Help and Support

Funds, Bursaries and Scholarships

Our Funding, Graduation and Awards (FGA) team, based in Student Services at UoB, are here to provide all students with financial advice and support with funding applications throughout your studies. 

The University offers a range of additional financial support options for you in the form of scholarships, bursaries and emergency funds. Navigating these different sources of funding can be confusing, so we have developed online funding databases to help you find out which may be open for you. 

• Undergraduate funding database
• Postgraduate funding database

Eligibility and application processes will vary depending on the particular scholarship or award, so please read the full award details carefully before you make your application.  

The team also administer the Student Support Fund, which is designed to help students who are struggling financially.

Support from the Guild of Students 

If you're a student at the University of Birmingham, then you're automatically a member of The Guild of Students, your Students' Union.

Below are some initiatives and support that you could access if you're financially struggling:

• Community Pantry - If you're struggling to afford enough food to eat, the Guild's Community Pantry is there to support you by providing a free one-off food parcel. Food parcels are discreetly packaged and provide you with emergency food for up to 5 days. Book a collection slot through the Guild website, where you can also find out information on how to donate. 

• Guild Advice - A free, impartial, and confidential advice service for all students. Their Education and Welfare Advisors specialise in academic and money support, but can also triage queries relating to housing, wellbeing and international support. To contact Guild Advice, reach out to them through their online request form. 

• Money Matters - For many students, being at university might be the first time you're responsible for managing large amounts of money. If you're looking for tips and advice to help you manage your money, and learn more about the various funding opportunities available to you, then the Guild's Money Matters web hub is a good starting point. 

• Community Breakfast - All students can enjoy a free continental-style breakfast every Wednesday during term-time between 9am and 11am in Mermaid Bar at the Guild. Come along to meet students and staff from across the University of Guild and fuel up for the day. 

• Residence Life - A peer-to-peer support service for students in UoB and partner accommodation. They offer budgeting tips, alongside shared living and wellbeing advice. Plus, they can signpost to other services. 

• The Guild Hardship Fund - the Hardship Fund is available to students who are experiencing a short-term, unexpected financial difficulty. The University has worked with the Guild to provide financial support towards the fund to allow more students to benefit from it. Any award made is regarded as a grant and does not have to be repaid. Please keep checking the Guild website for the latest information regarding the Guild Hardship Fund. 

• Sport Access Fund - Accessing sport and physical activity whilst at university is not only a key part of your university experience, but also crucial for physical and mental wellbeing. The Guild and UB Sport have introduced a Sport Access fund to help. Please keep checking the Guild website for the latest information regarding the Sport Access Fund.  

Worry about money or debt can increase your stress and anxiety. If at any point you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or down about money, talk to us. 

There are lots of ways you can do this, including: 

• Wellbeing Officers - each School has their own Wellbeing Officer(s) who are able to provide practical and emotional support, as well as more information on applying for extenuating circumstances if your financial worries are seriously impacting on your studies. 

• UB Heard - a 24/7 free confidential listening and support service for all UoB students (undergraduate and postgraduate). The service can be accessed by the UB Portal, phone, text or a live chat. 

• Pause @UoB - a face-to-face emotional support drop-in service where you can talk about anything that may be worrying you. Available to all UoB students up to their 25th birthday, you can chat to a team of trained and experienced workers every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday on campus. No appointment is needed. 

A full list of our free services and resources can be found on our Time to Talk? page.

In this section, you can find links to other organisations and websites that offer a range of support, advice, and guidance.

• Blackbullion - an easy-to-use platform that provides guides and learning resources on a wide range of financial topics including money management.  
• Save The Student - a student money website that gives money saving tips, student jobs, and highlights where to find the best deals and freebies. 

• National Debtline - an independent debt advice charity that offers support to avoid and manage debt. It's free to use and confidential. 

• The Money Charity - an independent charity that publishes articles and runs workshops on understanding your money and increasing your financial wellbeing.

• Money Saving Expert -  a website founded by financial journalist Martin Lewis which contains great information about how to save and maximise your finances.  
• Citizens Advice Birmingham - a free services which offers confidential, independent and impartial advice and information on a wide range of issues to those living and working in the Birmingham area. 
• StepChange - a debt advice charity that offers free, flexible debt advice to anyone who needs it.