Bursaries and Scholarships

There’s so much potential in our students!

For those considering taking up their place, an offer of a bursary or scholarship may be the determining factor between them going into higher education or not, and for those already in higher education it could determine them remaining.

Our bursaries and scholarships have all been generously donated from individuals who wish to make a positive impact on the lives of our students.

Both undergraduate and postgraduate bursaries and scholarships are available.

Why a bursary or scholarship?

Going to university is expensive, and it isn’t just the main course costs. University is a life changing experience, where you find your passion, your tribe and start to truly make a change in the world. Not every student is in the position to have additional support from their family or access to funds from their local authority.

A bursary can enable them to begin or remain on their course and continue their all-important learning journey.

There are no Student Finance England loans for PhD students doing vital research into such areas as Dementia Research, for example, yet their research is crucial to helping create a better future through discovery. A scholarship can support their dedication to finding a significant and positive outcome in their research.

‟The bursary has allowed me to gain access to more detailed research from books and articles which has had a great impact on the quality of my work. One assignment received a grade of 88/100 which is one of the best grades I have received for an assignment so far and this is due to the content that I have been able to acquire."

Carl, BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling

‟I have used the scholarship money to purchase a drawing tablet. Not only have I wanted to own one of these for many years for several reasons, I am now finally able to learn how to use industry standard equipment in preparation for the future."

Nyarai, BA (Hons) Computer Games Design

‟The bursary money I got helped me a lot in purchasing my workstation, which included my desk, chair, stationery and a top of the range desktop. This workstation has been of a great help and it helped me to focus and study better and not keep relying on the local library one or having to share the one i had with my kids which kept on crashing most of the times. This was such a great relief the day I purchased it, once again thank you so much."

Ishbel, BA (Hons) Action on Poverty and Hardship

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a grant, bursary, scholarship and award? 

  • Bursary: A non-repayable financial award made to a student who meets the set criteria to enable development of academic experiences and alleviate hardship during their studies.

  • Scholarship: A non-repayable financial award made to a student based on academic performance to help meet academic fees, course and research expenses. This is often not based on a household income, but focuses on the high achieving student.

  • Grant: A sum of money given by a government or other organisation for a particular purpose. Often interchangeable with a bursary.

  • Opportunity Award – A non-repayable financial award made to a student to help them experience a once in a lifetime opportunity. Often linked to travel, both domestic and international and link to increasing their chances of employment post graduation.

Is there a minimum amount required for a named bursary and/or scholarship?

Yes – a one-off donation of £10,000 minimum.

What type of bursary or scholarship can I create?

If you are considering the creation of a new scholarship or bursary, we ask you to consider the following areas of student support:

1) Is there a particular level of degree that you would like to support?

· Foundation Year (Typically 1 year)

· Certificate

· Diploma

· Undergraduate degree (Typically 3-4 years)

· Masters or similar taught postgraduate degree (Typically 1 year if full-time)

· Postgraduate research degree or PhD (Typically 3-4 years)

2) Are there particular types of students whom you would like to support? For example:

· International students

· Students in particular subject fields

· Students who are in families below a set household income (most bursaries and scholarships are set to this criterion)

· Students who have undergone a non-traditional entry route (e.g. Step up to Higher Education)


Please be aware that we operate within the terms of the UK Equality Act 2010; it is unlawful to discriminate against anyone with a protected characteristic within a wide range of areas including employment and provision of services.

For more information about our data protection and ethics policies, please visit: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/legal 

Please get in touch, where we will advise on how best to adhere to your wishes for a bursary or scholarship, or if you require further information, please contact the Development Office – DevelopmentOffice@staffs.ac.uk