apply to Student Finance NI for financial support by the end of May in the relevant academic year. Students from the EU should submit their application via the European Team at Student Finance Services. Eligible students will then be identified automatically on the basis of this information.

How realistic are your chances?

There is neither a selection process nor a selection panel. If your income is below the income threshold and you are enrolled on an eligible full-time degree programme, you will receive the grant automatically. The main exclusion criteria are your field of study or failure to meet the deadline at the end of May. If you meet the income threshold and submit your application to Student Finance NI on time, you are entitled to the grant.