Charities and Grants

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

Keele University Support

Hardship Support

 

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.

 

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.

 

Access and Success Fund

 

The Access and Success Fund is for underrepresented groups, to help enhance your student experience. To be eligible for the fund, you must be a current UK, undergraduate Keele University student (you can't apply if you're international, postgraduate, on leave of absence, or repeating on an assessment-only basis) and have an annual household income below £62,343 (verified by Student Finance). You must also belong to at least one key student group. These groups are:

 
  • Care leavers (aged under 25) Mature students (aged 21 or over at the start of your current course)
  • Students from a minority ethnic background (including Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities)
  • Students who are estranged from their family (aged under 25 and have zero contact with family)
  • Students whose parent/s are in the military (service children)
  • Students with a disability (including diagnosed mental health conditions)
  • Students with caring responsibilities (for a friend or family member with a disability who could not cope without your care)
  • Students with children aged under 18
  • Students with household income below £25,000 (verified by Student Finance)
  • Students with refugee status
  • Transgender students

You would also need to explain, briefly, how an award from the fund would enhance your university experience. Some examples would include money for a laptop, membership fees for a society or sports club, a gym membership or a subscription to a streaming platform to help with your mental health.

 

Scholarships and Bursaries

 

There are a some scholarships and bursaries 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 a degree in the Health Faculty may be able to claim extra support from the NHS Bursary or NHS Learning Support Fund.

 

You can learn more on our NHS Bursary page. 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 and bear in mind that most grant applications close months before the academic year starts. 

 

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.