Finance
If you're planning on studying for a degree or other Higher Education course, there are funding options available to help pay for tuition fees and help with living costs. You may also be able to access bursaries, grants and scholarships.
Student Finance
Applications for Student Finance will open in March 2024 for courses starting in September
If you’re a new student, you need to apply before mid-May 2024 to get your money in time for the start of your course.
It can take up to 6 weeks for Student Finance England to process your application, so be sure to apply as soon as you can. If your application is late, then your money might be too.
Tuition Fees Loan* pays the fees for your university/ higher education course and goes direct to the university
Maintenance Loan** covers your general living expenses and is paid in instalments each semester to your bank account
Calculate how much you may get
* You need to be continuously resident in the UK for 3 years to receive Student Finance
**If you are a non-EU national, please see here: student-finance-how-you're-assessed-and-paid
Student Finance England
Student Finance Services
EU students 0141 243 3570 / EEA citizens working in the UK 0300 100 0607
More information on Student Finance: studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk
More videos available from Student Finance England
More information about student finance from UCAS
University of Leicester scholarship
Westminster Kingsway College have a partnership with University of Leicester and, as part of the agreement, the university offers a scholarship worth £2000 per year for 3 years, to one student from the college that has applied, confirmed and accepted the university as their firm choice.
If you would like to discuss the University of Leicester scholarship, speak with your personal tutor or an adviser from the Careers and Employability team
Other scholarships and bursaries
Bursaries and scholarships are accessed via the university or HEI (Higher Education Institute)
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Universities and HEI's can have several options, you may be eligible for more than one
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Each one may have different eligibility criteria
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Some are for academic merit or financial need and some focused on particular subjects or programmes of study
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You apply directly to the university or HEI
Other information on bursaries and scholarships is available from The Complete University Guide
Helena Kennedy Foundation awards
Helena Kennedy Foundation (HKF) awards are designed to support students who have overcome significant barriers to complete their further education and are facing financial and personal difficulties which will make progression to higher education difficult
An HKF award is about much more than money. It is a package of financial, personal and practical support and opportunities designed to support transition into higher education, enhance the student’s experience at university and improve chances of employment after graduation.
Students can apply if they are:
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At college on the final year of a L3 course (A levels, BTEC or Access).
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Aiming to start a Higher Education qualification in September/October 2021. Students taking a ‘gap’ year will be considered.
AND
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Experiencing barriers to continuing their education
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Able to demonstrate that they face severe financial hardship
Applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be considered for an award.
Further information on Helena Kennedy Foundation awards can be found here
If you would like to discuss the Helena Kennedy Foundation Awards, speak with your personal tutor or an adviser from the Careers and Employability team
Local Authority Care students
Additional funding is available to students who are or have been in local authority care. You may be entitled to a 'one-off' £2000 Higher Education Bursary from your local authority, ask your local authority about this.
Visit Propel for further information and guidance on funding options
Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)
If you are a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability, you can apply for (DSAs) to cover some extra costs, further information can be found at GOV.UK
NHS & Social Work Bursaries & NHS Learning Support Fund
Extra funding is available if studying for a degree in medicine, dentistry or another healthcare profession
NHS Bursary Guide
NHS Bursary
Social Work Bursary
NHS Learning Support Fund
If you would like to discuss money and student finance, speak with your personal tutor or an adviser from the Careers and Employability team.
Other resources
scholarship-search (post-graduate)
unigrants (undergraduate)
Family Action (educational grants)
UKCISA (international students)
Runnerclick (Sports and Academic scholarship)
NHS Business Services Authority (bursaries)
National Zakat Foundation (financial support)
Halal Student Loans (information only)
Student Beans (student discounts)
Black Bullion (find student funding, build money skills)