Lets talk about scholarships, bursaries, and grants. Firstly it’s important to mention that unlike student loans, you don’t have to pay these back – they’re essentially free money. But you need to put in some work – there’s no one place to find this additional funding and apply.
Scholarships, bursaries, and grants are offered by lots of different providers, and all work a little differently (including who’s eligible, how much is up for grabs, and what you need to do to apply).
So without further ado, lets look at what scholarships, bursaries and grants are and how you can get your hands on them for your Quantity Surveying degree. Also, this post cites information from UCAS.com.
What are Scholarships?
A scholarship is a form of financial aid awarded to students for further education. Generally, scholarships are awarded based on a set of criteria such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, research experience or specific professional experience.
What are bursaries?
A bursary is a monetary award made by any educational institution or funding authority to individuals or groups. It is usually awarded to enable a student to attend school, university or college when they might not be able to, otherwise. Some awards are aimed at encouraging specific groups or individuals into study.
What are grants?
A grant is a fund given by a person or organization, often a public body, charitable foundation, a specialised grant-making institution, or in some cases a business with a corporate social responsibility mission, to an individual or another entity. Unlike loans, grants are not intended to be paid back.
What’s the difference between a scholarship, bursary and a grant?
A scholarship is based on achievement, is offered by universities or employers and is used to help with some living costs (one off payment, annually or termly) or tuition fees (percentage reduction or full cover)
A bursary is based on low household income, the background or personal circumstances of a student, for example disabled students or students from particular regions or countries. It is offered by universities or employers to help with some living costs. Usually a one off payment.
A grant is based on low household income, the background or personal circumstances of a student, for example disabled students or students from particular regions or countries. It is offered by charities or trusts that represent underrepresented groups to help cover some living costs or help studying abroad usually with a one-off payment.
Why apply for scholarships, bursaries, and grants?
Given that scholarships, bursaries, and grants don’t have to be repaid and can make a huge difference to your student budget, they seem like a no-brainer to look into. Surprisingly, less than a third of freshers applied for a scholarship or bursary. The most common reason with over 72% stated they didn’t think they were eligible.
On top of the cash in your pocket, an award might come with additional benefits – for example. internship spots, networking opportunities, accommodation.
Where to look for scholarships, bursaries, and grants?
Your university or college: While you’re researching your UCAS choices, look at what extra funding they offer students in your position – it’s a good question for an open day too. 80% of students who received a scholarship or bursary found out about it from their university or college*.
Employers: Companies, professional bodies, and organisations linked to particular industries often run scholarship or bursary schemes for aspiring talent, as well as to attract groups who are traditionally underrepresented in their field, e.g. women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Charities and special interest groups: These are often to support students whose personal circumstances align with the work of a particular charity or group. They can overlap with widening participation awards, but may also cater to students with disabilities, a particular extracurricular interest, a desire to study overseas or those from a particular background.
Are there any specific scholarship, bursary or grant opportunities in the UK for Quantity Surveying?
Based on this posts release date, 22nd May 2024, there are a few opportunities. I’ve outlined 2 here.
First, the University of Reading are offering £1,000.00 or US$ 1,254 scholarship each year if;
- You join the university at undergraduate level in 2024 and are studying architecture, building surveying, construction management, quantity surveying or architecture engineering
- You must also achieve at least an academic grade of AAB at A-level or equivalent
- Place the university as Firm choice with UCAS by deadline
A link can be found here
And secondly
UCEM are offering a 50% off tuition scholarship for all people entering into architecture or construction related post graduate degrees. You will be eligible if;
- You can demonstrate a 2.1 in a previous degree or equivalent.
- They particularly welcome students who are international, BAME, LGBTQ+, disabled, lower socio-economic and care leaver candidates
A link can be found here
