University of Manchester Bason Family Bursary

The University of Manchester is pleased to offer the Bason Family Bursary for students starting their undergraduate studies in September 2026. This scholarship, supported by the generous donation of John and Kate Bason, aims to provide financial support to talented students from Black African and Caribbean heritage backgrounds who face socio-economic challenges.

The University of Manchester is one of the largest and most respected universities in the United Kingdom. Its origins date back to 1824 with the founding of the Mechanics’ Institute in Manchester, which aimed to provide education to working people. In 2004, the modern university was created after the merger of the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST).

Table of Briefs

Background

The Bason Family Bursary was established in 2025 through a partnership between the University of Manchester and philanthropists John and Kate Bason. The initiative was created to support students from Black African and Caribbean heritage who come from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria

Students must meet all essential requirements to apply.

Essential Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

1. Identify as belonging to one of the following ethnic groups:

   • Black or Black British – Caribbean

   • Black or Black British – African

   • Mixed – White and Black Caribbean

   • Mixed – White and Black African

   • Other Black background

2. Have applied for an undergraduate degree at the University of Manchester starting September 2026.

3. Be classified as a Home student for tuition fee purposes.

4. Apply for funding through a regional student funding authority such as:

   • Student Finance England

   • Student Finance Wales

   • Student Finance Northern Ireland

   • Student Awards Agency Scotland

5. Have a household income of £35,000 per year or less.

6. Currently live in Greater Manchester or have lived there since 2021.

Benefits

The Bason Family Bursary provides significant financial support to selected students during their undergraduate studies.

Recipients will receive:

• Full tuition fee coverage for the entire undergraduate degree.

• £6,000 annual maintenance bursary to support living expenses.

• The bursary is paid in two instalments each year October and February.

• Continued funding depends on satisfactory academic progress each year.

Note: The bursary does not cover intercalation years, study abroad programmes, or industrial placements.

Application Process

Step 1: Submit the Application Form

Applicants must complete the online application form before the deadline. The same form is used to assess candidates for both the Bason Family Bursary and the Cowrie Foundation Scholarship.

Step 2: Provide Supporting Evidence

Students must submit official documentation confirming any priority criteria mentioned in the application.

Step 3: Interview Stage

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online interview in May. This interview allows students to explain:

• Their personal background

• Academic goals

• Why they would benefit from the bursary

Step 4: Final Decision

A selection panel reviews applications and interview performance before choosing recipients.

Successful applicants will be notified by 1 June.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 26 April 2026.

Conclusion

The Bason Family Bursary at the University of Manchester is a valuable opportunity for students from Black African and Caribbean heritage backgrounds who face financial challenges in pursuing higher education. By covering full tuition fees and providing an annual £6,000 maintenance bursary, this initiative helps reduce financial pressure and allows students to focus on achieving their academic and career goals.

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