What is an Academic Scholarship, Grant or Bursary?

Academic scholarships, grants, and bursaries are financial awards offered to students based on their academic achievements. These awards are designed to support and motivate students with high academic potential, particularly those predicted to achieve high grades. The funding can be referred to by various names, such as 'academic excellence', 'academic merit', or 'academic achievement' scholarships, but they generally serve the same purpose: to reward hard work and attract top talent.

What Can You Get?

The value of academic scholarships varies, but they typically include financial support towards living costs, tuition fees, or both. Some scholarships might also offer additional benefits like lifestyle and accommodation benefits, flights home, housing upgrades, theatre passes, or a combination of these.

Examples of Academic Scholarships Offered by Universities

  1. Up to £1,200 over three years.

  2. Tuition fees reduced by up to £2,500 per year.

  3. Up to £3,000 over the course of a degree.

  4. £7,000 in the first year, with identical cash payments in subsequent years based on performance.

  5. Tuition fees reduced by £1,000 for one year.

  6. £500 in the first year.

Eligibility Criteria and Applying

Academic scholarships are awarded based on academic performance. The eligibility criteria often include a minimum grade threshold and may consider other factors like attendance, additional qualifications, and personal circumstances. These awards are not just for students with the highest grades; universities often set the bar at AAB or similar levels at A-levels or equivalent qualifications.

The application process for academic scholarships varies. In some cases, universities automatically award them upon receiving grades from UCAS, especially for 'academic merit' scholarships. For others, like 'academic excellence' or 'academic achievement' scholarships, students may need to submit an application showcasing their academic record and reasons for deserving the scholarship.

Important Considerations

  • Academic scholarships might be subject to review and can be withdrawn if the student's grades or attendance falls.

  • The number of awards available may vary each year.

  • Scholarships may be awarded via a prepaid card, restricting spending options.

  • Eligibility may depend on meeting specific offer conditions, household income, or other personal circumstances.

Questions to Ask on Open Days

  1. How does receiving other scholarships affect eligibility for an academic scholarship?

  2. When and how are students notified about academic scholarship awards?

  3. Does household income influence academic scholarship decisions?

  4. How many academic scholarships are available each year?

  5. Are there additional requirements or applications needed for academic scholarships?

  6. How are academic scholarships disbursed (bank transfer, prepaid card, etc.)?

  7. Are there any extra benefits associated with the scholarship?

  8. What are the conditions for maintaining an academic scholarship?

In summary, academic scholarships are a valuable resource for students demonstrating high academic potential. They offer financial assistance and may include additional perks, helping students manage the cost of university education and encouraging them to excel in their academic pursuits.