These scholarships and bursaries are for undergraduate applicants joining us in 2025/26.
Explore our undergraduate scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of generous scholarships and bursaries 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.
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.
Who can apply?
You must be a ‘home’ or ‘overseas island’ student on an eligible course.
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?
The total value of the award is £3,000; £2,400 credit and £600 cash.
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 March 2025. The deadline for applications is Thursday 31 July 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. All credit will be credited to your online StudyPlus account.
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’ or ‘overseas island’ 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. Bursaries are awarded in the form of credit to spend on essential study materials and resources. Some bursaries also offer an element of cash, to help with other living costs associated with student life.
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 March 2025. The deadline for applications is Thursday 31 July 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. All credit will be credited to your online StudyPlus account.
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.
Who can apply?
You must be a ‘home’ or ‘overseas island’ student on an eligible course.
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 March 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.
Who can apply?
You must be a ‘home’ or ‘overseas island’ student on an eligible course.
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 credit 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. All credit will be credited to your online StudyPlus account.
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 credit 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).
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.
When can I apply?
You can apply from March 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’ or ‘overseas island’ 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?
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 March 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' or 'overseas island' 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 March 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.
Who can apply?
You must be a 'home', or 'overseas island' student on an eligible 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 March 2025. The deadline for applications is Thursday 31 July 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.
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!
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