Wiltshire Community Foundation is offering £1,600 bursaries to support young people in higher education
The University Bursary programme, which has been running since 2008, provides financial assistance to students from low-income households in Wiltshire and Swindon. Eligible applicants can receive £1,600 for each academic year of their degree to help cover living expenses, course costs, travel, and equipment.
To qualify, applicants must be aged 17-24, living in Wiltshire or Swindon for at least two years, and planning to study or currently studying their first undergraduate degree at a UK university. They or their parents/guardians must also be in receipt of specific means-tested benefits or be in care.
The deadline for applications is 11th April, 2025. Interested students are encouraged to apply early, as funds are limited. The programme has already made a significant impact, with 68 students receiving £348,800 in grants last year.
Kathryn Gadd, a 2023 bursary recipient, shared her experience: "It has helped massively, to be honest because I don’t have a car, I don’t have a driver’s licence, a moped, anything! So, I have to rely on buses which can get really expensive. Although I did receive some money from student loans to cover course fees, my job didn’t pay enough for me to consistently be able to travel to and from the college and get to the different places that I needed to.
"The process was really simple, it was easy to apply, and then once you put through your documents, the communication between me and one of the members at Wiltshire Community Foundation was really good, whatever I didn’t give or forgot to give they let me know.
“The grant has made a complete difference to me; I wouldn’t have been able to attend higher education otherwise. Knowing that I could have that support at the start made me motivated to actually go in and try.”
Nicola Hiller, Grants Manager at Wiltshire Community Foundation, emphasised the importance of the programme:
"We are thrilled to announce that applications have opened for our University Bursary programme. Students who have previously received bursaries from us have often got in touch describing how much of a difference it has made for them. For many, it is the difference between attending higher education or not.
“Last year, we awarded £348,8000 in grants to 68 students, easing their financial worries and helping them to focus on their studies.
“It is an absolute joy to help those within our county achieve their educational aspirations. We encourage all those who are eligible to apply. If you have any questions about the application process or your eligibility, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, and our grants team will be more than happy to support with your application.”
You can apply for the University Bursary programme now at https://www.wiltshirecf.org.uk/grants-and-support/individuals/university-bursary-one-degree-more/
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