Save the Student Bursary

If you're starting university in 2026/27, you could be eligible for the Save the Student Bursary to help cover the cost of student essentials like a laptop, bedding, kitchenware and more.

save the student bursary 2026 written in front of a purple background with the STS and JS Group logos

UPDATE: Applications for the 2026 Save the Student Bursary have now closed.

At Save the Student, we've been helping students get the most from their money since 2007.

In fact, one of our main aims is for nobody to drop out or be put off applying to university due to a lack of money.

All too often we hear about prospective students who want to go to university, but worry it won't be possible because they don't have the financial support to cover their costs. Student Loans can help with this, but our research consistently shows that the Maintenance Loan falls far short of living costs.

In 2025, to help tackle this, we awarded the very first Save the Student Bursary, helping new students pay for everything they need to get started at university. And it was such a success that we're doing it again in 2026!

We're giving £750 to six new students – a total of £4,500, jointly funded by our partners at JS Group. The bursary will also be paid through JS Group's Aspire Cash service, ensuring quick, easy and secure delivery of the funds.

We want this cash to go to those who need it most, so we'll only be considering applicants with a household income of £40,000 or less. You can find the full eligibility criteria below, as well as the proof you may be asked to submit.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Apply »

Save the Student Bursary information

Who can apply?

To apply for the Save the Student Bursary, you must:

  • Be starting your first or foundation year at a UK university in the 2026/27 academic year (the OfS and UCAS websites list institutions if you're unsure).
  • Have a household income of £40,000 per year or less. As with your Student Finance application, we're only taking taxable income into account.
  • Qualify as a Home Fee Status student.
  • Have an open UK bank account, or have one by the end of August 2026.

As this fund is intended to help people from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds, the application form will also ask:

  • If you were eligible to receive free school meals at secondary school
  • Where you currently live
  • If your parents or guardians attended university
  • If you identify as being part of any of the Office for Students' "underrepresented groups"
  • How you'd use the bursary and what it would mean to you.

Supporting evidence

Depending on your application, you may need to provide proof of the answers you have given. So, please respond honestly.

You'll only need to provide proof of your eligibility if you're shortlisted to receive the bursary. You do not need to submit any evidence at the application stage.

What happens if your choice of uni changes?

Don't worry if your plans change on Results Day, and you either go with your insurance choice or somewhere else entirely after applying through Clearing.

As long as you're still going to a UK university, you'll be eligible!

How much money can you get?

The Save the Student Bursary is a set amount of £750, with six awards up for grabs.

The bursary will be paid through JS Group's Aspire service, a tool used by tens of thousands of students at dozens of UK universities, allowing the safe and secure delivery of funds.

This money is intended to help you pay for anything you might need when you start university. This could include:

  • A laptop
  • Bedding
  • Kitchenware
  • Clothes
  • Stationery
  • Specialist equipment for your course
  • Anything else you'll need.

Our list of what to take to university is a good place to start if you're wondering what you might want to spend the bursary on.

Save the Student Bursary timeline

The application window for the Save the Student Bursary opened on Wednesday 22nd April, and will now close on Friday 3rd July.

To make sure you're ready to start university, we'll award the money as soon as possible after Results Day, meaning you won't have to wait for your Maintenance Loan to drop before buying your essentials.

Here's the full timeline:

  • Wednesday 22nd April – Applications for the bursary open at 12.01am.
  • Friday 26th June  DEADLINE EXTENDED to Friday 3rd July – Applications close at midday.
  • Week of the 13th July – We'll contact the top six candidates to let them know they've been shortlisted, and ask for proof of eligibility. Don't worry, we'll get in touch again if we don't hear back!
  • Week of the 27th July – If any of the six candidates fail to respond or provide adequate proof of eligibility by the 27th July, we will have to exclude them from the process and select replacement candidates instead.
  • Thursday 13th August (A Level Results Day) or soon after – We'll contact the final six candidates to confirm they've been accepted onto a university course and ask for proof. If everything's in line, we'll award the bursary ASAP!

Apply for the Save the Student Bursary

If the form isn't displaying properly, click here to view it on Google Forms.

JS Group's standard privacy policy and terms and conditions can be found below:

If you have any questions about the bursary, please email:

bursary email address