Charities and Grants

If you're struggling financially you may be eligible for a hardship grant or bursary

Keele University Hardship Fund

The university has a Hardship Fund that you can apply to if you are in financial hardship. There is an application form to fill in and you need to show your bank accounts as evidence.


There is also a Food Voucher Scheme to help with the cost of living and an Access and Success Fund to enhance the university experience for students from underrepresented groups.


There are smaller emergency loans available, but you would have to pay those back. The fund and loans are administered by Student Services and you can visit their page for more information.

Keele Bursaries and Scholarships

There is a Keele Bursary available to low-income students, paid in January-February. You do not need to apply for this bursary; the university uses the Student Finance assessment to see who qualifies as having low income. Please note, students who began at Keele in 2021/22 or 2022/23 will only receive the bursary for their first year, but those who started earlier will continue to receive it for each year of their degree. You can read about which bursary rules apply to you on the Keele website.

There are a few other scholarships available through the university, depending on your circumstances and subject. This page has a link to university funds that you can browse. There are some specific sections for international students and for postgraduate students.  

NHS Learning Support Fund

Students studying nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy and radiography may be able to claim extra support from the NHS Learning Support Fund. This fund includes a Training Grant, Parental Support, Travel and Dual Accommodation Expenses, and the Exceptional Support Fund.

You must be eligible for Student Finance and, if applying for the Exceptional Support Fund, you are expected to have exhausted other areas of support, such as the hardship loan.


Full information is on the NHS bursary website. There is also a guide to the LSF and another that's more specific to the Exceptional Support Fund.

Grants outside the university

If you are willing to put a bit of effort in advance you may find yourself some financial support from a number of sources. Making a successful application is not easy and the process can often be long, confusing and strenuous, so start looking as early as possible. 


Eligibility for grants, bursaries and scholarships can depend upon if you are a home or international student, in full or part-time study, or if you are an undergraduate or postgraduate so check guidance carefully. If you are unsure about your eligibility for an award then contact the provider directly for clarification.

 

You may find these links useful:


Turn2us has a useful search tool to help you find available grants.


Scholarship Hub has an extensive list of grants - you will need to create an account to access their grant search but this is free if you only want to use their basic search.


Jobs.ac.uk have a check list of possible funding sources.


DSC online databases.


Family Action grants for low-income households. 


International Financial Aid and College Scholarship offer funds for students who wish to study abroad. Most scholarships are restricted to certain geographical areas so check carefully.


FindAMasters 


Aspiring Solicitors Foundation - provides financial support (including part-funded scholarships, laptops, travel, books & clothing) to aspiring solicitors from lower-income backgrounds to help them enter the legal profession. Follow the link to their website to see their criteria and how to apply.

Report an issue with this page