Undergraduate scholarships
Scholarships available to undergraduate students
As the cost of living is increasing, we understand how expensive studying for a degree can be. We offer a range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to help support you during your studies.
University of Sunderland Scholarships 2023/24
Through our scholarships we recognise and reward the academic achievements of students applying to our undergraduate courses.
In academic 2023/24, we will award up to 130 scholarships to those students demonstrating the greatest increase in academic achievement between their GCSE and Level 3 qualification results.
We award our scholarships in the form of credit to spend on essential study materials and resources, through the StudyPlus online store. We also offer an element of cash, to help with other living costs associated with student life.
Further details: University of Sunderland Scholarship 2023/24 guidance notes (.pdf)
University of Sunderland Bursaries 2023/24
We offer generous bursaries to Home, fee-paying, full-time undergraduate students, who are studying eligible courses. These bursaries prioritise students from groups under-represented in higher education including: Gypsies, Travellers, Roma, Showmen and Boaters; asylum seekers and refugees; carers; students from lower income households; and mature students.
Bursaries are awarded in the form of credit to spend on essential study materials and resources through the StudyPlus online store. Some bursaries also offer a small element of cash, to help with other living costs associated with student life.
Further details: University of Sunderland Bursaries 2023/24 guidance notes (.pdf)
Just Add You Bursary 2023/24
What it is:
£4,050 bursary awarded over three years, to provide support for: flights or ferry travel to the mainland, the purchase of bedding and kitchen equipment, summer storage and graduation costs.
Who it's for:
Students from: Northern Ireland, Isle of Wight, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Channel Islands, and Islands of Scotland.
Contact: scholarships@sunderland.ac.uk / 0191 515 2865
Further details: Just Add You Bursary 2023/24 guidance notes (.pdf)
We Care Bursary 2023/24
What it is:
£2,000 cash bursary for each year of study (excluding placement year) for care-experienced or estranged students.
Who it's for:
For UK home students studying a full-time undergraduate or a full-time taught postgraduate course. Please note this bursary is available to estranged students under the age of 25 on 1 September 2023, and care-experienced students of all ages.
Contact: care.contact@sunderland.ac.uk / 0191 515 2216
Further details: We Care Bursary 2023/24 guidance notes (.pdf)
Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship September intake 2023/24
What it is:
A £1,200 cash scholarship per academic year (up to a maximum of £3,600) for students studying a three-year University of Sunderland nursing course. There are two scholarships available.
Who it's for:
Home students studying full-time, on-campus, nursing courses, who have worked for Helen McArdle Care (or their family members have) or who meet additional eligibility criteria.
Contact: scholarships@sunderland.ac.uk / 0191 515 2865
Further details: Helen McArdle Nursing Scholarship Sep 2023 entry 2023/24 guidance notes (.pdf)
View the Helen McArdle scholarship privacy policy.
Robson Art and Design Scholarship 2023/24
What it is:
A £1,000 cash scholarship in Year 1 of study.
Who it's for:
Full-time home students studying Art and Design courses who show passion and promise in the field and meet at least one of the widening participation awarding criteria. There are three scholarships available.
Contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk
Further details: Sunderland Robson Art Design Scholarship 2023/24 guidance notes (.pdf)
Royal Television Society undergraduate bursary
What it is:
A financial contribution plus extra benefits from the Royal Television Society.
Who it's for:
Applicants to university courses and current students studying all subjects, including but not limited to, TV Production and Journalism; Humanities and Social Sciences; and STEM-related courses who have an interest in pursuing a career in television, film, or related media industries. Please note that this scholarship is awarded by the Royal Television Society, not the University of Sunderland.
Further details:
For full information and how to apply, please visit the Royal Television Society website.
St Nicholas' Education Trust Scholarship
What it is:
£2,500 cash scholarship for the academic year 2022/23 for students who have lived for the past five years in the following Newcastle postcodes: NE1, NE2, NE3, NE4, NE5, NE6, NE7, NE12, NE13, and NE15.
Who it's for:
For UK home full-time, first-year undergraduate students under the age of 21 on 31 August 2022 with a low household income of £42, 875 or below.
Further details:
St Nicholas Education Trust Scholarship guidance notes November 2022 (.pdf)
International Scholarship 2023/24
What it is:
£1,400 tuition fee reduction (undergraduates) or £900 tuition fee reduction (postgraduates).
Who it's for:
All international students studying on-campus undergraduate and postgraduate courses excluding preparation courses such as foundation courses, EAP or pre masters.
Which intakes:
Students starting with us in September, October, November 2023, January, February, April, June 2024.
Contact: student.helpline@sunderland.ac.uk / 0191 515 3000.
Futures Fund Excellence Scholarship
What it is:
Up to £2,000
Who it's for:
Any penultimate year full-time student, studying with the University of Sunderland, who is considered, by their board of study, to be on track for a First Class or high 2:1 honours degree.
Contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk / 0191 515 3664
Further details:
For further information and to download the application form, visit the Development and Alumni Office website.
Futures Fund Student Opportunity Scholarship
What it is:
Up to £750
Who it's for:
Any full or part-time student studying at the University of Sunderland.
Contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk / 0191 515 3664
Further details:
For further information and to download the application form, visit the Development and Alumni Office website.
The Sir Tom Cowie Excellence Scholarship
What it is:
£10,000.
Who it's for:
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 programme or third year for a four-year programme), and on track for a First or 2:1. Students must hail from the immediate Sunderland area and demonstrate financial need.
Contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk / 0191 515 3664
Further details:
For further information and to download the application form, visit the Development and Alumni Office website.
The Hope Winch Benevolence Fund Scholarship
What it is:
£1,000
Who it's for:
Current undergraduate MPharm Pharmacy students who face serious financial challenges that impact upon their academic potential.
Contact: paul.carter@sunderland.ac.uk
Further details:
For further information and to download the application form, visit the Development and Alumni Office website.
The Mike Davies Innovation Scholarship
What it is:
Two £1,000 scholarships per academic year
Who it's for:
Full or part-time students studying BA (Hons) Artist Designer Maker: Glass and Ceramics (Stage 1 and 2), MA Visual Practice (Glass and Ceramics pathways), PhD Glass and Ceramics. Awarded to allow students to undertake a project or opportunity that will lead to innovative uses of glass or ceramics for creative use.
Contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk / 0191 515 3664
Further details:
For further information and to download the application form, visit the Development and Alumni Office website.
The Dovre Alumni Excellence Scholarship
What it is:
Two £1,000 awards.
Who it's for:
Students studying a discipline in the School of Engineering. Applicants must be in their penultimate year of study (including placement year) and on track for a high 2:1/First degree.
Contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk / 0191 515 3664
Further details:
For further information and to download the application form, visit the Development and Alumni Office website.
The Silver Fund
What it is:
Up to £2,500
Who it's for:
Staff or students studying at the University of Sunderland which directly enhances and enriches the student experience at the University above and beyond business as usual.
Contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk / 0191 515 3664
Further details:
For further information and to download the application form, visit the Development and Alumni Office website.
StudyPlus Scholarships for Continuing Students
What it is:
Up to £200
Who it's for:
Continuing undergraduate students studying full-time courses at the University of Sunderland.
Please note that new students to the University in academic year 2022/23 are not eligible for this offer.
Contact: studyplus@sunderland.ac.uk
Further details:
For further information, please view the guidance notes: StudyPlus Continuing Student Scholarship 2022/23 guidance notes (.pdf)
The Glenda Young Creative Writing Bursary 2023/24
What it is:
A £2,000 cash bursary.
Who it's for:
Full-time home students, living in the north-east region, studying BA (Hons) English: Creative and Professional Writing and who meet at least one of the widening participation awarding criteria. There is one bursary award available.
Contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk
Further details: Glenda Young Creative Writing Award guidance notes 2023/24 (.pdf)
St Nicholas’ Educational Trust Scholarship 2023/24
What it is:
A £2,500 cash bursary per academic year.
Who it's for:
Full-time home undergraduate students, living within the boundaries of Newcastle upon Tyne, who have an annual household income of £47,500 or less. There are two scholarship awards available.
Contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk
Further details: St Nicholas Education Trust Scholarship guidance notes (.pdf)