Scholarships and bursaries

Explore our scholarships and bursaries

Applying for a UEL scholarship is straightforward. Start by checking that you meet the eligibility criteria for the award you’re interested in. Some scholarships are automatically assessed when you apply for your course, while others require you to submit a separate application form with supporting evidence.

If your scholarship needs an application form, you’ll find full instructions on the individual scholarship page. Once you’ve submitted your form, our team will review your eligibility and contact you with the outcome. Make sure you apply early—many scholarships have limited places or fixed deadlines.

If you need support at any stage, our Applicant Support and Funding teams are here to help.

Undergraduate scholarships and bursaries
Explore UEL’s undergraduate scholarships and bursaries. Apply for awards like the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, Dean’s Scholarship, or Sports Scholarship to support your studies and achieve your goal
Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries
Explore UEL postgraduate funding: 50% Scholarship, 5% Early Payment, 100% fee waiver for asylum seekers, Alumni up to 25%, and Sports up to £6,000. Check eligibility and apply.
International Scholarships
Find out how our international scholarships work and see what scholarships are on offer for your studies.
Performance Sports
UEL’s High Performance programme aims to help talented athletes achieve success, both in sport and their academic studies.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP OR BURSARY?

Our awards come with a financial reward, which may be a cash payment or a tuition fee waiver. This funding is non-repayable.
Our awards can go a long way towards supporting you financially whilst you study, such as supporting your accommodation costs or giving you peace of mind.
Being awarded a scholarship or bursary can look great on your CV and showcase your success to future employers.
You'll become part of an exclusive network of scholars at the University, with opportunities to network with your peers and industry links.

Questions about our financial awards?

Get in touch:

studentfunding@uel.ac.uk

How to write a strong scholarship application

Why apply for scholarships, bursaries, and grants?

Applying for scholarships, bursaries, or grants can ease the financial pressures of university life. They can help with tuition fees, living expenses, or specific study-related costs, allowing you to focus more on your studies and less on financial stress. Beyond the financial support, receiving an award is also a recognition of your achievements, potential, or personal circumstances, which can boost your confidence and enhance your CV.

Scholarships, bursaries, and grants – what’s the difference?

Scholarships are usually awarded based on achievement – this could be academic performance, sporting talent, creative ability, or leadership qualities.
Bursaries are typically based on financial need or personal circumstances, such as coming from a low-income background or being the first in your family to attend university.
Grants can be awarded for a mix of reasons, such as financial need, subject of study, or to support underrepresented groups in higher education.

All three provide money that you don’t have to repay, making them a valuable source of support.

What can you get a scholarship, bursary or grant for?

You can apply for scholarships, bursaries, or grants for a wide range of reasons. These include academic excellence, sporting achievements, creative talent, community involvement, or financial need. Some awards are also tied to particular courses, research areas, or professional pathways. Others may be designed to support specific groups of students, such as care leavers, international students, or those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Whatever your circumstances, there’s likely to be an award you can apply for to help make your university journey more affordable.

Funding calculator
Answer a few quick questions to find out how much financial support you could get for your studies and living costs.
UK undergraduate funding
Find out if you're eligible for a tuition loan, a maintenance loan, grants and other funding for your university degree in London.
UK postgraduate funding
Postgraduate students can get government funding for their studies, which may include loans, bursaries, and grants. These forms of financial aid are designed to help with studying costs.
International fees and funding
Discover tuition fees, scholarships, bursaries and payment options for international students at UEL. Learn how to fund your studies and invest in your future.