Government Bursaries

About government bursaries

Government-funded bursaries are offered to students to help pay for the courses and training required for certain professions. You do not have to repay a government bursary after you graduate.

Most of these bursaries have eligibility criteria based on the course you’d like to study and the specialism you choose within that course. The funding you are offered may be graded based on the length of the course and/or your household income. Some government bursaries require you to apply for the bursary so the provider can assess your eligibility.

NHS

For medicine, dentistry or other healthcare students on an NHS-funded course.

Teaching

Subject-specific bursaries for trainee teachers, at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Social work

For those studying an approved undergraduate or postgraduate course in social work.

More funding options

Students are sometimes able to receive funding from multiple sources. So, whether you’re eligible for a government bursary or not, you can still explore other options. Here are some other scholarships and bursaries you may be eligible for:

Core Bursary

For UK undergraduate students who have a household income of less than £35,000 as assessed by Student Finance

Potential Scholarships

Scholarships to encourage potential in students from lower-income backgrounds or who have faced significant difficulties.

Witty Entrepreneurial Scholarship

For students from lower-income backgrounds who show a keen spirit for entrepreneurship.

View all scholarships and bursaries