Additional boost in financial aid for students from low-income households
18 Nov 2024
Message from April McMahon, Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students
At the University of Manchester, we have an unwavering commitment to ensure that every student can thrive, regardless of financial circumstances. Supporting students is at the heart of our mission—through financial support, enhancing the student experience, and recognising the increasing pressures students face today.
Building on the recent enhancements to the Manchester Bursary, which saw award values rise from £1,000 to £1,300 and from £2,000 to £2,600, we are taking further steps to provide even greater support.
In collaboration with Hannah Mortimer, our previous Union Affairs Officer, and the current Students’ Union Executive team, I’m delighted to announce an additional boost in financial aid for students from low-income households.
From September 2025, we will raise the residual household income thresholds for Manchester Bursary eligibility:
- The threshold for low-income households will increase from ‘less than £25,000 to less than £31,000’.
- The threshold for partial support will expand from £25,001–£35,000 to £31,001–£43,000.
This change means that students from households earning up to £43,000 will now qualify for the Manchester Bursary. As a result, over 1,000 additional students will benefit—a nearly 20% increase in recipients of the Manchester Bursary Scholarships. This revision will also expand eligibility for the Year Abroad Bursary, aligning with our Turing Scheme funding bid to ensure more students can experience life-changing international opportunities.
We know that financial challenges weigh heavily on students, with research showing an average shortfall of £2,000 per year compared to the minimum income standard they would require to engage fully with their university experience*. Bursaries play a vital role in reducing financial anxiety, decreasing the need for paid work, and freeing up time for co-curricular activities—all of which contribute to a positive, enriching University experience.
As Duncan Ivison, our President and Vice-Chancellor, states: “Our ambition is to make Manchester accessible to everyone, so that talent and ambition, not finances, determine access to our University.”
Lexie Baynes, the Union Affairs Officer at the Students’ Union, said: “I’m very pleased and supportive of this necessary change, which will help break down financial barriers for students in not only accessing University, but succeeding while they’re here too. Much of this is the work of Hannah Mortimer, the Union Affairs Officer before me, who advocated for the uplift during her year in the role. This is a great example of the University and Students’ Union working in partnership to support our students.”
We are determined to rise to the challenges our students face, evolving our support to meet their needs. The government’s household income thresholds have been frozen since 2008, leaving them disconnected from inflation, rising wages, and recent financial pressures. By increasing our thresholds, we are taking an essential step toward bridging that gap and ensuring fairness.
Our goal is simple: to support students in having the best possible University experience, preparing you for fantastic jobs and impactful futures. Excellent financial support is a key part of that aspiration.
If you have any questions about these changes or the support available, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Professor April McMahon
Vice-President for Teaching, Learning and Students