Heading to university is a thrilling chapter, but the financial side can be nerve-wracking. Between tuition, rent, textbooks, and day-to-day living costs, the numbers add up fast. Thankfully, the UK continues to offer a variety of grants, bursaries, and scholarships designed to help students manage these expenses without incurring more debt. The best part? These forms of support don’t need to be repaid (assuming eligibility conditions are met).
Below is an updated look at what you can expect in 2025, what’s changed, what stays the same, and how to best position yourself to receive funding.
What’s the Difference Between Grants, Bursaries, and Scholarships?
Before diving into specific schemes, here’s a quick refresher:
- Grants are typically awarded based on financial need. Government agencies, charities, or other organisations may provide them to support students from lower-income households.
- Bursaries often come from universities or colleges. They may also be need-based, but sometimes attach to additional eligibility criteria (for example, for care leavers or students from underrepresented backgrounds).
- Scholarships tend to be merit-based, awarded for academic performance, sporting excellence, artistic talent, or other criteria. Some scholarships also blend in eligibility tied to background, subject of study, or other characteristics.
All three are “free money” in the sense that you don’t have to pay them back, provided you fulfil the terms.
Grants Available to UK Students
Here’s a snapshot of grant schemes you should watch in 2025. Always check the latest government or institutional sources, as amounts and eligibility criteria may shift.
a) Maintenance / Means-Tested Grants (where applicable)
- In England and Scotland, traditional “maintenance grants” have been largely replaced by student loan and support schemes in many cases. However, some regions or devolved nations may retain variations, especially for particular groups.
- In Wales, the Welsh Government Learning Grant may continue in 2025, with means-tested support—check what the thresholds and amounts are for this cycle.
- In Northern Ireland, there may still be support for students via grants tied to household income, these can fluctuate year to year.
Because these grants are means-tested, your household income level and family circumstances will usually play a central role in determining eligibility.
b) Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
The DSA remains a key form of support for students with disabilities, long-term health conditions, mental health issues, or specific learning difficulties (such as dyslexia). It helps cover costs associated with:
- Specialist equipment (e.g. software, assistive technology)
- Non-medical helpers (e.g. note-takers)
- Extra travel or study-related costs
One major benefit: DSA is not means-tested, meaning it’s available regardless of your family income. Always apply early, as assessments and procurement of equipment can take time.
c) Parental / Childcare Support
For students who are parents or who have dependents, additional support may be on offer (depending on your nation within the UK):
- Parents’ Learning Allowance, helps cover incidental costs associated with studying as a parent
- Childcare Grant, often covers a large proportion of actual childcare costs (up to a cap, and usually with conditions about the childcare provider being approved)
These supports may be updated in 2025, especially given inflation in childcare costs, so check official guidance early.
University Bursaries
Many universities continue to offer bursaries to help offset living and study expenses. These are often more flexible and directed than national grants, and they can be less competitive than scholarships.
Types of bursaries you may see
- Income-Based Bursaries: Awards for students whose household income is below a given threshold. Each institution sets its own cutoff and award amount.
- Care-Leavers, Estranged Students, or Those in Local Authority Care: Many universities dedicate bursary funds to support students who have experienced care or estrangement.
Hardship / Emergency Funds: For when unexpected financial challenges arise during your course (illness, family changes, crises). These funds tend to address urgent needs and often require evidence of need.
How to apply
- Applications generally run through your university’s Student Support, Student Finance, or Financial Aid office.
- Deadlines, required documents, and eligibility criteria vary significantly between institutions, start early.
- In 2025, many universities will increasingly use streamlined online portals and better integration with student finance systems.
Scholarships
Scholarships remain a popular, and sometimes prestigious, way to ease your tuition burden or living costs, particularly for high-achieving or high-potential students.
Common types of scholarships
- Academic Scholarships
Universities may reserve scholarships for students who achieve top grades (e.g. A-levels, BTECs, or equivalents). Some may be automatic based on result thresholds; others may require separate application. The value can range from a partial tuition fee waiver to several thousand pounds per year. - Sports Scholarships
If you’re competing at a high level (regional, national, international) or show promise in a sport, you might qualify for support that includes funding, facilities access, and tailored academic flexibility. - Arts, Music, Creative & Performance Scholarships
For students with talent in music, drama, visual arts, dance, or other creative domains, scholarships may include monetary awards, performance opportunities, mentorship, and resources like studio space. - Scholarships for Specific Backgrounds or Purposes
Some awards are targeted at students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds (whether racial, socioeconomic, or first-generation). Others may be tied to particular subject areas (e.g. STEM, education, healthcare) or institutions partnering with industry.
In 2025, expect more diversity in scholarship offerings, for example, interdisciplinary scholarships, those tied to sustainability or community engagement projects, or ones from corporates seeking future talent.
How to maximise your chances of success in getting funding
Many students will compete for the same limited pots of money. Here are proven strategies you can use to stand out:
- Start Early
Many scholarships and bursaries open their applications months in advance. Set up reminders and check deadlines well in advance of your course start date. - Tailor Your Application
Every award is based on criteria. Show exactly how you meet them. Use concrete examples, quantifiable achievements, and personal stories where relevant. - Go Beyond the Obvious
Don’t just aim for the large national schemes. Hunt for:- Local scholarships (in your town, county, or region)
- Scholarships offered via professional bodies, local charities, trusts
- Awards specific to your subject, ethnicity, background, hobbies, or affiliations
- These tend to have less competition and better odds.
- Apply for Multiple Awards
Don’t depend on just one scholarship or bursary. The more you apply to (within reason), the better your chances of securing some funding. - Maintain a Strong Academic / Extracurricular Profile
Many scholarships consider consistency in performance or sustained involvement. Keep your grades, volunteering, leadership, and activities robust. - Follow All Instructions Exactly
Late submissions, missing documents, or formatting slip-ups are common reasons for rejection. Pay attention to details. - Ask for Feedback & Reuse Applications
If an application fails, ask (if possible) for feedback for future attempts. You can often adapt essays or personal statements for multiple scholarships with adjustments.
