UCEN Manchester Bursary
At UCEN Manchester, we believe that financial circumstances shouldn't prevent you from succeeding in higher education.
Our bursary scheme has been designed to help remove financial barriers, enabling you to focus on your studies and make the most of your student experience. Whether you're facing unexpected financial pressures, additional study-related costs or barriers to participation, our bursaries provide targeted support to students who need it most.
We know that every student's circumstances are different, which is why our bursary scheme offers a range of awards to support students at different stages of their journey.
If you are studying on an Access to Higher Education course or any L3/4 courses funded by the Advance Learner Loan go to Next steps for Adult Learners for support while you study.
When can I apply?
Applications for the UCEN Manchester Bursary open from October Reading Week each academic year.
This is because your first Maintenance Loan instalment is intended to support your living and study costs during the first half term of your course. Opening applications after October Reading Week allows students time to receive their funding before applying for additional financial support, ensuring bursary funding is directed to those who continue to experience financial hardship or face unexpected circumstances.
If your circumstances change before applications open and you're experiencing exceptional financial hardship, please contact Future U as soon as possible so we can discuss the support available.
What support is available?
Access & Participation Award (Up to £500)
Access & Participation Award provides additional financial support to students from groups that are statistically less likely to access, continue or succeed in higher education. The award aims to help reduce financial barriers that may impact on your ability to participate fully in your studies.
Students with a household income of £30,000 or below may be eligible if they meet one or more of the priority groups identified by UCEN Manchester, informed by the Office for Students Equality of Opportunity Risk Register.
Cost of Living Award (Up to £500)
The Cost of Living Award is available to students experiencing unexpected financial hardship during the academic year. The award is intended to provide short-term support where a change in circumstances or unforeseen expense places financial pressure on a student. It is not designed to meet ongoing living costs or repay existing debts. Applications are considered on an individual basis.
Removing Barriers Award (Up to £300)
The Removing Barriers Award supports disabled students with study-related costs that are not covered through the Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). This may include the cost of diagnostic assessments, specialist equipment or other essential resources required to support your learning.
Progression Award (£250)
The Progression to UCEN Manchester Award recognises students progressing directly from The Manchester College to study at UCEN Manchester. The award is intended to support the transition into higher education by helping to meet some of the additional costs associated with starting UCEN Manchester.
Am I eligible?
Before you apply, you'll need to make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for the bursary scheme. To be eligible, you must:
- Receive Student Finance England support for your course.
- Meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the UCEN Manchester Bursary Awards.
- Be able to provide the supporting evidence required to assess your application.
Each bursary award has its own eligibility criteria and evidence requirements. Before applying, we recommend reading the information for each award to check which one is most appropriate for your circumstances.
If you're unsure whether you're eligible, Future U is here to help. Contact us before submitting your application and we'll be happy to discuss the bursary scheme and answer any questions you may have.
How to apply
Complete the application form and upload all required supporting evidence. You will then meet with a member of the Future U team, who will assess your application and confirm the support you may be eligible to receive. Once approved, payment will be arranged.
To help us assess your application, you'll need to provide the following supporting evidence:
- Your Student Finance England entitlement letter.
- Three months' bank statements for all current and savings accounts held in your name.
- Evidence of your housing costs, such as a tenancy agreement, rent statement or mortgage statement.
- Evidence of your household circumstances, where relevant, to support your application.
Providing all the required evidence at the time of application will help us assess your request as quickly as possible. If we need any additional information, a member of the Future U team will contact you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply more than once?
You can make one application for the bursary per academic year. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to allocate additional hardship funds.
How long does an assessment take?
The assessment is a one to one meeting and will take no more than one hour. Ideally, we prefer this to be face to face but will accommodate TEAMS where appropriate.
When are payments made?
Payment will be made within 10 working days of the assessment and from ‘LTE Group’.
What evidence do I need?
You will need to provide your student finance entitlement letter (available on the SFE portal); 3 months bank statements for all accounts; evidence of income and expenditure.
Do I have to pay it back?
No, you do not have to repay any monies received through the bursary fund.