Funding and scholarships for students

Undergraduate funding and scholarships

Choosing whether to go to university is a big decision and we recognise that applying to university is not as straightforward for everyone.

We understand the financial pressures that undergraduate students can face when arriving at university for the first time and that is why we offer bursaries to complement government loans for low household income families, scholarships for exceptional students, sportspeople and those meeting other criteria, as well as expert funding advice and guidance.

Please see our information below for undergraduate students and see what is available to you, as well as our webpage on UK government grants and loans for undergraduate students.

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships are payments made to support your education, awarded on the basis of merit, personal achievement and academic ability. Bursaries are non-competitive payments intended to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds, or who are having difficulties funding their studies.

International students

The University of Exeter has more than £8 million in scholarships available for international fee paying students applying to study with us in 2027/28, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships.

You can view a full list of our scholarships for international students.

Asylum seekers and refugees

The Sanctuary Scholarship scheme enables individuals seeking asylum and refugees who are not able to access student finance to study at the University of Exeter.

Partial tuition fee waiver

At UK universities, international students typically pay more for tuition than students from the UK. However, if you are a current asylum seeker, you may be eligible for our partial tuition fee waiver. While you will still be classed as an international student, your tuition fees will be the same as those for students from the UK, relieving you of some of the financial burden associated with university study.

This programme is open to all applicants to undergraduate programmes, excluding BMBS Medicine and any other course of study that receives funding from the NHS.

To be eligible, you will need to:

  • meet the entry requirements for your chosen undergraduate course;
  • have an asylum application in process before applying to study through UCAS; and
  • be granted discretionary leave at least until the first day of the academic year for your chosen programme (usually 1st September).

Mature students

The University of Exeter mature students’ scholarship is open to applications from home undergraduate students starting their studies with us in 2027.

Successful applicants will receive £2,000 in year 1, £1,000 in year 2 in the form of a cash payment.

Sport scholarships

The University of Exeter Sports Scholarship Scheme is one of the most prestigious in the UK, helping the best student athletes reach their full potential. The scheme provides a comprehensive support package and is tailored to suit the needs of each individual athlete. Many of our graduating scholars have progressed to a professional level in their chosen sport and represented their respective countries on the global stage.

Choral scholarships

In addition to the Chapel Choir, the University also has close performing relations with Exeter Cathedral and three local churches, each offering their own scholarship schemes. The awards available are of various values, depending on weekly duties.

Entrance scholarships

Entrance Scholarships are available to new undergraduate students enrolling in September 2027 who meet the eligibility criteria outlined below. These awards provide financial support and recognise applicants with specific connections to the region.

Devon Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Applicants who were born in Devon, or who have been ordinarily resident in Devon for at least three years prior to the start of their course.
  • Value: Up to £250 per year.

Horwill Memorial Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Applicants with relatives who are employed by, or retired from, the Post Office in the South West region.
  • Value: Up to £125 per year.

C.V. Thomas Scholarship

  • Eligibility: Applicants who are pupils of Truro School.
  • For further information, please contact the Head at Truro School.

Application Process

You may apply if:

  • you meet the specific eligibility criteria; and
  • hold an offer for an undergraduate degree at the University of Exeter starting September 2026; and
  • applied for your course through UCAS.

To request an application form, email the Admissions Scholarships team at: admissions-scholarships@exeter.ac.uk 

Please include:

  • your nine digit Exeter Reference / Student Number
  • the name of the scholarship(s) you wish to apply for

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of both meeting the specified criteria as detailed above and consideration of the Entrance Scholarship application form, as determined by the Entrance Scholarship Committee.

Application deadline: 17 September 2027.

Access to Exeter Bursary (ATE)

We provide additional funding to certain part time and full time Home students in the form of the Access to Exeter Bursary (ATE).

We will automatically assess your entitlement for an award based on your household income information provided by the relevant UK Funding Body. However, we can only do this if you, and your parent(s) or sponsor, do not opt out of consenting to share your financial details when you complete your application for Student Finance.

Undergraduate students  

To see what funding you could be eligible to receive, please check your household income below:  
  
Household income of £16,000 and below  
If you are starting your studies in the 2024/25 academic year and have a household income* £16,000 or below you will receive £2,200 (Full-time) or £1,100 (Part-time Biomedical Sciences only) ATE bursary, per year, for the duration of your undergraduate studies providing you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. 
 
If you are starting your studies in the 2027/28 academic year and have a household income* £16,000 or below you will receive £2,300 (Full-time) or £1,150 (Part-time Biomedical Sciences only) ATE bursary, per year, for the duration of your undergraduate studies providing you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. 
  
Household income between £16,001-£25,000 
If you are starting your studies in the 2027/28 academic year and have a household income of £16,001-£25,000 per year, you will receive £1,310 (Full-time) or £655 (Part-time Biomedical Sciences only) ATE bursary, per year, for the duration of your undergraduate studies providing you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.  
 
If you are starting your studies in the 2027/28 academic year and have a household income* of £16,001-£25,000 per year, you will receive £1,340 (Full-time) or £670 (Part-time Biomedical Sciences only) ATE bursary, per year, for the duration of your undergraduate studies providing you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. 
  
Household income between £25,001-£30,000 
If you are starting your studies in the 2027/28 academic year and have a household income of £25,001-£30,000 per year, you will receive £830 (Full-time) or £415 (Part-time Biomedical Sciences only) ATE bursary, per year, for the duration of your undergraduate studies providing you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.  
 
If you are starting your studies in the 2027/28 academic year and have a household income* of £25,001-£30,000 per year, you will receive £850 (Full-time) or £425 (Part-time Biomedical Sciences only) ATE bursary, per year, for the duration of your undergraduate studies providing you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. 
  
Household income between £30,001-£35,000 
If you are starting your studies in the 2027/28 academic year and have a household income* of £30,001-£35,000 per year, you will receive £500 (Full-time) or £250 (Part-time Biomedical Sciences only) ATE bursary, per year, for the duration of your undergraduate studies providing you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. 
  
* For further details on how your household income is assessed, please visit Direct Gov.  
  
Payment of the ATE Bursary  
Payments are made in three instalments and will be made direct to the bank account you share with us, with each instalment weighted according to the number of weeks per term.  
  
Terms and conditions  
If you have a question regarding your bursary entitlement, please raise an enquiry with the Student Information Desk.  

Care leavers and estranged students

This bursary offers financial support for undergraduate students who are recognised as a care leaver or estranged from both parents/carers.

The £1000 bursary is payable for up to four years maximum in study length (which might include an integrated Masters up to year four), with the exception of Medicine where we will support students in all five years of study.

Eligibility

  • To be eligible for the care leaver/estranged student bursary you must:
  • Be studying a full-time undergraduate course.
  • Meet the University’s definition of being a care leaver or an estranged student.
  • Be assessed by the relevant UK student funding body as having independent/estranged student status or be in the process of applying for this status. 
  • Be a UK citizen or have been resident in the UK for at least three years 
  • Be studying for your first degree, PGCE or integrated undergraduate Masters degree (e.g., MSci or MEng)* 
  • Be 25 or under when commencing your course 
  • Be starting or continuing your studies in the 2027/28 academic year

Read the full terms and conditions.

How will I receive the funding? 
We will automatically assess your entitlement for an award after you have registered at the University. Your independent status will be notified to the University by your relevant UK funding body. The Exeter Cares team will verify this information prior to a payment being made. 

If you are experiencing sudden estrangement or are waiting for your independent status to be verified by the relevant UK funding body.  Please complete this online form and the Exeter Cares Team will be in touch regarding support available and guidance on applying as an independent student.

How much will I get? 
The £1000 bursary is payable for up to four years maximum in study length (which might include an integrated Masters up to year four), with the exception of Medicine at the University of Exeter where we will support students in all five years of study. 

This includes:

  • if your course includes a year in industry. 
  • if you study a year abroad. 
  • if you are permitted by your faculty to temporarily change from full-time study to part-time study due to extenuating circumstances. 
  • if you repeat up to 1 year of study if studying a 3 year course 
  • if you are on a PGCE course*

*The bursary will only be applied for a PGCE course if you did not receive the Care Leavers’ and Estranged Student bursary at undergraduate level.

What happens if I become estranged part way through the year?
If you are experiencing sudden estrangement or are waiting for your independent status to be verified by the relevant UK funding body, please complete this online form and the Exeter Cares Team will be in touch regarding support available and guidance on applying as an independent student.

Instalment payments of the bursary will not be backdated, and payment of the next instalment will only be made once your relevant UK funding body has confirmed your independent status. If you are in need of financial support, the Exeter Cares team will support you with a fast-track application to the Success for All fund.

How will I be paid? 
Payments will be made in two instalments in December and June each year your progress in your studies up to 4 years.

Can the payment dates be moved? 
The payment dates of December and June have been set to help with winter and summer costs and are in addition to the Access to Exeter termly payment dates of October, January and May.

If you have any questions regarding the bursary, please contact the Exeter Cares Team: Exeter-cares@exeter.ac.uk.

More information
Further information on the full support package available to Care leavers, Care-experienced and estranged students can be found on our Widening participation student support pages. 

Further financial support

We are committed to supporting students from all walks of life and building an inclusive learning environment. Our range of financial support includes travel bursaries, tuition fee waivers, help with accommodation, paid internships and more.

Hardship funding

Some groups of students may be able to get additional, non-repayable grants from the Government. Additional grants are available to provide extra financial support to students who have serious financial difficulties and who might otherwise have to abandon their studies. 

Find out more about hardship funding.

Disabled students

Additional, non-repayable grants from the Government are available for disabled students.

Disabled Students’ Allowance – this help is not means-tested and is intended to help towards additional support you may need because of a disability. This is paid on top of your other student finance and does not need to be repaid.

Further information can be found at: www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances-dsas

Full-time students with dependants

If you are a full-time student with children or adult dependants, you may qualify for extra help if you:

  • Are a full-time higher education student
  • Have children under 15, or 17 if they have special educational needs.

The amounts of funding available can change each year, so for the most up to date information on eligibility and the grants available, please visit the Government websites.

For information on childcare grants, please visit: Childcare grants

For parents learning allowance, please visit: Parents Learning Allowance

For information on adult dependants grant, please visit: Adult Dependants grant

You should be aware that if you are claiming benefits, your eligibility for a maintenance loan (whether you take it or not) and some student grants may be counted as income by the job centre and housing benefits office. Further information on these grants, including eligibility criteria, can be found on the Gov website.

Travel scholarships

Mrs Bessie Rook Memorial Travel Scholarship

The Mrs Bessie Rook Memorial Scholarships are awarded to students who will be studying abroad in German and/or French speaking countries. For the 2027/28 academic year six scholarships are available, each worth £2,000.

Carolyn and Andrew Trevorrow Memorial Fund Travel Bursaries

A small number of Carolyn and Andrew Trevorrow Memorial Fund Travel Bursaries are available to students of all degree programmes at the Penryn and Truro Campuses to help with the costs of residential field courses (excluding research/dissertation trips). In the first instance, preference will be given to students who were born and currently reside in Cornwall, and/or meet Widening Participation criteria. Depending on numbers of applications, others may also be considered.

Applications for the first half of the academic year 2026/27 are now closed. There will be a new round of funding for trips leaving between February and June 2027 coming soon.

Penryn Campus Bus Transport Bursary

Funding from the University of Exeter's Scholars Fund has been secured to support a limited number of Penryn Campus students with the financial cost of bus travel in the 26-27 academic year. This bursary would benefit students who are regular commuters using local bus transport to travel to the Penryn campus for their studies. Undergraduate, postgraduate and international students are welcome to apply.

This application form will be open from 9am, 10 August to 9am, 19 October. Shortlisting will take place in the week commencing 19 October with notifications of awards and payments in the week commencing 26 October.

The bursary is for £200 only available as a one-off payment in the 26-27 academic year due to the availability of the funding. This is the final year the Penryn Campus Bus Transport Bursary will be available to students. 

Eligibility

You must be:

  •  A University of Exeter student enrolled at the Penryn campus, excluding BMBS students.*
  • A user of bus transport to commute between your term time address and the Penryn campus.

The funding available is limited and so if we receive over 200 student applications they will be prioritised based on household income. The brackets used are detailed below with students in the lowest household income bracket prioritised first:

  • Household income of £16,000 and below
  • Household income between £16,001-£25,000
  • Household income between £25,001-£30,000
  • Household income between £30,001-£35,000

We will assess your entitlement for an award based on your household income information provided by the relevant UK Funding Body which is shared with our Student Funding team. The information used will be the dataset recorded in week commencing 19 October. If your household income changes after this date, we cannot take this into consideration.

*BMBS students in accommodation at Penryn and commuting to Truro should contact UEMS-Cornwall@exeter.ac.uk regarding travel support.

Payment of the bursary

Payments will be made in one instalment, direct to the bank account you share with us. Assuming you have an up-to-date UK bank account in your student record, payments will be made in the week commencing 26 October.

Further information

If you have a question regarding this bursary, please contact Francesca Crickmere, Head of Education Services & Student Experience Cornwall.

Student Carers Travel Fund

A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health problem, or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.

As a carer, coming to university may present its own unique challenges, and can often involve balancing studies alongside travel home and additional caring responsibilities. However, you’re not alone. At the University of Exeter, we are committed to supporting student carers, and there is a range of information and advice available to help you.

Undergraduate carers can access this fund. It aims to financially support you with additional travel costs that you may incur due to your caring responsibilities. It will be non-means tested.

To be eligible for financial support through the Student Carers Travel Fund, you must meet the following criteria:  

  • Have undertaken a University of Exeter student carer’s assessment and been verified as having caring responsibilities through the Student Carers panel.
  • Be an undergraduate student
  • Be paying home fees
  • Be a UK citizen or resident in the UK for the last 3 years
  • Be studying a first degree, PGCE or integrated undergraduate Masters degree.

You can make several claims to the fund per annum. However, the maximum that you can claim for per academic year is £400. Any additional claims should be made to the Success for All fund.

For further information please contact the Exeter Cares team: exeter-cares@exeter.ac.uk.