Going to university is an expensive endeavor, especially for those who refuse government-backed student loans because they charge interest. Yet it is crucial to facilitate social mobility and allow many of us to access high skilled career paths.

There’s usually no application process BUT you must apply to student finance to be means-tested- this also applies when accessing hardship funds at universities. Keep an eye and call up to block payments from student finance as soon as the university has the info otherwise you will be charged interest as soon as they pay you.



6. Fee Waivers
It’s worth meeting with a senior member of the university (probably up to vice-chancellor level, not your tutors) and explaining your current situation. Universities spend thousands advertising to students so losing a current student is not in their best interest.

They’ll make more money from offering a fee waiver to help you complete your course than if you drop out and leave an empty seat in the cohort. Also, they’ll have a grateful alumnus- see it as a win-win. Worst case they say no and you’ll be in the same position but if this works it can free up a lot of time from work.



7. Work
It may be that alongside the support you receive, its essential to work. Try to find jobs that pay higher rates. Tutoring in London and other big cities is a great way to earn up to £50 per hour. If you work in healthcare, nightshifts pay higher rates and working for an agency pay you even more. See: Your World, Staffing Professionals, Mayday, ID medical, Emergency Personnel.

Types of scholarships, grants and bursaries
1. Financial Need
There is a plethora of support available for students who wouldn’t be able to go to university without financial support. The support will often come in the form of annual grants for each year of study. Refer to the resources listed below on how to find these.

2. Access Schemes
There is a lot of support available for underrepresented groups. For example those who are part of the first generation in their family to go to university or are part of an underrepresented minority group.

Access schemes sometimes also offer lower entry requirements as well as potential financial support. The University of Bristol has an Access to Bristol scheme that can also come with a £3.8k bursary for eligible students.

3. Academic Achievement
If you have achieved strong A-level results you could be eligible for scholarships and bursaries from certain universities. Take Coventry University. They offer £1.5k to students who achieve at least 160 UCAS points.

Universities also offer progression scholarships where you are rewarded for strong performance in your first and second years of study. The University of Worchester automatically rewards high performing undergraduate students with £1k.

4. Industry specific
There will often be industry specific scholarships available to help make certain career paths in areas such as the arts or healthcare more accessible. We dig into a few of these below.

NHS