The University of York, in partnership with Santander Universities, is pleased to announce the Santander Scholarship Programme for the academic year 2025/2026. This scholarship initiative, funded by Santander Universities, aims to support eligible UK (Home) students by providing financial assistance to help cover education-related costs and enhance academic progression and career development.
The University of York was founded in 1963 and is one of the UK’s leading public research universities. Located in the historic city of York, it is known for its strong focus on teaching and research excellence. Since its establishment, the university has grown into a respected institution with a global reputation for innovation, interdisciplinary study, and student support.
Table of Briefs
| Scholarship Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Santander Scholarship Programme |
| Funding Amount | £5,000 |
| Academic Year | 2025/2026 |
| Number of Awards | 2 |
| Eligible Students | UK (Home) students |
| Study Level | Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught, Postgraduate Research |
| University | University of York |
| Application Platform | Santander Open Academy |
| Application Deadline | 19 February 2026 |
Background
The Santander Scholarship Programme is part of Santander Universities’ global commitment to widening access to higher education and supporting student success. In collaboration with the University of York, the programme aims to reduce financial barriers that can impact students’ academic progress and wellbeing.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Santander Scholarship Programme 2025/2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Must be a UK (Home) student
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Enrolled as a current full-time student at the University of York during the 2025/26 academic year
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Studying at undergraduate, postgraduate taught, or postgraduate research level
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Aged 18 or over
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UK resident and eligible for Home Fee Status
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No requirement to be a Santander customer
Preference will be given to students who have participated in University of York Access & Outreach programmes, including:
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Next Step York
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Black Access
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Realising Opportunities
Benefits
Each successful applicant will receive £5,000, which can be used flexibly to support education-related expenses, including:
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Tuition fees
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Course materials and books
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Accommodation costs
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Living expenses
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Career development activities
The scholarship aims to reduce financial stress, allowing students to concentrate on academic success and future employability.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted only through the Santander Open Academy platform.
As part of the process, applicants will need to:
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Register (free) on Santander Open Academy
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Verify their email address
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Log in and click “Get Started”
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Complete the application form, including your University of York student ID
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Answer the following question maximum 250 words:
What impact would being awarded a Santander Scholarship have on your university education? -
Confirm eligibility and consent to share application details with the University
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Complete an online assessment covering:
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Interpersonal style
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Thinking style
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Emotional style
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Motivation
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Culture fit
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Response style
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The assessment uses a 5-point scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree and is compatible with all devices and browsers.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 19 February 2026.
Conclusion
The Santander Scholarship Programme 2025/2026 is an excellent opportunity for University of York students to receive meaningful financial support while strengthening their academic journey and future career prospects. If you meet the eligibility criteria, applying could make a significant difference to your university experience.