University Scholarship Calculator
Estimate your total funding, scholarship coverage, and remaining financial gap to plan your university expenses effectively.
Calculate Your Financial Gap
Enter your expected university costs and secured funding to instantly see how much additional financial support you may need.
Costs & Funding Details
Compare your total cost of attendance against your expected funding sources.
How it Works
Understanding your university funding
Define Total Costs
We start with your total annual cost of attendance, including accommodation, food, travel, and course materials (excluding tuition, which is covered separately).
Add Secured Funding
We total all your guaranteed income sources: scholarships, bursaries, student maintenance loans, and personal or family contributions.
Calculate the Gap
By subtracting your total secured funding from your total costs, we reveal your remaining financial gap (or surplus).
Plan Your Next Steps
If there is a gap, you can use this figure to target additional part-time work, apply for more specific grants, or adjust your living budget.
Common University Funding Sources
A general overview of typical financial support available to UK university students.
| Funding Source | Typical Amount (Annual) | Repayable? |
|---|---|---|
| University Academic Scholarship | £1,000 – £5,000 | No |
| Means-Tested University Bursary | £500 – £3,000 | No |
| Student Finance Maintenance Loan | £4,000 – £13,000+ (varies by location/income) | Yes (with interest) |
| External Charitable Grants | £100 – £2,000 | No |
| Part-Time Student Work | £2,000 – £6,000 (estimated) | No |
Scholarship & Funding FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about university scholarships, bursaries, and student finance in the UK.
Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic, artistic, or athletic merit and do not need to be repaid. Bursaries are usually awarded based on financial need, household income, or specific personal circumstances, and also do not require repayment.
Your financial gap is calculated by taking the Total Cost of Attendance (tuition fees plus living expenses) and subtracting all secured funding, including scholarships, bursaries, student maintenance loans, and personal or family contributions.
In the UK, most university scholarships and bursaries do not reduce your entitlement to a government Student Finance maintenance loan. However, some specific funded programs or NHS bursaries may interact with student finance, so it is always best to check with Student Finance England (or equivalent).
The Total Cost of Attendance should include annual tuition fees, accommodation (halls or private rent), food and groceries, course materials (books, software), travel costs, and personal living expenses.