Save the Student Bursary
If you're starting university in 2025/26, you could be eligible for our new bursary to help cover the cost of student essentials like a laptop, bedding, kitchenware and more.
At Save the Student, we've been helping students get the most from their money since 2007.
In fact, one of our core aims is for nobody to drop out, or be put off applying to university, due to a lack of money.
All too often we hear about prospective students who want to go to university, but worry it won't be possible because they don't have the financial support to cover their costs. Student Loans can help with this, but our research consistently shows that the Maintenace Loan falls far short of living costs.
And so, in 2025, we're taking our work a step further. This year, we're launching the very first Save the Student Bursary, helping new students pay for everything they need to get started at university.
We're awarding £750 to six new students – a total of £4,500, jointly funded by our partners at JS Group. The bursary will also be paid through JS Group's Aspire Cash service, ensuring a quick, easy and secure delivery of the funds.
We want this cash to go to those who need it the most, so we'll only be considering applicants with a household income of £40,000 or less. You can find the full eligibility criteria below, as well as the proof you may be asked to submit.
We look forward to receiving your application!
Save the Student Bursary information
Who can apply?
To apply for the Save the Student Bursary, you must:
- Be starting your first or foundation year at a UK university in the 2025/26 academic year (here's a full list of eligible institutions)
- Have a household income of £40,000 per year or less
- Qualify as a Home Fee Status student.
- Have an open UK bank account, or have one by the end of August 2025.
As this fund is intended to help people from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds, the application form will also ask:
- If you were eligible to receive free school meals at secondary school
- Where you currently live
- If your parents or guardians attended university
- If you identify as being part of any of the Office for Students' "underrepresented groups"
- How you'd use the bursary and what it would mean to you.
Supporting evidence
Depending on your application, you may need to provide proof of the answers you have given – so please respond honestly.
You'll only need to provide proof of your eligibility if you're shortlisted to receive the bursary. You do not need to submit any evidence at the application stage.
What happens if your choice of uni changes?
Don't worry if your plans change on Results Day, and you either go with your insurance choice or somewhere else entirely after applying through Clearing.
As long as you're still going to a UK university, you'll be eligible!
How much money can you get?
The Save the Student Bursary is a set amount of £750, with six awards up for grabs.
The bursary will be paid through JS Group's Aspire service, a tool used by tens of thousands of students at dozens of UK universities, allowing the safe and secure delivery of funds.
This money is intended to help you pay for anything you might need when you start university. This could include:
- A laptop
- Bedding
- Kitchenware
- Clothes
- Stationery
- Specialist equipment for your course
- Anything else you'll need.
Our list of what to take to university is a good place to start if you're wondering what you might want to spend the bursary on.
Save the Student Bursary timeline
The application window for the Save the Student Bursary opens on Tuesday 29th April, and closes at midday on Friday 20th June.
To make sure you're ready to start university, we'll award the money as soon as possible after Results Day, meaning you won't have to wait for your Maintenance Loan to drop before buying your essentials.
Here's the full timeline:
- Tuesday 29th April – Applications for the bursary open at 12.01am.
- Friday 20th June – Applications close at midday.
- Week of the 7th July – We will contact the top six candidates to let them know they've been shortlisted, and ask for proof of eligibility. Don't worry, we will get in touch again if we don't hear back!
- Week of the 21st July – If any of the six candidates fail to respond or provide adequate proof of eligibility by the 21st July, we will have to exclude them from the process and select replacement candidates instead.
- Friday 15th August (the day after A Level Results Day) – We'll contact the final six candidates to confirm they've been accepted onto a university course and ask for proof. If everything's in line, we'll award the bursary ASAP!
Apply for the Save the Student Bursary
If the form isn't displaying properly, click here to view it on Google Forms.
JS Group's standard privacy policy and terms and conditions can be found below:
If you have any questions about the bursary, please email:
