The University of Sunderland is proud to announce the Scholarships 2025/2026, aimed at recognizing and rewarding academic improvement among undergraduate students. This prestigious scholarship will provide financial support of £3,000, awarded to 130 eligible students who have demonstrated significant academic progress between their GCSEs and Level 3 qualifications.
The University of Sunderland has a rich history dating back to 1901, when it was established as Sunderland Technical College. Over the years, it expanded its academic offerings and became a polytechnic in 1969, before gaining full university status in 1992. Known for its commitment to education, research, and student support, the university has grown into a global institution with campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong. It is recognized for its strong focus on employability, innovation, and inclusivity, making higher education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
Table of Briefs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | University of Sunderland Scholarship 2025/26 |
| Award Amount | £3,000 distributed over three years |
| Number of Scholarships | Up to 130 |
| Eligibility | Home students with significant academic improvement |
| Application Opens | February 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 31 August 2025 |
| Notification of Award | October 2025 |
| Disbursement | Paid in three instalments per academic year |
| Exclusions | Certain courses, ELCAS-funded students, and those receiving Troops to Teaching Bursary |
Background
The University of Sunderland has a strong reputation for fostering educational excellence and inclusivity. Recognizing that students may face obstacles in their academic journey, the university has introduced this scholarship to reward those who have overcome challenges and demonstrated significant improvement. Unlike traditional merit-based scholarships that focus solely on high grades, this award emphasizes progress and perseverance.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Be classified as a ‘Home’ student (including students from the Isle of Man, Channel Islands, and EU students with UK Settled Status).
- Be a first-year undergraduate student starting in autumn 2025.
- Apply for and meet the conditions of their offer and successfully enroll in an eligible course.
- Have achieved the highest increase in academic performance from their GCSE results to Level 3 qualifications.
- Provide evidence of their five highest GCSE grades, achieved in the last three academic years (2022/23, 2023/24, or 2024/25).
- Not be studying in excluded courses, such as Medicine MBChB, Nursing Practice, and Social Work.
Benefits
- Each scholarship is valued at £3,000, distributed over three years.
- Payments will be made in three termly instalments per academic year (£333.33 per term).
- Payments will be disbursed in November, February, and April each year.
- The scholarship funds can be used for:
- Travel costs (e.g., public transport, petrol, insurance, maintenance, parking fees).
- Digital needs (e.g., laptops, software, broadband costs).
- Childcare costs (for those with dependent children).
- Course-related expenses (e.g., books, equipment, materials).
Application Process
- Apply Online: Applications open in February 2025 via the myApplication portal.
- Submit Required Documents:
- Evidence of five highest GCSE grades.
- Ensure all documents are correctly submitted before the deadline (31 August 2025).
- Assessment & Ranking:
- The University will evaluate applications based on the academic progress from GCSE to Level 3.
- Only GCSE qualifications from 2022/23, 2023/24, or 2024/25 will be considered.
- Notification & Confirmation:
- Provisional award notifications will be sent in October 2025.
- Final confirmation is subject to successful enrolment and verification of evidence.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 31 August 2025.
Conclusion
The University of Sunderland Scholarship 2025/26 is an excellent opportunity for students who have demonstrated significant academic growth. By providing financial support over three years, this scholarship helps ease the burden of education-related expenses. Eligible students should ensure they apply on time, meet all requirements, and continue their academic journey with dedication.