We're dedicated to helping our students get the most out of their time studying with us, which is why we have three financial support schemes in place: the University Centre Leeds Bursary, Care Experienced and Estranged Student Bursary and the Internal Progression Bursary. See below for further information and whether you're eligible.
University Centre Leeds Bursary
For students who choose to study with us on a full time basis, University Centre Leeds offers a bursary, which will be awarded to those who meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Your household income has been assessed by Student Finance England through a means tested assessment, falls below £42,600
- You are up to date with your work
- You are a non-international student
Should you meet the above criteria, the amount you may be awarded is based on your household income as follows:
|
Household income (as assessed by Student Finance England) |
Total bursary |
Semester 1 payment |
Semester 2 payment |
|
Less than £25,000 |
£500 |
£250 |
£250 |
|
£25,001 and £42,600 |
£250 |
£125 |
£125 |
You will not need to apply separately for this bursary; you do this while applying for your financial support through Student Finance England. Your income will automatically be assessed if you apply for a means tested maintenance loan.
Everyone who contributes to the household income and forms part of the assessment needs to agree to share the outcome. The assessment is carried out by Student Finance (England) and they provide the information to the College. Failure to do this will mean that Student Finance England will be unable to assess your eligibility for a bursary.
If you do not wish to take out a higher loan you will need to complete a PFF2 form in order to have your income assessed. You can also apply for the higher loan but request zero or your desired amount in order to be assessed.
To qualify for the bursary you must also meet the following criteria:
- Be up to date with your course work
If you are successful, the amount awarded would be split into 2 payments to be paid to you, one at the end of each semester. More information on the criteria will be provided after your enrolment.
If you're eligible to receive the University Centre bursary, but it has been withheld because you are not up to date with work or are below the required attendance, then you may be able to appeal if you feel there are mitigating circumstances behind this. You can do so by filling in this form.
For further information regarding the bursary please see the Bursary Policy here.
To view our Access and Participation Plan please click here.
Please see our Student Privacy Notice, this details what information we collect from you, why we process your information and who we share the information in line with Data Protection Legislation.
Internal Progression Bursary
Leeds City College, Harrogate College and Keighley College students will now be supported when progressing to higher education at University Centre Leeds with an additional £1,000 bursary.
This bursary is designed to support your educational journey, making it more accessible and financially feasible to continue your studies within the Luminate Education Group.
In order to receive the Internal Progression Bursary you would need to meet the following criteria:
- You must have successfully completed a full Level 3 Leeds City College, Harrogate College or Keighley College programme in the academic year prior to enrolling on to a degree programme at UC Leeds and must have achieved the necessary eligibility requirements for your chosen UC Leeds programme of study.
- The first instalment of £500 will be paid to you during the October of your first year of study after you have successfully enrolled on to the degree programme, obtained student finance confirmation and have a satisfactory attendance record.
- The second payment will be paid to you at the end of your first year of study and will be subject to successful completion and confirmation of progression onto your second year of study.
Please note:
- Should you wish to withdraw from the course during your first year of study, you will not be liable for repayment of the first bursary payment.
- The bursary will only be paid into the account of the named student.
CARES Bursary
The CARES Bursary is designed to reduce financial barriers and enable eligible students to engage fully with their studies and student life. Students will be assessed as part of the enrolment process and confirmed through submission of evidence. All eligible students will be invited to complete an application. The bursary is non-repayable and paid directly into the student’s bank account in two instalments. Award amounts and payment schedules are reviewed annually.
Eligibility Criteria:
In order to receive the CARES Bursary, you would need to meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 25 or under at the start of their course
- Be assessed as a ‘home’ student by University Centre Leeds
- Be enrolled on an undergraduate, postgraduate, or PGCE course
- Qualify for the full maintenance loan from Student Finance England
- Provide evidence as required in this policy
Please note, you will also be required to:
- Submit a copy of their Student Finance England breakdown.
- Provide bank details for payment.
- Remain enrolled at each payment point.
University Centre Leeds Hardship Fund
Our Hardship Fund provides additional financial help towards the essential costs associated with being a student.
The Hardship Fund aims to help current students who experience financial hardship with their living costs and excludes any support towards tuition fees, continuation fees or resits.
Students can apply from September and will need to provide financial evidence when submitting their application.
University Centre Leeds will be offering international scholarships for all students enrolling in September 2025:
- 3000 GBP for all Undergraduate Programmes
- 3000 GBP for all Postgraduate programmes
More information can be found on our International Fees page
For students enrolling in 2026
- 3000 GBP for all Undergraduate Programmes
- 3000 GBP for all Postgraduate programmes
More information can be found on our International Fees page
Additional Scholarships and Bursaries
- Students who apply for Initial Teacher Training with an international fee status who are employed by Luminate Education Group will be charged home tuition fees.
- If a student starts a Foundation Year programme and continues to progress with us until they reach level 6, they will receive a fee reduction of £3,300 on the level 6 tuition fees.
- Students progressing from a BA/BSc (Hons) with us and enrol onto our Postgraduate provision (including teacher training) will be eligible for a discount on tuition fees of £500 for full time students and £250 for part time students.
- Dean’s International Scholarship automatic fee waiver of £3,000 each. This is uplifted to a discretionary £4000 for students recruited by key agents and/or key markets (Nepal, Myanmar, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Ghana) - Further information can be found on our International Scholarships page.
