We offer a wide range of generous scholarships and bursaries to support you throughout your studies.
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.
2025/26 scholarships and bursaries
What is it?
The University of Sunderland recognises the academic achievements of students applying to our undergraduate courses. To acknowledge this, we will be awarding up to 130 scholarships. Awards will be made to those with the largest increase in their academic achievement between their GCSE grades and their Level 3 qualification results. This is to reward students who may not have achieved the grades they expected in their GCSEs but are back on track with their Level 3 qualifications.
You must be a first-year student applying to start your studies in autumn 2025.
You must have been awarded your GCSE qualifications in the last three years.
You must have studied your level 3 qualification in the same year as applying for your university course.
How much will I get?
Each scholarship award is worth £3,000.
The scholarship award will be made in termly instalments in academic years one, two, and three. Successful applicants will receive £333.33 per academic term.
Your username is your student number, which can be found on all correspondence you have received from the University. If you are unsure of your student number, please contact Student Administration at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk.
When can I apply?
You can apply for this scholarship from February 2025. The deadline for applications is Sunday 31 August 2025.
Once the deadline has passed, we are not permitted to accept any further applications.
How will I be paid?
All cash payments will be made into your bank account. It is your responsibility to enter your bank details onto your myApplication account to enable these payments to be made.
When will I receive my award?
The scholarship will be paid each term over a period of three academic years. You’ll receive payment on the fifth working days of November, February and April each academic year.
These bursaries prioritise students from groups underrepresented in higher education including: Gypsies, Travellers, Roma, Showmen and Boaters; asylum seekers and refugees; carers; students from lower income households; and mature students.
Who can apply?
You must be a ‘home’ student applying for an eligible course.
You must be a first-year or a year 3 top-up student applying to start your studies in autumn 2025.
You must be from at least one of the underrepresented groups outlined above.
How much will I get?
Awards vary between £500 - £3,000 depending on which underrepresented group you belong to. The bursary award will be made in termly instalments in academic years one, two, and three.
Your username is your student number, which can be found on all correspondence you have received from the University. If you are unsure of your student number, please contact Student Administration at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk.
When can I apply?
You can apply for this bursary from February 2025. The deadline for applications is Sunday 31 August 2025.
Once the deadline has passed, we are not permitted to accept any further applications.
How will I be paid?
All cash payments will be made into your bank account. It is your responsibility to enter your bank details onto your myApplication account to enable these payments to be made.
When will I receive my award?
Bursaries will be paid each term over a period of three academic years. Top-up students awarded a bursary will receive a one-year award. You’ll receive payment on the fifth working days of November, February, and April each academic year.
In addition to the bespoke support offered by the We Care team, we offer the We Care Bursary which awards £2,500 cash to eligible students for each year of full-time study, based on academic progression. Over a three-year course this bursary would be worth £7,500, over a four-year course, worth £10,000 and over a five-year course, it would be worth £12,500.
You must be studying a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate course, applying to start your studies in autumn 2025.
You must meet the University's definition of estrangement or being care-experienced as outlined in the guidance notes.
How much will I get?
The We Care Bursary awards £2,500 cash to eligible students for each year of continuous study, based on academic progression. The bursary is paid in four instalments of £625.
Your username is your student number, which can be found on all correspondence you have received from the University. If you are unsure of your student number, please contact Student Administration at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk.
After you have applied for the We Care Bursary, the We Care team will contact you directly to request evidence to verify your status.
When can I apply?
You can apply for the We Care Bursary from February 2025.
How will I be paid?
All cash payments will be made into your bank account. It is your responsibility to enter your bank details onto your myApplication account to enable these payments to be made.
When will I receive my award?
The bursary is paid in four instalments. Eligible students will receive payment on the fifth working days of November, January, April and July each academic year.
The University of Sunderland Just Add You Bursary recognises and provides support for the additional costs incurred for students who do not live on the mainland and travel by air or ferry to study at university.
You must be a first-year student applying to start your studies in autumn 2025.
You must have a home address within Northern Ireland, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and Islands of Scotland.
How much will I get?
The Just Add You bursary offers eligible students a £4,050 support package awarded over three academic years. Students will receive the following:
£400 in years one, two, and three for flights or ferry to and from the mainland, totalling £1,200.
£1,600 university-managed accommodation discount in year one.
£250 in year one for the purchase of a kitchen and bedding bundle.
£150 for summer storage in years one and two, totalling £300.
£700 graduation support package on graduation.
How do I apply?
The Just Add You Bursary is automatically awarded to eligible students. You do not need to apply.
When can I apply?
You do not need to apply. You must register on your course within three weeks of the course start date to receive the bursary.
How will I be paid?
All cash payments will be made into your bank account. It is your responsibility to enter your bank details onto your myApplication account to enable these payments to be made.
When will I receive my award?
Eligible students will receive the following:
Year 1:
A cash award of £200 in November 2025 and £200 in February 2026, paid via bank transfer on the fifth working day of November 2025 and February 2026.
£250 for the purchase of a kitchen and bedding pack following enrolment.
£1,600 university-managed accommodation discount applied across the academic year.
£150 award in May 2026 for summer storage costs.
Year 2:
A cash award of £200 in November 2026 and £200 in February 2027, paid via bank transfer on the fifth working day of November 2026 and February 2027.
£150 award in May 2027 for summer storage costs.
Year 3:
A cash award of £200 in November 2027 and £200 in February 2028, paid via bank transfer on the fifth working day of November 2027 and February 2028.
A cash award of £700 on confirmation of graduation (Integrated Foundation Year students will receive this payment in year 4 on confirmation of graduation).
The University of Sunderland Away from Home Bursary recognises the additional costs incurred for students who do not live within north-east England and will need to travel from an eligible postcode to study at the University.
Your username is your student number, which can be found on all correspondence you have received from the University. If you are unsure of your student number, please contact Student Administration at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk.
When can I apply?
You can apply for this bursary from February 2025. The deadline for applications isSunday 31 August 2025.
Once the deadline has passed, we are not permitted to accept any further applications.
How will I be paid?
All cash payments will be made into your bank account. It is your responsibility to enter your bank details onto your myApplication account to enable these payments to be made.
When will I receive my award?
Eligible students will receive the following:
Year 1
A cash award of £100 in November 2025 and £100 in February 2026, paid to you via bank transfer on the fifth working day of November 2025 and February 2026.
£250 for the purchase of a kitchen and bedding pack on enrolment.
£1,000 university-managed accommodation discount applied across the academic year on enrolment.
A cash award of £100 in May 2026, paid to you via bank transfer on the fifth working day of May 2026.
Year 2
A cash award of £100 in November 2026 and £100 in February 2027, paid to you via bank transfer on the fifth working day of November 2026 and February 2027.
A cash award of £100 in May 2027, paid to you via bank transfer on the fifth working day of May 2027.
Year 3
A cash award of £100 in November 2027 and £100 in February 2028, paid to you via bank transfer on the fifth working day of November 2027 and February 2028.
A cash award of £400 on confirmation of graduation.
Funded from a philanthropic donation via the University of Sunderland’s Development and Alumni Office, the Helen McArdle Scholarship aims to support undergraduate students studying an eligible Nursing course.
Your username is your student number, which can be found on all correspondence you have received from the University. If you are unsure of your student number, please contact Student Administration at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk.
As part of the application process, you must submit a statement describing your current circumstances and how this award will support your studies if successful.
When can I apply?
You can apply from February 2025. The deadline for applications is Sunday 31 August 2025.
Once the deadline has passed, we are not permitted to accept any further applications.
How will I be paid?
The scholarship cash payments will be paid via bank transfer into your UK bank account via the University’s Development Trust.
When will I receive my award?
You'll receive payment on the fifth working day of February 2026, February 2027, and February 2028.
Funded from a philanthropic donation via the University of Sunderland’s Development and Alumni Office, the Robson Art and Design Scholarship will support eligible undergraduate students who show passion and promise in their artistic field.
Who can apply?
You must be a ‘home’ student applying for an eligible course.
You must be a first-year student applying to commence your studies in autumn 2025, or, entering level one in academic year 2025/26 having completed an eligible Integrated Foundation Year course.
You must be able to demonstrate passion and promise your artistic field.
You must be from at least one of the underrepresented groups outlined in the guidance notes.
How much will I get?
There are five scholarships available. The scholarship awards £1,000 cash in year one to eligible students.
Your username is your student number, which can be found on all correspondence you have received from the University. If you are unsure of your student number, please contact Student Administration at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk.
When can I apply?
You can apply from February 2025. The deadline for applications is Saturday 31 August 2025.
Once the deadline has passed, we are not permitted to accept any further applications.
How will I be paid?
The scholarship cash payments will be paid via bank transfer into your UK bank account via the University’s Development Trust.
When will I receive my award?
Eligible students will receive payment on the fifth working day of February 2026.
Funded from a philanthropic donation via the University of Sunderland’s Development and Alumni Office, the Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship (Psychology) aims to support five eligible first-year undergraduate psychology students.
Who can apply?
You must be a 'home' student applying for an eligible course.
You must be a first-year student applying to start your studies in autumn 2025.
Students who meet at least one of the widening participation priority awarding criteria outlined in the guidance notes.
How much will I get?
There are five scholarships available.
The scholarship awards £1,000 cash in year one to eligible students.
Your username is your student number, which can be found on all correspondence you have received from the University. If you are unsure of your student number, please contact Student Administration at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk.
When can I apply?
You can apply from February 2025. The deadline for applications is Sunday 31 August 2025.
Once the deadline has passed, we are not permitted to accept any further applications.
How will I be paid?
The scholarship cash payments will be paid via bank transfer into your UK bank account via the University’s Development Trust.
When will I receive my award?
Eligible students will receive payment on the fifth working day of February 2026.
The University of Sunderland Esports Scholarship provides a generous support package for eligible students with a passion for esports. This scholarship aims to support eligible undergraduate students to fulfil their potential whilst studying an eligible Faculty of Business, and Technology course.
You must be a first-year student applying to start your studies in autumn 2025 or, entering level one in academic year 2025/26 having completed an eligible Integrated Foundation Year course.
You must be able to demonstrate passion and commitment to esports.
How much will I get?
There are five scholarships available.
Each scholarship awards the following support for each year of continuous study based on academic progression.
£1,000 cash payment
Up to £750 to attend esports tournaments and competitions (limited to UK events)
Specialist support including mentoring, sport massage, and physiotherapy, gym access, strength and conditioning, nutritional advice and lifestyle management
How do I apply?
You can apply via your myApplication account and complete our short application form.
Your username is your student number, which can be found on all correspondence you have received from the University. If you are unsure of your student number, please contact Student Administration at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk.
When can I apply?
You can apply from February 2025. The deadline for applications is Sunday 31 August 2025.
Once the deadline has passed, we are not permitted to accept any further applications.
How will I be paid?
All cash payments will be made into your UK bank account. It is your responsibility to enter your bank details onto your myApplication account to enable these payments to be made.
When will I receive my award?
Eligible students will receive payment on the fifth working day of February 2026, February 2027 and February 2028.
This eligibility assessment tool is for new Home UK students starting a full-time undergraduate course in academic year 2026/27.
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.
Eligibility outcome
Evaluating your response, please wait.
What is it?
Our bursary is designed to support students who are underrepresented in higher education and who may face additional financial challenges. The bursary supports eligible students with essential costs, enabling them to focus on their studies and university experience.
Who is this for?
To be eligible for the bursary, you must be a ‘home’ or ‘overseas island’ student on an eligible full-time course and meet the criteria for one of the following priority groups:
Tier one:
Students with an annual household income of £30,000 or less who live in a low participation neighbourhood (POLAR4 quantile 1 –Check your eligibility by postcode)
From a UK island (Northern Ireland, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and Islands of Scotland)
Tier two:
Students with caring responsibilities
Members of the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showmen or Boater community (GTRSB)
Refugees
Students eligible for free school meals in secondary school (Years 7–11)
Tier three:
Care-experienced students
Students estranged from both parents or carers and aged under 25 at the start of the course
How much will I get?
Tier one students – £500
Tier two students – £750
Tier three students – £2,000
Students enrolled on MBChB Medicine and eligible for the University of Sunderland Bursary will also receive:
A welcome package worth £1,000 in year one
An additional cash award of £1,000 in year five
How do I apply?
The bursary is automatically awarded to students who meet the eligibility criteria following a checking and verification process after enrolment.
Through our Impact Scholarship, we want to recognise students who embody our core values: innovation, excellence, collaboration, inclusivity and inspiration. This award celebrates those who stand out and strive to make a positive impact, both in their studies and the wider university community.
Who is this for?
To be eligible for the scholarship, you must be a ‘home’, or ‘overseas island’ student on an eligible full-time course.
Our Impact Scholarship is for anyone who demonstrates our institutional values within their UCAS personal statement: innovation, excellence, collaboration, inclusivity and inspiration.
To be considered for the scholarship, you must also:
Apply to the University by Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Make the University of Sunderland your firm choice by Wednesday, 3 June 2026
Enrol on your course by Monday, 6 October 2026
How much will I get?
The scholarship awards £1,000 in the first year of study. Students will receive payment in two instalments:
£500 on Friday, 6 November 2026
£500 on Friday, 5 February 2027
How do I apply?
No application is required; eligibility is assessed automatically. The scholarship is awarded to eligible students following a checking and verification process after enrolment. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award. Personal statements will be reviewed to see how well they reflect our values.
Designed to reward dedication and support progression into higher education, our First Choice Scholarship recognises those who fully engage with the First Choice Progression scheme. The scholarship is designed to support dedicated students to take the next step in their academic journey.
Who is this for?
Our First Choice Scholarship is for students who successfully complete our First Choice Progression Scheme and progress onto an eligible full-time course starting in autumn 2026.
To be considered for the scholarship, you must also:
Apply to the University by Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Make the University of Sunderland your firm choice by Wednesday, 3 June 2026
Enrol on your course by Monday, 6 October 2026
How much will I get?
There are ten scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in the first year of study.
Students will receive payment in two instalments:
£500 on Friday, 6 November 2026
£500 on Friday, 5 February 2027
How do I apply?
No application is required; the scholarship will be automatically awarded. Due to the limited number of scholarships available, recipients will be chosen using a computerised generator. This process will select ten students at random to be provisionally awarded the scholarship.
Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.
Our First Choice Travel Award is designed to help with travel costs and associated expenses, ensuring you can focus on making the most of your university experience in your first year of study.
Who is this for?
Our First Choice Travel Award is for students who successfully complete our First Choice Progression Scheme and progress onto an eligible full-time course starting in autumn 2026.
To be considered for the travel award, you must also:
Apply to the University by Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Make the University of Sunderland your firm choice by Wednesday, 3 June 2026
Enrol on your course by Monday, 6 October 2026
How much will I get?
This award provides £500 cash in your first year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping students access higher education with greater ease.
How do I apply?
No application is required; eligibility is assessed automatically. Our First Choice Travel Award is awarded to eligible students following a checking and verification process after enrolment. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.
We understand that travel costs can be an additional expense when starting university. The Tees Valley Travel Award has been established to support eligible students with the cost of travel to and from university.
Who is this for?
Our Tees Valley Travel Award is for students who progress from one of the following schools or colleges in the Tees Valley area:
Hartlepool College of Further Education
Hartlepool Sixth Form College
Middlesbrough College
Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College
To be considered for the travel award, you must also:
Apply to the University by Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Make the University of Sunderland your firm choice by Wednesday, 3 June 2026
Enrol on your course by Monday, 6 October 2026
How much will I get?
This award provides a £1,500 cash award in each year of study to assist with transport expenses, helping you access higher education with greater ease.
Students will receive payment in two instalments in each year of study:
£750 on the fifth working day in November
£750 on the fifth working day in February
How do I apply?
No application is required; eligibility is assessed automatically. Our Tees Valley Travel Award is awarded to eligible students following a checking and verification process after enrolment. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.
The Robson Art and Design Scholarship, generously funded through a philanthropic donation to our Development and Alumni Office, supports talented undergraduate students who show passion and potential in their artistic field. This scholarship provides meaningful financial support to help you continue developing your creative practice.
Who is it for?
To be considered for the Robson Art and Design Scholarship, you must be applying to study an eligible full-time course.
You must also be from at least one of the following underrepresented groups:
Care-experienced student
Students estranged from both parents or carers and aged under 25 at the start of the course
Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater
Refugee
Student with caring responsibilities
Students with a household income of £30,000 or less and live in a low-participation neighbourhood (POLAR4 Quintile 1)
Students eligible for free school meals in secondary school (Years 7–11)
From a UK island (Northern Ireland, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and Islands of Scotland)
How much will I get?
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in your first year of study.
How do I apply?
You can apply via your myApplication account from February 2026. The deadline for applications is Monday, 31 August 2026. Once the deadline has passed, we are not permitted to accept any further applications.
Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.
The Helen McArdle Scholarship, generously funded through a philanthropic donation to our Development and Alumni Office, aims to support undergraduate nursing students throughout their studies by providing a cash award of £1,200 for each year of study.
Who is this for?
To be considered for the Helen McArdle Scholarship, you must be applying to study an eligible nursing course. You must also meet at least one of the following:
Have previously been employed by Helen McArdle Care, or a family member has
Be the first in your immediate family to enter higher education (first-generation)
Be a mature student with family commitments
Be from at least one of the following underrepresented groups as outlined in section five of the guidance notes.
How much will I get?
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,200 in each year of study.
How do I apply?
You can apply via your myApplication account from February 2026.The deadline for applications is Monday, 31 August 2026. Once the deadline has passed, we are not permitted to accept any further applications.
Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.
The Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship, generously funded through a philanthropic donation to our Development and Alumni Office, is designed to support up to five eligible undergraduate psychology students.
This scholarship offers valuable financial support to help ease the pressures of student life, giving recipients the freedom to focus on their studies and fully embrace the opportunities of university life.
Who is this for?
To be considered for the Sir Bob Murray Health Scholarship, you must be applying to study an eligible psychology course.
You must also be from at least one of the following underrepresented groups:
Care-experienced student
Estranged student aged under 25 at the start of the course
Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater
Refugee
Student with caring responsibilities
Students with a household income of £30,000 or less and live in a low-participation neighbourhood (POLAR4 Quintile 1)
First person in your family to enter higher education (first-generation)
Previously eligible for free school meals
Students who do not live on the mainland and have a home address within Northern Island, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands or Islands of Scotland.
How much will I get?
There are five scholarships available. Each scholarship awards £1,000 in your first year of study.
How do I apply?
You can apply via your myApplication account from February 2026. The deadline for applications is Monday, 31 August 2026. Once the deadline has passed, we are not permitted to accept any further applications.
Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee an award.
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
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