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Northumbria Travel Bursary

We know that starting university is an exciting new chapter – but we also understand that travel costs can add up, especially in your first year. That’s why we’re offering a travel bursary to help ease the cost of commuting to campus, and support you with day-to-day living expenses. 

If you live in County Durham or Sunderland, are joining us for the first year of a full undergraduate degree in September 2025 and planning on commuting to university, you could be eligible for our new bursary, worth £500. 

Whatever mode of transport you choose, this bursary could make a real difference – helping you get to lectures, meet new friends and make the most of university life without worrying about the cost of travel.

There's no need to apply - if you're eligible, the bursary will be automatically awarded and paid during your first year. Check below to see if you qualify!

  • Be a UK applicant with 'Home' fee status
  • *Live within a Sunderland or County Durham postcode (**POLAR4 young participation quintile is identified as 1 or 2) and commute to either Northumbria University Newcastle or Coach Lane campus for first year of study
  • Enrol on a Full-Time Undergraduate Course starting at Level 3 or Level 4 commencing September 2025
  • Meet the conditions of your offer and individual entry requirements
  • Be a self-funded student (i.e. not sponsored by an employer)
  • Apply for one or more elements of the Government Student Finance package (for example, Tuition Fee loan, Maintenance loan)
  • Register with Student Finance England (SFE)
  • Agree to share consent via your Student Finance Provider with Northumbria University
  • Only students who choose to remain at primary (main) residence for the first year of their Undergraduate degree will be considered
  • We will determine your eligibility using the address and postcode you provided on your UCAS application
  • The bursary will be automatically awarded to eligible students - no separate application is required
  • Eligible students will receive £500 in two instalments, paid into the account you receive your student finance. £250 will be paid by the end of October 2025 and the final instalment of £250 by the end of February 2026
  • If you are progressing from a Foundation Year studied at Northumbria University you are not eligible
  • If you are progressing from a Foundation Year studied at another institution you are eligible
  • If you defer your place at Northumbria University before the bursary has been issued, the offer will be withdrawn
  • If you defer or withdraw from your course before all instalments have been paid you will not receive the full entitlement
  • Should you withdraw, Northumbria University will not make efforts to reclaim the amount(s) already paid
  • The University's decision is final and cannot be challenged; there is no right of appeal

 

*Please submit your postcode via the Postcode Checker to check what your postcode quintile is. 

**If your POLAR4 young participation quintile is identified as 1 or 2, you will be eligible to apply OR; After searching your postcode, click view detailed results and if your TUNDRA MSOA quintile is identified as 1 or 2, you will be eligible 

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Page last updated 07/07/25

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