Accessing financial support at University York

14 July 2026 by Emily
3 minute read

As someone who came to the University of York from a low-income background, I know how intimidating the costs of university can seem. The good news is that the university is packed with financial support networks designed to level the playing field and help you thrive, rather than just survive. I’m here to share my expereince in accessing financial support at the University of York. If you are a prospective student wondering about what funds could be available, this blog is for you!

All of the financial support discussed in this blog, at the time of publication, are non-repayable, meaning they do not get added to your student debt as you are not required to pay them back.

Automatic bursaries

Before coming to university, I had no idea that the York Bursary is handed out automatically based on the information that you provide to Student Finance England. This extra money was a lovely surprise that I used to cover essential day-to-day living expenses that can add up when you start living independently. I only received the bursary in my first year, as my mum’s income increased in my second year, so try not to rely on it too much, as just because you get it one year does not mean it will continue throughout your degree. The uni also offers a bursary for Refugee students and a bursary for care leavers and estranged students, so if you may be eligible for either of these, that is definitely worth looking into!

Activities access grants

University is about so much more than just lectures, it is also about participating in societies, sports, and a variety of other extracurricular activities. However, joining these clubs often comes with a membership fee, which can feel like an unaffordable luxury. In my first year, I wanted to pick netball back up, but the membership was expensive. Luckily, I discovered the activities access grant at the Students’ Union, which allows eligible students to claim back purchases relating to extracurriculars, meaning I was reimbursed for my netball membership, netball dress, and other society fees! My top tip for this one is to check the dates that applications open, as this grant is allocated on a first come, first served basis, so you have to be speedy. Having this support allowed me to pursue my interests fully without feeling guilty about the cost.

^My netball team & I at a Wednesday night social.

Scholarships

Over the course of my degree, I have been fortunate enough to receive two different scholarships from the university. One was dedicated to helping me overcome the specific barriers I faced in getting to higher education, and the other was dedicated to funding an opportunity to boost my graduate employability. Because the specific scholarships available change yearly, it is always best to check the website for current options to see if you’re eligible. The University of York is dedicated to becoming the university of opportunity in the UK, meaning they are constantly evolving the scholarship funding available, trying to reach as many disadvantaged students as possible. My top tip for scholarship applications is to be as honest and vulnerable as feels comfortable to you, which can be hard as often your answers are reflective of difficult past experiences, but remember that only a small team who allocate the funds will ever read your application. In my experience, a scholarship is not just financial aid but also opens doors by making you a part of the Office for Philanthropic Partnerships and Alumni community. It has given me fantastic paid working opportunities, led to me being featured on the university’s channels as a #HumanOfYork, introduced me to some of my now close friends who I can bond with over shared life experiences, and even took me to a reception at the House of Lords for some incredible networking!

^my friend & I at a reception at the House of Lords.

Final thoughts

As someone who went to a different university and had to work a full-time job to make ends meet whilst studying before coming to York, I can truly say that the financial support available here is life changing. Completing the application process can feel daunting, but everyone at the university genuinely wants to see you succeed. Keep an eye out for deadlines, don’t be afraid to apply, and make sure to utilise every bit of free support available!

Thanks for reading 🙂

Em (she/her)

Hi, my name’s Em! I’m a third BA (Hons) Criminal Justice and Social Policy student. In my spare time my favourite thing to do is travel and see new places. I also enjoy reading, my favourite book is ‘The Midnight Library’ by Matt Haig.