In the UK, a variety of bursaries, grants, and scholarships are available to support students pursuing degrees in STEM. While many of these financial aids are exclusive to postgraduate students, there are also opportunities for undergraduates.

Unlike the loans provided by Student Finance, these funds do not require repayment. However, they can be challenging to locate, as there is no centralised database or single governing body overseeing them. Despite this, the potential financial benefits, which can sometimes amount to thousands of pounds, make the search worthwhile.

Scholarships vs grants vs bursaries: What’s the difference?

Scholarships, grants and bursaries are all examples of financial aid that typically do not need paying back. But what sets them apart?

Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic, musical, or sporting achievements. Funded by universities, colleges, and employers, scholarships recognise and reward outstanding performance in specific areas. They may also require an application process that includes essays, personal statements, or project proposals. Payments may provide support with tuition fees, living expenses, or offer additional resources like research funding or mentoring opportunities.

Grants are usually provided by charities or trusts and often target underrepresented groups to promote diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. These funds are often designed to support specific projects, research endeavours, or academic pursuits for postgraduate students, but can also be for individual undergraduates to support them with living costs and studying abroad.

Bursaries are aimed at students from low-income households, or for widening participation for underrepresented groups. They are intended to provide financial relief for those facing economic challenges. They are funded by universities and colleges and can cover various costs, such as tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other essential expenses. Some institutions automatically assess eligibility for bursaries during the student loan application process, simplifying access for students.

 

Graduation hat on pink piggy bank next to a blue piggy bank resting on banknotes
Scholarship
Bursary
Grant
Non-repayable financial aid
Paid one-off, termly or yearly
Typically one-off payments
Based on academic, musical or sporting achievements
For low household income, personal background and identity, and widening participation for underrepresented groups
Funded by universities, colleges and employers
Funded by charities or trusts for underrepresented groups

STEM scholarships, grants, and bursaries for undergraduates are quite similar. The specific definitions of each type of funding is not too important as the terms are often used interchangeably, so there’s no need to get too caught up in the details. Instead, focus on finding opportunities that match your eligibility and securing that financial support!

Why might you be eligible for STEM grants or bursaries?

Grants and bursaries are awarded either on a one-off or recurring basis to students from low-income households or underrepresented groups, often as part of widening participation schemes. These schemes aim to increase the accessibility of higher education for disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. Common eligibility criteria include:

  • Low household income
  • First generation university students
  • Care leavers
  • Students from military families
  • Disabled students
  • Caregivers
  • Refugees or asylum seekers
  • Non-UK students
  • Underrepresented groups in STEM (e.g. Black students, ethnic minority students, LGBT+ students)

Financial support may also be available for specific activities, such as travel, study abroad, and work placements. These opportunities can enhance students’ educational experiences and provide valuable professional development. Many universities automatically assess eligibility for bursaries when students apply for student loans, but students should inquire directly if they believe they are eligible but have not received any funding.

What are STEM scholarships?

STEM scholarships are often awarded for academic competitions, subject-related challenges, or research tasks. Applications may alternatively require the submission of an essay or a similar piece related to the awarding body’s interests. High academic achievement in examinations can also qualify a student for a scholarship.

In addition to academic achievements, scholarships can also reward musical or sporting accomplishments. These are available to any student, not just those studying music or sports. Sports scholarships typically require recent regional, national, or international competition experience, while music scholarships often require a minimum grade level for an instrument or voice, with some needing performance footage.

Male pupil with teacher playing piano in music lesson

Some scholarships come with future commitments, such as representing the university in sports or music, serving as a student ambassador, or writing a report for the benefactors. Always check the expectations before accepting any funding.

While bursaries and grants are generally awarded to all qualifying applicants, STEM scholarships for undergraduates are more competitive. Thorough research into the specific scholarship and its terms and conditions can provide insights into your chances of success.

What other scholarships, grants and bursaries are there?

There are numerous unique scholarships, grants, and bursaries available. For example, The Vegetarian Charity offers grants to vegetarians and vegans under 26 in financial need. It is worth exploring various options to find niche funding opportunities for which you may be eligible.

How can you find STEM scholarships, grants and bursaries?

Finding these financial aids requires proactive searching. A good starting point is university and college websites, which often list their available scholarships. Attending open days and sending email inquiries can also be beneficial for clarification or support.

Employers often offer scholarship and bursary schemes to attract talented students to their industries. For example, companies in STEM fields may provide financial support, mentorship, and employment opportunities to students who are in underrepresented groups in STEM. Additionally, charities, professional societies, and industry associations are valuable resources for finding scholarships and grants tailored to specific disciplines or demographic groups.

Here are some websites you can also explore for STEM scholarships, grants, and bursaries:

  • The British Council allows you to search for scholarships filtered by level of study, subject, and nationality.
  • The Scottish government lists available Scottish scholarships.
  • The Student Action for Refugees (STAR) provides a variety of scholarships and bursaries for those who have sought asylum in the UK.
  • Displaced Students Opportunities UK (DSO) also details university study opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.
  • The Scholarship Hub allows you to search and filter scholarships based on criteria such as location, field of study, or academic level. It also provides resources to guide you through the application process.
  • The UK government support for international students lists postgraduate scholarships for non-UK students.
  • The UK government’s Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) offers financial support to those with learning difficulties, health problems, or disabilities.
  • GREAT scholarships provide funding for students from certain countries to study a one-year postgraduate degree in fields including STEM.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, and the best way to find scholarships remains through the websites of individual organisations.

PMT’s tips when searching for STEM scholarships, grants and bursaries

  1. Use keywords such as “scholarship,” “grant,” “bursary,” “funding,” and “financial help” in your searches.
  2. Combine these keywords with the names of universities you are interested in, e.g., “scholarship STEM Edinburgh University”.
  3. Explore organisations and societies related to your field of study for potential financial aid.
  4. Check university and college websites for comprehensive lists of available financial support.
  5. Look locally for charities and trusts dedicated to helping individuals in your area. Local organisations might offer funding that is not widely advertised, providing a higher chance of success.
  6. Investigate independent or private schools that, as part of their charitable status, offer grants to disadvantaged students not enrolled at their institutions.

How do you apply for STEM scholarships, grants and bursaries?

When applying for STEM scholarships, grants, and bursaries, it is helpful to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria to avoid wasting time on unsuitable opportunities. Contacting the awarding bodies for guidance can assist in tailoring your applications to their specific requirements and increase your chances of success.

Person filling out an application form for a student grant.

It is useful to be prepared for varying application requirements, which can range from straightforward grade submissions to detailed personal statements, project proposals, or interviews. Gathering any necessary documents, evidence, or portfolios in advance can help make the process as efficient as possible and reduce last-minute stress.

Additionally, keeping track of application deadlines by organising your calendar with reminders can ensure you submit all materials on time. There is no limit to the number of scholarships you can apply for, so your chances can be increased by applying for as many as possible. Often, once you have written one essay or personal statement, it can be reused for multiple applications.

Securing financial aid through STEM scholarships, grants, and bursaries can be a crucial step towards easing the financial burden of higher education. Though these opportunities may require persistent research and tailored applications, the potential rewards make the effort worthwhile.

With a wide range of options available based on academic achievement, financial need, or personal background, we encourage you to explore and apply for as many opportunities as possible. By leveraging available resources and maintaining an organised approach, you can significantly improve their chances of securing financial support.

Continue to the next article to find out everything you need to know about gap years and how to make the most of yours as a STEM student.

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