The BU Financial Support Fund offers non-repayable support that can help you if you are having financial difficulties during your degree. Funds can help with childcare, travel, accommodation, as well as books and equipment. Please note that EU (non-UK), Channel Islands, Isle of Man and international students cannot apply for this fund. You will not usually be required to repay this fund.

Eligibility for UK undergraduate and NHS-funded students

  • You must have applied for and be in receipt of your full maintenance loan (and grant if appropriate) before we can assess any BU Financial Support Fund application. You also must have been means-tested by your awarding authority (usually Student Finance England)
  • NHS-funded students must have had their NHS bursary assessed before any BU Financial Support Fund application can be considered
  • You have to demonstrate by submitting bank statements that you have little or no funds remaining
  • You must be enrolled on a Bournemouth University course
  • If you are enrolled on a part-time course, you must be in study for at least 50% of the full-time equivalent. This is generally 60 credits.
  • Applications can be considered if you can demonstrate a shortfall between your income and your essential outgoings. We can also take into account any one-off or unexpected essential costs.

​Eligibility for UK postgraduate/Master’s students

  • You have to demonstrate that you have attempted to fund the course yourself by applying for a Postgraduate Loan.
  • You have to demonstrate by submitting bank statements that you have little or no funds remaining
  • You must be enrolled and actively participating in your studies
  • If you are enrolled on a part-time course, you must be in study for at least 50% of the full-time equivalent.

How much may I be eligible for?

If an application is successful, the amount awarded will depend on your circumstances and level of study. For more information on how much students can qualify, please check the BU Financial Support Guidance (pdf 554kb) in section 7.2, from page 10.

How is it paid?

If you're made an award from the BU Financial Support Fund, you will be paid by BACS in one instalment for the whole academic year. If you have not qualified for the full amount, you can reapply if you can demonstrate further financial support is required. 

How to apply?

If you wish to apply for the BU Financial Support Fund, please use the online form and select Finance and money advice from the drop down to get started. We can then provide you with details on how to apply and the application form.

NHS Learning Support Fund

If you are a student on an NHS course which started in September 2017 or after, you may be eligible for additional NHS support from their Learning Support Fund. Part of the support the NHS offer is the Exceptional Support Fund for students facing financial difficulty. Please note that if you wish to apply for the Exceptional Support Fund, you must have applied and received a decision from the BU Financial Support Fund first.