(2014 entry)
First-Generation Scholars scheme
The University of Sussex First-Generation Scholars scheme provides support if your household income is less than £42,611 per annum. This support is in addition to any loans and grants from the Student Loans Company.
Financial support
- in your first year of study: £1,000 cash bursary and £2,000 rent reduction if you live in University-managed accommodation or £1,000 cash bursary and £2,000 fee waiver if you are not living in University-managed accommodation
- in subsequent years of study: you will be eligible for a £1,000 cash bursary. Please note that if you have a year abroad during your course, you will receive an 85 per cent fee discount and will not qualify for a bursary during that year. Similarly, if you have a placement year during your course, you will receive an 80 per cent fee discount and will not qualify for funding for that year.
If you are on a University of Sussex degree with a foundation year, you will be entitled to rent reduction or a fee waiver and the cash bursary for both your foundation year and for the first year of your undergraduate degree and then for the bursary in subsequent years of study (except for years when you are studying abroad or on a placement).
Care leavers
As a care leaver, you can apply for a non-means-tested cash bursary of £3,000 per year by indicating Care Leaver Status on your UCAS form. The Care Leavers’ Coordinator will then contact you. To be eligible, you will be 25 years old or younger and have been in local authority care for at least 13 weeks since your 14th birthday. Contact Sarah Cullen (T +44 (0)1273 877909) for further information.
Non-financial support
Non-financial support is available to students from households with an income below £42,611 and to students whose parents did not attend University:
- a work-study programme to help students find opportunities to earn money while studying
- one-to-one study skills, careers/leadership and personal development coaching
- access to funded placements to help students gain work experience
- three years’ aftercare for students when they finish their studies to help them into a graduate career, including access to funded graduate internship opportunities.
How do I get an award?
You do not have to make a separate application. You will qualify automatically if:
- you have been offered a place on a programme of study via UCAS at the University of Sussex
- you qualify for 'home' fee status
- you will be joining an undergraduate full-time course from the academic year 2013/2014 onwards
- you have a family income level of £42,611 or less, validated by Student Finance England that qualifies you to receive grant support
- you authorise disclosure of financial information when completing your student finance application via the online application. Visit Student finance. The University of Sussex will only be able to determine your eligibility for the scheme if both you and your parent/guardian have consented to share your household income. Please tick the box authorising the sharing of income.
If you have deferred entry to a course, you should still apply for funding at the same time you apply to UCAS.
Students at the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) are also eligible for this scheme.
Please note: if you are eligible for an NHS bursary, you will not receive the financial element of the First-Generation Scholars scheme package.
Other support from Sussex
For information about funding sources, visit Search funding opportunities.
There is also a limited Access to Learning Fund for UK students experiencing acute financial difficulties. Priority is given to mature students, students from low-income families, care leavers, those with dependants and/or disabilities and those in their final year.