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Current students' scholarships and bursaries

These are scholarships and bursaries you can apply for or automatically receive as a current University of Sunderland student.

Explore scholarships and bursaries for current students

If you are a current University of Sunderland student, we offer a wide range of generous scholarships and bursaries to continue 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 – please note applying doesn't guarantee you'll receive it.

What is it?

Funded from a philanthropic donation via the University of Sunderland’s Development and Alumni Office, the Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship aims to support a current undergraduate student to fulfil their athletic potential whilst studying at the University.

Who can apply?

  • You must be a ‘home’, or ‘overseas island’ student studying an eligible course
  • You must be a first-year, full-time student and started your studies in autumn 2024
  • You must have been selected within the last 18 months to compete at Regional, National or International level
  • You must participate in a sport recognised by BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport)

How much will I get?

There is one scholarship available.

This scholarship offers following generous support package for each year of continuous study (up to a maximum of three years):

  • £2,000 cash payment for each year of undergraduate study
  • A tuition fee discount of 20%
  • A 20% discount on university-managed accommodation
  • 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.

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 Monday 21 October 2024. The deadline for applications is Friday 15 November 2024. Once the deadline has passed, we are not permitted to accept any further applications.

How will I be paid?

Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust and payment will be agreed at point of award. The University of Sunderland Accommodation Team will allocate places in university-managed accommodation and apply the discount for eligible students.

When will I receive my award?

Once the scholarship award has been allocated, the successful student will be notified via email of their provisional award. Eligible students will receive a cash payment in each year of continuous study.

Apply for the Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship 2024/25.

View our University of Sunderland Douglas Clasper Elite Sports Scholarship 2024/25 guidance notes for full terms and conditions.

What is it?

A selection of scholarships to support students to develop their careers and aspirations. The Futures Fund supports activities across three key areas: excellence, experience, and employability.

Who can apply?

There is at least one type of award available for each group below:

  • Undergraduate home students
  • Sunderland Campus
  • London Campus
  • Recent alumni (up to 3 years from graduating)
  • University of Sunderland staff
  • Postgraduate home students

We also have specific pots of funding for students studying the below courses and levels:

  • Undergraduates studying courses in arts and creative industries
  • Postgraduates studying courses in arts and creative industries
  • Undergraduate Engineering students
  • Pharmacy students experiencing financial hardship
  • Postgraduate ceramics students

How much will I get?

The amount rewarded will depend on the scholarship.

How do I apply?

You can download the application form from the Development and Alumni website.

When can I apply?

There are application deadlines throughout the year. For a full list of deadlines, visit the Development and Alumni website.

How will I be paid?

Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust and payment will be agreed at point of award.

When will I receive my award?

Receipt of your award will depend on the award you apply for.

For further information please contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk.

What is it?

A scholarship of £10,000. This scholarship is funded by philanthropic donors via the University’s Development and Alumni team.

Who can apply?

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 course or third year for a four-year course), and on track for a  First or 2:1. You must be from the immediate Sunderland area and demonstrate financial need.

How much will I get?

£10,000.

How do I apply?

You can download the application form from the Development and Alumni website.

When can I apply?

Applications normally close at the end of May prior to the academic year you wish to receive the scholarship. The latest deadlines can be found on the Development and Alumni website.

How will I be paid?

Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust and payment will be agreed at point of award.

For further information please contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk.

What is it?

A range of scholarships and opportunities are available through Santander under the themes of Education, Entrepreneurship and Employability.

Who can apply?

Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can apply for a Santander Scholarship.

How much will I get?

A range of scholarships are available.

How do I apply?

You can register on the Santander Portal to find out more and make an application.

When can I apply?

Opportunities are available throughout the year.

How will I be paid?

This will depend on the scholarship applied for and awarded.

When will I receive my award?

This will depend on the scholarship you apply for.


For full details of scholarship rates, terms and conditions, and how to apply, see the Santander website.

What is it?

A scholarship of up to £1,500 per academic year, supported by the work of the Hope Winch Society. The Hope Winch Society supports and maintains the connection between our pharmacy school and all pharmacy alumni. This scholarship is funded by philanthropic donors via the University’s Development and Alumni team.

Who can apply?

Current undergraduate MPharm Pharmacy students who face serious financial challenges that impact upon their academic potential.

How much will I get?

£1,500.

How do I apply?

You can download the application form from the Development and Alumni website. You'll be required to provide financial evidence for this award, please speak to the Development Office for further information.

When can I apply?

Applications are considered by the awarding committee in November, February and April. Applications must be received by noon on the last Friday of the month prior.

How will I be paid?

Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust and payment will be agreed at point of award.

When will I receive my award?

The awarding process is normally within four weeks of the application deadline.

For further information please contact Paul Carter, Senior Lecturer and Chair of the Hope Winch Society paul.carter@sunderland.ac.uk or the Development Office development.office@sunderland.ac.uk.

What is it?

Two £1,000 awards.

This scholarship is funded by philanthropic donors via the University’s Development and Alumni team.

Who can apply?

Full-time, undergraduate engineering students can apply for this scholarship to help fund your final year of study. You must be in your penultimate year of study (including placement year) and on track for a high 2:1/First degree.

How much will I get?

£1,000.

How do I apply?

You must complete the scholarship application form outlining how this excellence scholarship will support your final year of study. This should be submitted to the Development and Alumni team for consideration.

When can I apply?

You can apply in the June of your penultimate year of study.

How will I be paid?

Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust and payment will be agreed at point of award.

When will I receive my award?

The awarding process is normally within four weeks of the application deadline.

For further information please contact Dave Knapton, Principal Lecturer, Engineering dave.knapton@sunderland.ac.uk or the Development Office development.office@sunderland.ac.uk.

What is it?

£1,000 financial assistance to help students complete their course.

Who can apply?

Those with an offer to study MA Visual Practice or MA Design. You must meet specific scholarship criteria.

How much will I get?

£1,000 financial assistance to help students complete their course.

How do I apply?

You can download the application form from the Development and Alumni website.

When can I apply?

The Robson Arts and Design Committee meet annually in September to award this scholarship. You must submit your application by Friday 6th September 2024.

How will I be paid?

Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust and payment will be agreed at point of award.

When will I receive my award?

You’ll receive your award prior to your course commencing.

For further information please contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk.

What is it?

The University is the recipient of a generous donation from eminent architect Mike Davies CBE, to support students studying art and design subjects. The 'Global Challenges' scholarship will support students in undertaking a project or opportunity to develop creative practice for the potential benefit of others whilst tackling current global challenges.

Five annual scholarships are available of up to £1,000.

Who can apply?

Students studying Art and Design subjects.

How much will I get?

Up to £1,000 is available to support projects to develop creative practice while tackling global challenges.

How do I apply?

You can download the application form from the Development and Alumni website.

When can I apply?

Applications are normally open until February. The latest deadlines are available on the Development and Alumni website.

How will I be paid?

Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust and payment will be agreed at point of award.

When will I receive my award?

Scholarships are normally awarded within four weeks of the application deadline.

For further information, please contact Professor Kevin Petrie kevin.petrie@sunderland.ac.uk or the Development Office development.office@sunderland.ac.uk.

What is it?

Four annual scholarships of up to £750 each are available thanks to a generous donation in memory of Mary and Brian Archer, who both taught at the University of Sunderland.

Who can apply?

Applications are welcome from full-time, part-time, home, EU or overseas students studying at Sunderland or London Campus. This award does not support PhD study or IT equipment.

How much will I get?

Up to £750.

How do I apply?

You can download the application form from the Development and Alumni website.

When can I apply?

Applications are considered at committee level three times per year, November, February, and May. Please check the Development and Alumni website for specific deadlines.

How will I be paid?

Funding is paid via the University’s Development Trust and payment will be agreed at point of award.

When will I receive my award?

Scholarships are normally awarded within four weeks of the application deadline.

For further information please contact: development.office@sunderland.ac.uk.

Further information

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

Our Student Financial Guidance team provide expert financial guidance to students and prospective students on a wide range of issues, so 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 or on 0191 515 2284.