As the cost of living increases, we understand how important financial support is. We can help you in various ways, including offering guidance and advice, student support funds, and more.
Need financial support or advice?
Our Student Financial Guidance team can help you with anything from budgeting, to guidance on loans and grants and helping you apply for funding support.
You can get expert help before you even apply for university. The service is free, confidential, impartial and non-judgemental.
You may be eligible to apply for the Student Support Fund.
This is a discretionary fund that provides students with a non-repayable award to support them with unforeseen costs or changes to their financial situation. This isn't a scholarship or bursary and can't provide large sums to those who haven't made realistic provisions e.g. debt owed to the University, tuition fees, or visa and immigration-related expenses.
Discounted hot drinks when you bring your own cup.
Keeping your money safe
Scam and fraud is becoming more common in England and Wales. It's particularly prevalent among students who may be away from home or in need of financial support, as well as those who are new to the country and may not yet have a UK bank account, like international students. Although, anyone can be subject to these crimes.
We've put together some tips on what to look out for, how to protect yourself and how to keep your money safe.
Am I eligible for other funding opportunities?
In addition to the scholarships and bursaries we offer, you may be entitled to financial support from grants.
You'll need to make an application directly with the Government or service.
What is it?
Financial support to cover university fees and maintenance costs.
Who can apply?
The aim of this scheme to give the children of those who died in service and whose death was attributable to service, a scholarship to help cover some of the costs incurred in obtaining a university degree.
How much will I get?
Up to £14,200 to cover tuition and maintenance fees.
How do I apply?
You can apply via the Government website.
When can I apply?
The application must be received by 31 January in the academic year for which the scholarship is to apply. Applications submitted after this deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be approved in exceptional circumstances.
How will I be paid?
Scholarships will be paid to either the parent or guardian or directly to the bereaved child.
When will I receive my award?
Three payments will be made each year by 31 October, 31 January and 30 April or as soon as confirmation has been received from the University of Sunderland that you have registered and are attending the specific course.
For full details of scholarship rates, terms and conditions, and how to apply, see the Government website.
What is it?
ELCAS stands for the Enhanced Learning Credits Administrations Services. It is a scheme that allows for members of the Armed Forces access to lifelong learning through financial support.
Who can apply?
ELCAS funding is available for military personnel, veterans and reservists, and is open to both currently serving personnel and those who have left.
How much will I get?
The ELCAS scheme provides financial support in the form of a single upfront payment in each of a maximum of three separate financial years. You can make a total of three ELCAS claims in total, but only one per financial year.
To find more information on how much you’re eligible for visit the ELCAS website.
How do I apply?
You can apply by setting up an account on the ELCAS website and following the process.
There are several stages to the ELC process. Full information is set out in Joint Service Publications (JSP) 822. If applying for the University of Sunderland you will need to mention our Learning Provider Reference number, which is 1290.
When can I apply?
You can apply throughout the year. You'll need to apply for ELCAS funding at least five weeks before the start of your course.
How will I be paid and when will I receive my award?
It depends on the financial support you apply for. Full details will be available once you create an account on the ELCAS website.
What is it?
If you have a disability or a specific learning condition such as dyslexia, you can get a Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to help to pay for any equipment and support you need.
Who can apply?
Full-time and part-time undergraduates and postgraduates are eligible for the DSA on top of any other loans, grants and bursaries.
How much will I get?
Full details of what you may be entitled to can be found on the gov.uk website.
How and when can I apply?
Apply via the gov.uk website and you can apply at any time.
How will I be paid and when will I receive my award?
Money is paid either into your bank account or directly to the organisation providing the service or equipment.
You’ll get confirmation of whether your application is successful within six weeks. It can take up to 14 weeks to get your DSA support in place as this is done separately.
Full details of what you may be entitled to, terms and conditions, and how to apply can be found on the Government's website.
What is it?
Support with your learning costs if you're a parent.
Who can apply?
Full-time students with children under 15.
How much will I get?
You could get up to 85% of your childcare costs covered.
How and when can I apply?
You can apply online as part of your main student finance application. Details of when to apply should be available on your student finance portal.
How will I be paid?
You'll need to create an online account with the Childcare Grant Payment Service (CCGPS). You’ll get an email telling you how to set one up. Your grant will be paid into this account.
When will I receive my award?
See the gov.uk website for details.
For full details, terms and conditions, and how to apply, see the Government's website.
What is it?
A non-repayable payment of £5,000 to eligible home students each academic year.
Additional payments worth up to a total of £3,000 per academic year for students in specialisms or regions struggling to recruit or to help students cover childcare costs.
Who can apply?
Full-time, undergraduate students on the following courses: Nursing (Adult, Mental Health, Children's and Young People's, and MNurse), Midwifery Practice, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Paramedic Science.
How much will I get and how do I apply?
Up to £8,000, depending on where you are located. You apply online through the NHS Business Services Authority website.
When can I apply?
You can apply from the March prior to your academic year starting. For current students, you can apply from the April prior to your next academic year. All applications must be submitted within six months of the start of the academic year.
How will I be paid and when will I receive my award?
Full details of how you'll be paid can be found on the NHS Business Services Authority website. Payments will be scheduled over the academic year in three instalments.
Here are some other ways we can support you financially including travel expenses and teacher training funding.
What is it?
If you've attended a placement as part of your course, you may be able to claim back:
Excess costs for travel relating to your placement, compared to your usual journey to university
Accommodation costs you paid for to attend your placement.
How can I claim?
You have to receive the NHS Learning Support Training Grant before you can claim. To claim, please follow the instructions on the NHS Business Services Authority Website.
How much can I claim?
30p per mile for cycling
42p per mile for driving
£82.50 per night for commercial accommodation: for example, a hotel or bed and breakfast
£37.50 per night for non-commercial accommodation: for example, with a friend or relative (but not parents).
You may be able to get additional funding if you are training to be a teacher. For example, each year the Government makes a range of generous teaching bursaries and scholarships available for those looking to study a PGCE in subjects where teachers are in short supply.
