What is the bursary?
The undergraduate bursary is a type of financial support for students who have a household income of £30,000 or less. It is a cash payment made to your bank account and is available in each year of study. It is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible if you meet all of the following criteria:
- fully enrolled undergraduate
- paying the full £9,250 tuition fees
- have a household income of £30,000 or less, as assessed by Student Finance England, Student Finance Wales, Student Finance Northern Ireland or Student Awards Agency Scotland
Students who are studying abroad remain eligible to receive the bursary. Students returning from a period of suspension may be eligible and should contact the Financial Support Team.
Students are not eligible if they are:
- suspended from studies
- repeating externally
- undertaking a work placement/Year in Employment, whether within the UK or overseas
- enrolled part-time
- having their course fees paid by the NHS, either in full or in part (for example years 2-4 BM4 and years 5-6 BM5/BM6)
- on a postgraduate course that is statutory funded (for example PGCE, PGDip)
How much will I receive?
From 2020 entry, the bursary thresholds are:
| Annual household income | Student Support Package |
|---|---|
| £16,000 or less | £2000 |
| £16,001 - £30000 | £1000 |
The University may change its bursary thresholds at the start of a new academic year. Your bursary entitlement will be based on the thresholds that were in place the year you started your course.
How do I apply for the bursary?
There is no separate application. When you apply for a Student Finance maintenance loan, you have the option to have your loan means-tested so that you can receive a higher amount. Student Finance will then complete a household income assessment and, with your/your parent’s consent, share the information with the University. To receive a bursary in the 2022/23 academic year, the University will need to receive your household income information from Student Finance by 29 May 2023.
We review household income information each October. If you are eligible to receive the bursary, the award will be applied automatically. You will be notified by email, typically in October, and the email will be sent to the address registered with Student Finance.
If you would like to be considered for a bursary without taking a maintenance loan, simply complete the standard Student Finance online application form and indicate that you are seeking a loan of £0. Student Finance can complete the household income assessment for the sole purpose of bursary eligibility.
When will I receive the bursary?
Bursary awards are paid in three instalments:
- 20 November, 2023 (34%)
- 19 February, 2024 (33%)
- 13 May, 2024 (33%)
Bursaries can only be received in the current academic year and cannot be applied retrospectively.
Changes of circumstance
If you think your household income has decreased by 15% or more since you were last assessed by Student Finance, you can contact Student Finance and request a current-year assessment. The new assessment may lead to a higher maintenance loan as well as a higher bursary award.
Student Finance can choose to reassess your household income at any time if they feel there has been a change in your circumstances. If that is the case, and their reassessment shows that you have a higher household income, they may notify you by email that your bursary award has been reduced or you’ve become ineligible to receive one.
Please ensure the contact details in your Student Finance account are kept up to date so that all communications reach you in good time.
Whom do I contact with questions?
Please contact the Financial Support Team at stufunds@soton.ac.uk
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