9 weird university bursaries, grants and scholarships
Ever wondered if you can get extra funding at university? It's not just reserved for those with the top grades. From the weird to the wonderful, you can get money for just about anything...
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Our latest National Student Money Survey found that the average Maintenance Loan for students from England in 2024/25 was around £502 less than the average living costs among surveyed students.
However, our survey also revealed that only 25% of you receive funding in the form of grants, bursaries, and scholarships. Some might think this money is only for people with the highest grades or those from families with low household incomes.
The truth is, there are all kinds of surprising funding options out there. You'll often find you're eligible for extra money at uni for the weirdest of reasons. Have a scroll through to see if you're entitled to some unexpected cash.
Weird funding available for university students
Here are the best and most unusual bursaries, scholarships and grants for students:
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A grant for being a vegetarian
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In 'Lisa the Vegetarian,' the Simpson family famously mocks Lisa's decision to stop eating meat. But what they don't realise is that, in doing so, Lisa becomes eligible for the vegetarian grant, worth up to around £700.
The Vegetarian Charity's grant is for vegans and vegetarians aged 25 and under. It's intended to go towards educational courses and the relief of poverty. So, if you're a student (or looking to become one) and need extra funding, look into this grant.
But don't be thinking you could just give up meat and apply for the money. This grant is for people who are already vegetarian or vegan. You'll need to have two references (not family, housemates or students) who can confirm you have a meat-free diet.
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A scholarship for being a talented esports player
Some might think that sitting in your room playing computer games is a waste of time. But if you're good – and we mean seriously good – you could get a scholarship worth thousands of pounds.
The University of Roehampton's scholarship offers £2,000/year to esports players who "demonstrate talent in the field". Up to 20 students can receive the scholarship each year.
There are also further spaces available through their Women in Esports scholarship. These scholarships are also worth up to £2,000/year each. You can find out more on the University of Roehampton's website.
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A bursary for having parents in the right line of work
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It's no secret that having parents with the 'right' jobs can mean you're better off at uni than some other students. But this doesn't just apply to students whose parents are doctors, lawyers and successful entrepreneurs.
The Leverhulme Charity offers a bursary of up to £3,000/year for students who are either the spouse or child of a commercial traveller, pharmacist or grocer. You are also eligible if you work in either of these industries yourself and are able to demonstrate "financial need".
You'll need to provide info about your financial situation and how the bursary would help you at university, but priority is given to students with a household income under £50,000.
They also have a few stipulations about what constitutes a commercial traveller, pharmacist or grocer. Head over to their website for full details.
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A scholarship for being able to sing
Even if you're not destined for fame and fortune on the levels of Beyoncé, having the voice of an angel could still see you earning a handsome sum of money.
Do you study (or plan to study) at the University of Exeter? If so, you could consider joining the Exeter Cathedral Choir. There are multiple scholarship positions available. And, if you're successful in applying, you'll receive almost £3,500 in funding every year.
But don't try to sign up, then take your money and run. They're pretty hot on attendance, so this is best suited to students with a genuine passion for choral singing.
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A scholarship for being a big American football fan
American football is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. One of the biggest drivers of this trend has been the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Committed to playing in London at least once a year, the Jags have given British fans the opportunity to watch their favourite stateside sport in person. And now, they've brought the famous 'football scholarship' across the pond, too, in the form of the Gridiron Grant.
This initiative could potentially pay your tuition fees in full. To be eligible, you'll need to have either:
- Been involved in American football in your community for an extended period of time
- Played for a British American Football Association (BAFA) team
- Or participated in the JagTag programme.
The scholarship is paid to two UK students every year and applications typically open in February or March. For more details on the funding, head over to Jaguars' website.
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A scholarship if you plan to serve in the Royal Navy
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It's not unheard of for military personnel (or those who have previously served in the armed forces) to receive extra funding at university.
But the Royal Navy go one step further. They provide funding to young people who aim to work as an Engineer Officer in the future.
It's best to apply as soon as possible (from year 11 onwards) as the scholarship covers tuition fees for an approved and relevant engineering degree. Successful applicants will also receive annual bursary payments of £5,000 and the ability to earn up to an extra £2,000 a year if they complete Naval Service training.
Find out more on the Royal Navy's website.
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A scholarship for studying in Welsh
A number of colleges and universities offer scholarships to students who study their degree (or part of their degree) in Welsh.
Note: that's not a degree in the subject 'Welsh' – just any degree that's taught and completed using the Welsh language.
One example is the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol scholarship. There are multiple scholarships available each year, and it's worth up to £3,000 a year.
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A scholarship for musical talent
Skilled at playing music? Luckily for you, the Drake Calleja Trust offers several scholarships to individuals with outstanding musical talent each year. To be eligible, you'll need to be:
- A singer, solo instrumentalist or accompanist (unfortunately, ensembles, composers, conductors, music theatre or jazz students are not eligible)
- Living in the UK (but you can apply as an EU or international student if you're moving to the UK to study)
- Able to prove that you will be studying in the UK in the 2026/27 academic year
- 18+ on 1st September in the year you apply
- Able to demonstrate a strong talent in music and the need for financial funding.
Scholarships depend on the individual circumstances, but range from £1,500 to £5,000 per student, which can be put towards things like tuition fees, instruments and competitions.
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A scholarship to work with big names in tech
Fancy working with big tech giants like BT, Deloitte or IBM? Then the TechGrad Scholarship might be just what you're looking for.
This scholarship is open to undergraduate students from all backgrounds with an aptitude for all things technology.
£4,000 a year in funding is available for up to 900 domestic undergraduate students. On top of this, recipients will get the opportunity to apply for summer placements with top tech employers and much more. And, it doesn't even matter which subject you choose to study at uni.
See, there really is funding out there for pretty much anything.
But remember, this is by no means a comprehensive list of unusual grants, bursaries and scholarships. Even if you're not eligible for any of these, there could still be other ones that you are entitled to. So get looking!
Still struggling to find funding that you're eligible for? Our list of easy ways to make money may be the solution to your problems.
