Scholarships and Bursaries at the University of Northampton
At the University of Northampton, we offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to support students from many different academic backgrounds, life experiences, and personal circumstances.
What are scholarships?
The term ‘scholarship’ can sometimes feel confusing. Many people assume scholarships are only for students with the very highest grades or those at the top of their class. While some of our awards do recognise academic achievement, that’s not the only thing we’re looking for – above all, we want to support students who are passionate about their subject and committed to making the most of their time at university.
Supporting students from all backgrounds
We’re proud to support students from a diverse range of backgrounds and circumstances. You might be the first in your family to go to university, come from a lower-income household, or be a mature student (aged 21 or over), with or without children. We understand that everyone’s journey is different, and that a scholarship can make a real difference to your university experience. It isn’t always just about the financial support – it’s also about knowing that someone believes in you and wants to help you succeed.
The application process
When you apply, we want to get to know you as an individual – your ambitions, your interests, and your personal circumstances. We’re passionate about supporting students who may need a little extra help to achieve their potential. Our scholarships have a variety of criteria: some are general, some are linked to specific subjects, others are for students from the Northampton area, and some are specifically for our international students. We also offer dedicated support for Care Leavers and estranged students.
Some applications will need a tutor’s report. This is an important part of the process, as your tutor should know you well enough to recommend you and explain how a scholarship would benefit you.
The key question on the application form is: “Why are you applying for funds?” Scholarships are not awarded solely based on hardship, but we do want to support those who would benefit most. The more you can tell us about your circumstances and how the funding would help, the better we can understand your situation.
If your application is successful, the scholarship will be paid directly into your bank account. It is not a loan and doesn’t need to be repaid, and it won’t affect any benefits you may already receive. In most cases, you can choose how to use the money – whether that’s for travel to campus, rent, food, or course materials.
We’re here to help
We’re a friendly team and always happy to answer questions, so please get in touch to find out more. We can also signpost you to other support services, such as ASSIST and the Financial Guidance Team. We’ve been able to offer awards to some incredible students, and it’s been a privilege to see the difference scholarships can make – helping them complete their studies, develop their projects, and go on to achieve fantastic results.
To find out more, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships pages or drop us an email at scholarships@northampton.ac.uk.
