The University of Reading is proud to announce the opening of applications for the Commuter Travel Bursary. This bursary is designed to provide financial assistance to commuting students who travel via public transport to study at the Whiteknights Campus or London Road Campus.
The University of Reading began as an extension college of the University of Oxford in 1892 and quickly grew into a respected centre for higher education. It received its Royal Charter in 1926, becoming an independent university known for its strong focus on research and academic excellence. Over the years, the University of Reading has expanded its campuses, developed innovative programmes, and built a global reputation in fields such as agriculture, business, arts, and environmental sciences.
Table of Briefs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Commuter Travel Bursary |
| Provider | University of Reading |
| Opening Date | 6th January 2026 |
| Deadline | 31st March 2026 / until funds are exhausted |
| Type | Public Transport Financial Support |
| Value | £50 – £250 depending on travel mode and evidence |
| Eligible Students | Full-time undergraduates living at home and commuting via public transport |
Background
The Commuter Travel Bursary has been introduced as part of the university’s Access and Participation Plan, which focuses on supporting students who may face financial barriers in higher education. By helping cover public transport costs, the bursary aims to make university more accessible for those travelling from home while balancing academic, personal, and financial responsibilities.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Commuter Travel Bursary, students must:
- Be a Living at Home student commuting from their permanent home address
- Be studying a full-time undergraduate degree at Whiteknights or London Road campus
- Be enrolled and attending in the current academic year
- Be commuting using public transport
Additionally, students must meet at least one of the following criteria:
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Be a mature student 21+ at start of current undergraduate course
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Have a postcode falling under POLAR4/TUNDRA Quintile 1 or 2 or IMD Quintile 1 or 2
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Be a Reading Bursary recipient
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Be a student with a declared disability
Benefits
Award amounts are based on travel mode and supporting evidence:
| Travel Mode | Required Evidence | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Bus (Boostsaver10) | Receipts for two Boostsaver10 passes since 30 Sept 2025 | £50 |
| Bus (SimplyUni season ticket) | Season ticket receipt for 2025/2026 | £138 |
| Bus (from outside simplyReading area) | Bus ticket receipts over a two-week period | £160 |
| Train or Train + Bus | Train receipts over a two-week period | £250 |
Awards are discretionary and cannot be guaranteed in future years.
The bursary only covers daily commutes for study and does not cover placement travel.
Application Process
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Eligible students will receive an email notification once applications open
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Students can then apply online via the application portal
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Applications are processed within 15 working days
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Outcome is communicated via email
Applications may be rejected if correct evidence is not provided, so accuracy is essential.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 31st March 2026.
Conclusion
The Commuter Travel Bursary is a valuable opportunity for students balancing academic commitments with financial challenges related to daily travel. If you are a commuting student using public transport, applying early with the correct documentation can significantly increase your chances of receiving support.