We introduced our first ever bursary, where new students receive cash to help cover the cost of everything they need to settle into university.
Six college freshmen have become the first-ever recipients of Save the Student Bursary, a fund to help cover the cost of essentials for those starting college.
In partnership with JS groupWe have awarded £750 to six new students who will start university in September.
All beneficiaries come from low-income backgrounds – the fund’s main goal – and many face additional challenges, including estrangement and disability.
These funds are intended to direct funds toward anything students need to settle into university, including a laptop, bedding, specialized study materials, and more.
Julie, one of the scholarship recipients who will study at the University of Leeds, said:
I had no technical equipment, no Windows skills, and no money. I completed my University of Leeds admissions essay on my old iPhone.
I couldn’t believe my luck when I won the Save the Student scholarship. This has enabled me to purchase an iPad with a keyboard which will ease my transition back into education. Thank you!
Meanwhile, Ruby, who will study law at Royal Holloway, told us:
The scholarship means a huge amount to me.
Being an independent student, I do not have support from family members so I struggle financially. The scholarship enabled me to put down a deposit towards my accommodation at the university, and allowed me to purchase the last pieces of my university stationery.
However, with more than 120 applications for each award available, a large number of potential students missed out on the fund. This has led to concerns that many will not get the funding they need to attend university.
Tom Allingham, student finance expert at Save the Student, commented:
We are thrilled to award our first-ever Save the Student Award to six very deserving recipients.
Going to university should be a time of excitement, not a time to worry about money – so it’s great that we’ve been able to help alleviate some of these fears for these new students.
But after reading hundreds of applications for this fund, I’m concerned about how many students will soon face severe financial hardship at university — if they make it there at all.
Many applicants reported that their maintenance loan would not be sufficient, reflecting the results of the 2024 National Student Finance Survey which found funding falls short of living costs by an average of £504 per month.
Therefore, while we will continue to help students in any way we can, we believe it is necessary for the government to increase maintenance funding to keep pace with inflation and reach a livable standard. Only then will higher education be truly accessible to everyone.
If you missed out on the Save the Student Bursary, check out our guide to grants and scholarships for some alternatives.
