University Bursary

Bursary information for 2024/25

We would like to inform you of important changes to the University of Derby Bursary, and the universal Blackwell's resource card offer, which will take effect from September 2024. 

The University Bursary aims to provide targeted financial assistance to eligible students, helping to cover the costs of higher education. It is available to new, full-time, undergraduate, home students entering higher education for the first time. 

Following extensive consultation with the Union of Students and the wider student body, the University has made changes to the University Bursary programme. From September 2024, eligible students will continue to receive £600 or £1,000 per academic year, depending on household income. Previously, £100 of this amount was provided as a Blackwell's resource card. Starting in September 2024, both new and returning eligible students will receive the entire bursary amount in cash. 

The bursary amounts and eligibility based on household income are as follows; 

Bursaries are assessed based on household income and will be paid directly to students in instalments. If you have received a Bursary in a previous academic year, we will continue to assess your eligibility using the standard eligibility criteria. Eligibility for a Bursary is based on successful progression through your studies (i.e. Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3 etc.). Bursaries are not available twice for the same Stage. 

Please note that overseas students, EU students, postgraduate students, part-time students, online students, PGCE students, and students studying professional courses are not eligible for this support. 

The universal Blackwell's resource card is being withdrawn. From September 2024, new and returning students with a household income above £36,592 will not receive a £100 Blackwell's resource card. This change has allowed us to continue to target support to those students with greatest need. Any student who experiences financial distress can also seek help and support via the Student Money Advisors who can provide information and advice on managing finances and where appropriate guidance on how to apply for Hardship funding. 

The Buxton and Leek Bursary is being withdrawn at the end of 2023/24 academic year. Students who progress to the University from Buxton and Leek College in future may be eligible for the University Bursary. 

If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Student Money Advisors at smart@derby.ac.uk

How do I apply?

You do not need to make an application for the University of Derby Bursary. Entitlement is assessed automatically using the household income details given to the University by your Funding Authority (i.e. Student Finance England / Wales / Northern Ireland / SAAS).

In order to assess you for a Bursary your sponsor(s) (parents/partner) will need to give consent to share their income details through Student Finance.

If your sponsor(s) has not given consent to share their information, they can contact the appropriate funding authority directly.

Continuing students

If you have received a Bursary in previous academic years, we will continue to assess your eligibility using the standard eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for a Bursary is based on successful progression through your studies (i.e. stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 etc.).

Notification of all Bursary awards (payments, dates etc.) will be emailed to all eligible students automatically.

Student outdoor

University Bursary FAQs

We’ve tried to answer some questions you may have about the University Bursary below. If you have any further questions, please contact the SMART team by email at smart@derby.ac.uk

Eligibility for the University Bursary is assessed automatically using the household income details given to the University by the Student Loans Company (SLC). There is no application required.

Notification of any Bursary award (payments, dates etc.) will be e-mailed to students after enrolment. For September starters, this could be anytime up to the end of October. For March starters, this could be anytime up to the end of April.

Bursary payments are made in three instalments over the academic year. For September starters, this will be November, February and May. For March starters, this will be May, July and December. Payment dates and amounts will be confirmed via e-mail.

If you have received a Bursary in a previous academic year, we will continue to assess your eligibility using the standard eligibility criteria. Eligibility for a Bursary is based on successful progression through your studies (i.e. Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3 etc.). Bursaries are not available twice for the same Stage.

If you’re joining us from overseas, you’re not eligible for the University Bursary, although we have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students.

Contact us

We know it's complicated so our friendly SMART team can talk you through it all. 

E: smart@derby.ac.uk