Funding student potential

Your background and experiences so far give you your unique perspective. At Brighton we believe that when different perspectives come together, brilliant new thinking happens – that’s why inclusivity and diversity are so important.

You deserve to be able to make the most of your time here; to be bold and confident as you explore your studies, your ideas about your future and your place in the world.

We can help you to take advantage of new opportunities and make the most of your studies and student experience. There are a number of scholarships and funds that you can apply for, all created with donations from Brighton graduates and friends who care about their university and your success.

Opportunities include:

Scholarships

Every one of our students with ambition and ability deserves the best chance to succeed and achieve their goals.

We understand that achievement isn't just about improving financial security, so scholarship recipients will also have access to a range of benefits and opportunities that will support them in making the most of their university experience. These include:

  • mentoring
  • an interview to be a Student Ambassador (providing paid work)
  • free membership to Sport Brighton
  • free membership to Brighton Students' Union Societies
  • opportunity to network with fellow scholarship recipients.

The value of a scholarship is more than the funds and benefits it provides; gaining a scholarship adds to the accomplishments of an individual and can make a difference when applying for a job or progressing to postgraduate study.

Like many higher education institutions in England, we know there is a gap in the final degree results awarded to our students, particularly our Black and Black Mixed Heritage students and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. The reasons for this gap are complex. They include structural inequality within universities, as well as our wider society.

Our scholarships seek to support students in their studies and to contribute to eliminating the degree awarding.

When applying to the scholarships, applicants are asked to consider what they are aiming to gain from their course and time at the University of Brighton, how this connects to their career aspirations, and how the scholarship will help them achieve their goals.

The university is committed to eliminating the difference in achievement between our students. Our Access and Participation Plan  and our membership of the Race Equality Charter set out the many extensive support mechanisms and action plans that are driving the changes needed to achieve our vision. All of these involve our students in their development and delivery.

Scholarships available

Black and Black Mixed Heritage scholarships

Is this fund for you?

If your heritage is Black or Black Mixed, you are in your first year of undergraduate study, and a Home/UK student, then you are eligible to apply. See full terms and conditions.

What does it provide?

£2,000 a year for three years of undergraduate study at the University of Brighton.

How many scholarships are available?

We can currently offer three a year, but we are aiming to increase this by raising more funds. These are funded by donations made by alumni and friends of the university.

When and how can I apply?

Applications are closed for 2020–21 academic year and will reopen in September 2021.

Progression scholarships

Is this fund for you?

If you are a full-time Home/UK undergraduate student in your first year of study and be in receipt of a full student finance package, a University of Brighton Bursary, Care Leaver’s Bursary or Estranged Student Bursary then you are eligible to apply. See full terms and conditions.

What does it provide?

A single-year scholarship of £1,250 to support progression from your first to second year of undergraduate study.

How many scholarships are available?

We can currently offer 16 single-year scholarships. These are currently fully funded by Santander Universities UK.

When and how can I apply?

Applications will open online in 2022.

RKS scholarship

Is this fund for you?

You need to be male or identify as male. Be a full-time Home/UK student who has a firm offer of acceptance from the University of Brighton on either BA (Hons) Podiatry or BA (Hons) Mental Health Nursing. You will need to be eligible to receive a full student finance package, a University of Brighton Bursary, Care Leaver’s Bursary or Estranged Student Bursary. 

What does it provide?

It will fund your £9,250 fees for three years of undergraduate study (total value of £27,750).

How many scholarships are available?

One scholarship a year for three years.

When and how can I apply?

Applications will open in September 2022.

Forward Bound scholarship

Is this fund for you?

You need to have a firm offer of acceptance on our MSc Health Promotion course and be from a country included in the terms and conditions.

What does it provide?

A fully funded scholarship up to £25,000 or a part-funded scholarship of up to £12,500 a year.

How many scholarships are available?

One scholarship a year or two part-funded scholarships a year.

When and how can I apply?

Further information is available on our international scholarships page.

Alumni postgraduate scholarships

Scholarships will be awarded to UK or international students who already hold a University of Brighton academic award and who wish to study at postgraduate level at the university.

Read more about alumni postgraduate scholarships.

Funds

Student Experience Fund

A specific fund to add value to your studies and university experience. Whether you want to travel further to go on a specific placement, attend a conference to network and develop employability skills, buy specialist software, lab or work clothes, equipment or materials to support your course, or travel to gather data and research for your dissertation, then the Student Experience Fund has it covered.

The fund also welcomes applications to support you in participating in Brighton Students’ Union Societies and Sport Brighton teams.

We want to help all our students to seize opportunities and enjoy the fullest university experience. Simply tell us what you need to fund, how it will help your studies, grow your employability skills or help you participate in university life.

Is this fund for me?

Any University of Brighton student can apply. See full terms and conditions.

What does it provide?

Grants of up to £250.

How many grants are available?

A limited fund is available. Therefore, the number of recipients will depend on the value of the awards made each round.

When and how can I apply?

The next round of applications will be open in November 2021.

International Experience Fund

This fund is currently closed due to COVID-19.

Taking part in an international experience has many advantages for students.

They can enhance life experiences, build a global network of contacts, broaden horizons and increase intercultural competence, as well as gaining a competitive edge with regards future careers and employability skills.

The funds can support overseas work experience, study or volunteering related to your course or career aspirations, to be taken during the summer recess.

Is this fund for me?

If you are an undergraduate studying at the University of Brighton in your first or second year, you can apply. Priority will be given to students who would find taking up an international experience out of reach without this funding.

What does it provide?

Grants of up to £1,250 towards travel and subsistence costs to support an international experience.

How many grants are available?

A limited fund is available. Therefore, the number of recipients will depend on the value of the awards made each round.

When and how can I apply?

The fund will reopen in 2022.

Entrepreneurship and employability

Santander University of Brighton Ideas Competition

Do you have an idea for a new product, service or community project? The Santander University of Brighton Ideas Competition is your chance to make it happen. There are top prizes of £1,500, £1,000 and £500 available to win. There are also four runners-up prizes of £100.

Find out more about the 2021 programme and competition.

Santander Universities Growth Grants

The aim of this fund is to enable current students and recent graduates from the University of Brighton to grow their businesses and social enterprises. The fund can be used to pay towards new product development, new technology within the venture (eg specialist equipment or software), intellectual property protection or new marketing materials, among other things. Awards are between £250 and £1,000, with some further £3,000 Foundership grants available to more advanced businesses.

Find out more about the programme and application process.

Santander Universities Internships

Each year, Santander Universities UK offers funding to support students to undertake a summer internship. This award of up to £1,000 enables not-for-profits, SMEs and charities to engage a student for around six weeks to undertake a project-focused internship.

The programme will open in May 2021. Find out more about the internships.