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Scholarships and bursaries

We want everyone to be able to access higher education, no matter your background or circumstances. As the cost-of-living continues to increase, we understand how important it is to get financial support. Scholarships and bursaries are free financial awards that you don't need to pay back.

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What are scholarships and bursaries?

We award scholarships for excellence or achievement in a specific field. This may include good grades in a subject area, performing at a high level in sport, or demonstrating particular qualities.

A bursary is awarded based on your circumstances or background. This includes your postcode area, household income, if you're care-experienced, and more.

John Dawson and his wife Sam standing outside the John Dawson Sciences Complex, smiling to camera

Alumni-funded scholarships

Some of our scholarships are Alumni-funded and are awarded through our Alumni and Development team. These funds are donated through the generous philanthropy of our alumni, staff, and friends of the University.

More about Alumni donations
Victor Moss

Pursuing higher education would've been unfeasible, as I would've struggled to manage my bills and meet my family's needs. My bursary allowed me to concentrate on my studies without the burden of financial stress.

Victor Moss

Read Victor Moss's story

Scholarship and Bursary Eligibility Assessment

This eligibility assessment tool is for new Home UK students starting a full-time undergraduate course in academic year 2025/26.

This tool is intended to provide an indicative guide to the scholarships and bursaries you may be eligible for, based on the information you provide. It should not be considered a confirmation of funding.


Financial guidance

Our Student Financial Guidance team can help you with anything from budgeting, to guidance on loans and grants, to helping you apply for funding support.

You can get expert help before you even apply for university. The service is free, confidential, impartial, and non-judgemental.

For support, contact the team at studentfinancialguidance@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab) or on 0191 5151 2284.


Guidance notes