Scholarships and bursaries

We have a number of scholarships and bursaries available for our students, including:

National Scholarship Programme

In 2012/13 the university will allocate 64 National Scholarship Programme (NSP) places - funded by the government - and will also fund an additional 64 places itself, resulting in 128 awards being made.

These awards will be for £3,000 in the first year (£1,000 cash award and a £2,000 fee waiver), but recipients will benefit from an overall award of up to £6,000 over the lifetime of their course with up to two additional cash awards of £1,500 available to them in subsequent years of study.

Eligibility criteria (Applicants must meet all three criteria):

  • Applicant has a household income of less than £25,000 per annum
  • Permanent residency of applicant for year prior to entry in a Low Participation postcode
  • The applicant is liable to pay a minimum fee of £7,850 (for an honours degree) or £6,000 (for a foundation degree) per annum.

Prioritisation criteria:

  • Applicant has a disability which has been declared on the UCAS form
  • Applicant has left Local Authority care
  • Applicant is from socio-economic classes 4-8
  • Applicant has a household income of less than £20,000 per annum
  • Applicant has a household income of less than £16,000 per annum
  • Applicant's parents/guardians do not have HE qualifications
  • UoC is the applicant's confirmed first choice through UCAS
  • Permanent residency of applicant for year prior to entry is in a Low Participation postcode from Cumbria or Lancashire
  • Applicant has no existing HE qualification.

The number of awards is limited. Making an application does not guarantee an award being made. Awards will be allocated according to the published annual prioritisation criteria, within the context of all eligible applicants. Awards will be confirmed following confirmation of acceptance of place for new entrants.

How to apply

Thank you for your patience as we finalise our application process. We will be uploading the application form and the closing date for 2012 soon. All applications will be considered after this closing date. Further information can be obtained by contacting a Student Development Adviser in LISS.

Cumbria Bursaries

In 2012/13 the university will allocate up to an additional 295 Cumbria bursaries to applicants who are not in receipt of the NSP award.

These awards will be for £1,500 (cash award) in the first year, but recipients will benefit from an overall award of up to £4,500 over the lifetime of their course with up to two additional cash awards of £1,500  available to them in subsequent years of study.

Eligibility criteria (Applicants must meet all three criteria):

  • Applicant is not currently receiving an NSP award
  • Applicant has a household income of less than £25,000 per annum
  • Applicant is liable to pay a minimum fee of £7,850 (honours degree) or £6,000 (foundation degree) per annum

Prioritisation criteria:

  • Applicant has a disability which has been declared on the UCAS form
  • Applicant has left Local Authority care
  • Applicant is from socio-economic classes 4-8
  • Applicant has a household income of less than £20,000 per annum
  • Applicant has a household income of less than £16,000 per annum
  • Applicant's parents/guardians do not have HE qualifications
  • University of Cumbria is the applicant's confirmed first choice through UCAS
  • Permanent residency of applicant for year prior to entry is in a Low Participation postcode
  • Permanent residency of applicant for year prior to entry is in a Low Participation postcode from Cumbria or Lancashire
  • Applicant has no existing HE qualification.

The number of awards is limited. Making an application does not guarantee an award being made. Awards will be allocated according to the published annual prioritisation criteria, within the context of all eligible applicants. Awards will be confirmed following confirmation of acceptance of place for new entrants. 

How to apply

Thank you for your patience as we finalise our application process. We will be uploading the application form and the closing date for 2012 soon. All applications will be considered after this closing date. Further information can be obtained by contacting a Student Development Adviser in LISS.

Outstanding Performance Awards

In 2012/13 the university will award nine Outstanding Performance Awards of £1,000 (cash award) per beneficiary.

Eligibility criteria (Applicants must meet all three):

  • Applicant has a household income of less than £25,000 per annum
  • Student's performance or commitment has excelled despite challenging circumstances
  • Nomination by relevant Associate Dean.

Achievement Scholarships

In 2012/13 the university will award three Achievement Scholarships of £1,000 (cash award) per beneficiary. These will be in the following areas:

  • Creative and Performing Arts
  • Community and Social Engagement
  • Achievement in Sports and Outdoor Activities.

Eligibility criteria (must meet one of the following):

  • Permanent residency of applicant is in a Low Participation postcode
  • Applicant has a disability which has been declared on the UCAS form
  • Applicant has left Local Authority care.

We are finalising our application process at present. Please check back at the beginning of June when our application process opens.

The Choral Scholarships

Carlisle Cathedral LogoWe have teamed up with Carlisle Cathedral to provide an opportunity for our students to sing in the Cathedral Choir and receive a choral scholarship worth up to £5,300 per year. The scholarships are available to students on Further Education or Higher Education courses regardless of your course and level of study.

If you sing either alto, tenor or bass then the following scholarships are up for grabs:

  • Three Joint Choral Scholarships
  • One Cumbrian Choral Scholarship (for students with a Cumbrian postcode)

What you will get:

Joint Choral Scholarships (three) - worth more than £2,300 per year

A scholarship of £1,500 per year, funded by both the Cathedral and the university

  • Six free singing lessons from the choir's vocal coach
  • An opportunity to earn occasional fees from singing at weddings, funerals, radio and television broadcasts
  • Entitlement to take part in choir tours, during the scholarship period, free of charge
  • Where scholars are asked to take part in services out of term time, you will receive an allowance of up to £80 per week

Cumbrian Choral Scholarship (one)

  • All of the above, plus
  • A tuition fees bursary of up to £3,000 per year

What we require from you:

You will be required to attend at least four services per week during term time and six services per week out of term time. You will need to undertake an Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check and you must meet the academic and attendance requirements of your university course.

How to apply:

  • Complete an application form by FRIDAY 24 AUGUST 2012
  • Check our terms and conditions to make sure that you qualify
  • Send the application form to: Choral Scholarship Applications, Learning, Information and Student Services, University of Cumbria, Fusehill Street, Carlisle, CA1 2HH
  • Applications will be dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis

You will be required to attend an audition which will consist of a prepared solo (open choice), sight reading and aural test. During your interview you should demonstrate how you will fulfil your course commitments and the commitments of the scholarship.

You will be notified of the outcome of your audition and interview as early as possible with a view to singing in the choir from September onwards.

Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries

Postgrad Solutions Ltd is offering 13 bursaries across a number of subject areas. The bursaries are worth £500 each and are open to students from anywhere in the world.

To apply for a Postgrad Solutions bursary, visit their website.