The University of Sussex is pleased to announce the launch of the Sussex Bursary for the academic year 2025, designed to provide targeted financial support for Home undergraduate students. The bursary aims to enhance access to higher education by assisting students from households with an annual income below £35,000, as assessed by Student Finance.
The University of Sussex was founded in 1961 as the first of the new wave of UK universities built after the 1950s to promote innovative research and modern teaching. Located in Falmer, near Brighton, the university quickly gained a reputation for its interdisciplinary approach and focus on social relevance. Over the decades, Sussex has grown into a globally recognised institution, known for excellence in research, diversity, and student-focused education.
Table of Briefs
| Brief | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Sussex Bursary |
| Type of Award | Undergraduate and Foundation Year |
| Funding Type | Sussex funded |
| Eligible Students | Home students with household income < £35,000 |
| First Year Award | £1,000 |
| Subsequent Years Award | £500 |
| Number of Scholarships | Unlimited |
| Application Deadline | 1 August 2026 |
| Payment Date | Around 14 November 2025 |
| Automatic Application | Yes, via Student Finance |
Background
The Sussex Bursary was established by the University of Sussex to provide financial support to Home undergraduate students from lower-income households. The bursary specifically targets students whose family household income is below £35,000, helping them manage living costs while pursuing their studies. It replaced the First-Generation Scholar’s scheme for new students starting in 2025, although students who began under the previous scheme may continue receiving their awards if eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Sussex Bursary 2025, students must meet the following conditions:
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Be a new starter or returning to your undergraduate course on or after September 2025.
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Funded as a Home student for the 2025/2026 academic year.
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Have an assessed household income below £35,000.
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Not be in receipt of non-means-tested grant elements, such as Welsh-funded students or Year 2/3 Social Worker students.
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Be registered as a full-time student at Sussex in 2025/2026.
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Be studying at Sussex excluding placement years or Year Abroad.
Students who started at Sussex in September 2020 may continue to receive the First-Generation Scholar’s bursary if eligible.
Benefits
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First Year / Foundation Year: £1,000
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Subsequent Years: £500 per year
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Non-repayable: Helps with living costs during studies
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Number of Awards: Unlimited
The bursary is automatically paid to eligible students via Student Finance.
Application Process
The Sussex Bursary does not require a separate application. Eligible students will automatically receive the award once their household income is validated through one of the following:
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Student Finance England
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Students Awards Agency for Scotland
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Student Finance Northern Ireland
Bursary notification letters will be sent by Student Finance around late June 2025, and payments are made around 14 November 2025.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 1 August 2026.
Conclusion
The Sussex Bursary is a valuable opportunity for Home students with lower household incomes to receive financial support while pursuing their undergraduate studies. With automatic application and a non-repayable structure, it reduces financial stress and allows students to focus more on their academic success and campus life.