120 Career Support Grants Launched in Partnership with Santander

Supporting students to access meaningful career opportunities isn’t just about ambition, it’s about removing barriers. That’s why we are proud to share a new initiative delivering tangible financial support to help our students take their next professional step. 

Through a strategic partnership with Santander UK, we have secured 120 Career Support Awards worth £250 each to directly support Birmingham Scholars in progressing into internships, placements, interviews and professional development opportunities. 

For many students, career progression opportunities come with hidden costs: 

• Travel to assessment centres 

• Accommodation for internships 

• Professional attire 

• Conference or networking event fees 

• Childcare costs 

• Volunteering or placement expenses 

By securing 120 awards, supporting students to compete confidently and fairly in the graduate labour market. 

Students can use the funding for: 

• Recruitment activities - interviews and assessment centres 

• Work experience - internships, placements, volunteering 

• Employment development opportunities - networking events, conferences, insight days, employer projects and workshops 

• Travel, accommodation and childcare costs 

• Professional clothing or associated fees 

The flexibility of the award ensures students can use it where it will have the greatest impact on their progression journey. 

Prioritising Birmingham Scholars 

Birmingham Scholars have priority access to this opportunity. This reflects our continued commitment to targeted progression support and ensuring that high-potential students are not held back by financial constraints. 

Eligible activities must take place during the 2025/26 academic year (including activities starting up to 31 August 2026). 

Impact in Action 

This initiative represents: 

• £30,000 of direct student investment 

• 120 individual progression opportunities enabled 

• Reduced financial stress during critical career milestones 

• Strengthened employer engagement and professional exposure 

Most importantly, it ensures that talent - not personal circumstance - determines opportunity. 

Looking Ahead 

Partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when universities and industry work together with a shared goal: widening access to meaningful employment. 

I’m excited to see the impact these awards will have over the next academic year - from interview success stories to life-changing internships. 

Applications close on 7 May 2026 at 11pm. 

Further information and application details are available via the Santander Career Support Award 2025–26 on the Work Experience & Internships webpage. Terms and conditions apply.