These are scholarships and bursaries you can apply for or automatically receive as a current University of Sunderland student.
Explore scholarships and bursaries for current students
If you are a current University of Sunderland student, we offer a wide range of generous scholarships and bursaries to continue to support you while you study.
Some are automatically awarded, which means you don't need to make an application and will receive them automatically if you're eligible. Others require an application that will assess your eligibility – please note applying doesn't guarantee you'll receive it.
What is it?
A selection of scholarships to support students to develop their careers and aspirations. The Futures Fund supports activities across three key areas: excellence, experience, and employability.
Who can apply?
There is at least one type of award available for each group below:
Undergraduate home students
Sunderland Campus
London Campus
Recent alumni (up to 3 years from graduating)
University of Sunderland staff
Postgraduate home students
We also have specific pots of funding for students studying the below courses and levels:
Undergraduates studying courses in arts and creative industries
Postgraduates studying courses in arts and creative industries
Undergraduate Engineering students
Pharmacy students experiencing financial hardship
Postgraduate ceramics students
How much will I get?
The amount rewarded will depend on the scholarship.
How do I apply?
Current Students can apply for this scholarship using your University e:Vision account. Alumni and Staff can complete the application form on the Futures Fund website.
When can I apply?
Applications are open from October 1 to June 30. For more information and scholarship criteria visit the Futures Fund website.
How will I be paid?
Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust and payment will be agreed at point of award.
When will I receive my award?
Receipt of your award will depend on the award you apply for.
A scholarship of £12,500. This scholarship is funded by philanthropic donors via the University’s Development and Alumni team.
Who can apply?
Full-time undergraduate students studying a discipline related to business or education, and who are at the end of their penultimate year (second year for a standard course or third year for a four-year course), and on track for a First or 2:1. You must be from the immediate Sunderland area and demonstrate financial need.
Applications normally close at the end of May prior to the academic year you wish to receive the scholarship. The latest deadlines can be found on the Development and Alumni website.
How will I be paid?
Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust and payment will be agreed at point of award.
A range of scholarships and opportunities are available through Santander under the themes of Education, Entrepreneurship and Employability.
Who can apply?
Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can apply for a Santander Scholarship.
How much will I get?
A range of scholarships are available.
How do I apply?
You can register on the Santander Portal to find out more and make an application.
When can I apply?
Opportunities are available throughout the year.
How will I be paid?
This will depend on the scholarship applied for and awarded.
When will I receive my award?
This will depend on the scholarship you apply for.
For full details of scholarship rates, terms and conditions, and how to apply, see the Santander website.
What is it?
A scholarship of up to £1,500 per academic year, supported by the work of the Hope Winch Society. The Hope Winch Society supports and maintains the connection between our pharmacy school and all pharmacy alumni. This scholarship is funded by philanthropic donors via the University’s Development and Alumni team.
Who can apply?
Current undergraduate MPharm Pharmacy students who face serious financial challenges that impact upon their academic potential.
How much will I get?
£1,500.
How do I apply?
You can apply for this scholarship using your University e:Vision account.For more information and scholarship criteria visit the Development and Alumni website. You'll be required to provide financial evidence for this award, please speak to the Development Office for further information.
When can I apply?
Applications are considered by the awarding committee in November, February and April. Applications must be received by noon on the last Friday of the month prior.
How will I be paid?
Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust and payment will be agreed at point of award.
When will I receive my award?
The awarding process is normally within four weeks of the application deadline.
The University is the recipient of a generous donation from eminent architect Mike Davies CBE, to support students studying art and design subjects. The 'Global Challenges' scholarship will support students in undertaking a project or opportunity to develop creative practice for the potential benefit of others whilst tackling current global challenges.
Five annual scholarships are available of up to £1,000.
Who can apply?
Students studying Art and Design subjects.
How much will I get?
Up to £1,000 is available to support projects to develop creative practice while tackling global challenges.
Four annual scholarships of up to £750 each are available thanks to a generous donation in memory of Mary and Brian Archer, who both taught at the University of Sunderland.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcome from full-time, part-time, home, EU or overseas students studying at Sunderland or London Campus. This award does not support PhD study or IT equipment.
One award is available annually with a total value of £8,000 which includes a £5,000 cash bursary, paid summer internship, work shadowing expenses, a dedicated mentor, and an additional opportunity pot (up to £500).
Who can apply?
Applications are welcome from full-time, part-time, home, EU, or overseas students studying at Level 2 at Sunderland or London Campus. Some courses are ineligible. Please ensure you read the eligibility criteria before applying.
When can I apply?
Applications are now open and close on 9 May 2025.
How do I apply?
You can apply for this scholarship using your University e:Vision account.
If you have any questions about your eligibility for any of our scholarships or bursaries, or need support with your application, please get in touch with the team on 0191 515 2865 or scholarships@sunderland.ac.uk and they'll be happy to help!
Student Financial Guidance
Our Student Financial Guidance team provide expert financial guidance to students and prospective students on a wide range of issues, so you can get expert help before you even apply for university. The service is free, confidential, impartial and non-judgemental.