We know that undertaking a degree course is a big commitment in lots of ways – including financially. We've developed a range of scholarships and bursaries to make this easier for you.
You may automatically receive one of these scholarships if you're eligible (though note there are a couple you apply for).
Looking for information about college (further education) bursaries? Visit our college fees and funding page.
What is it? A bursary for students who have an annual household income of £42,875 or less.
Who is it for? UK or eligible EU students studying an undergraduate or integrated Masters degree (undergraduate courses with a Masters year at the end).
How much is it worth? Up to £300 per year.
How do I apply? You’ll automatically receive our ARU Bursary if you meet eligibility criteria and register as a student.
What is it? A fee discount for students who've completed an ARU degree course and want to undertake further study.
Who is it for? UK and eligible EU students starting a postgraduate taught or research degree.
How much is it worth? Either a 20% discount on postgraduate taught courses, or a £400 discount on postgraduate research programmes.
How do I apply? You’ll automatically be assessed for our Alumni Scholarship when you apply for a course.
What is it? Financial support for talented athletes, given as a fee waiver or cash bursary.
Who is it for? Undergraduate and postgraduate students who compete at regional, national or international level.
How much is it worth? £1,400 up to £12,500 per year.
How do I apply? Complete an application form, including a supporting statement outlining why you’re suitable for this scholarship.
What is it? A fee reduction for students taking an MBA in Cambridge or Chelmsford.
Who is it for? Postgraduate students starting one of four MBA courses.
How much is it worth? £4,000 for a one-year course, or £2,000 for a two-year course with professional experience.
How do I apply? We'll automatically consider you for this scholarship when you apply.
What is it? A scholarship that recognises excellence in undergraduate study, and supports progression to postgraduate study.
Who is it for? Students who've completed an undergraduate degree at ARU, and have applied to a Masters course at Cambridge School of Art.
How much is it worth? £2,500.
How do I apply? There's no need to apply for this award. It's automatically awarded to the applicant who achieved the highest marks in their ARU undergraduate degree.
The Mark Wood CBE Art and Design Award details and eligibility criteria
What is it? A bursary to help pay for fees, books, living expenses and other costs during training.
Who is it for? Students registered on our MA Music Therapy degree.
How much is it worth? up to £1,000.
How do I apply? Email a letter to the Course Director by 1 October in your year of entry.
Music Therapy Entry Bursary details and eligibility criteria
What is it? This scholarship is designed to encourage careers in town planning. It covers tuition fees.
Who is it for? Every year, the scholarship is available to a UK student who’s applied to study MSc Town Planning at ARU.
How much is it worth? £11,100.
How do I apply? When you apply, include a supporting statement outlining why you’re suitable for this scholarship.
Royal Town Planning Institute scholarship details and eligibility criterip
Please note: Funds will be confirmed in the summer of 2026 for students beginning their studies in the academic year beginning September 2026. These are the currently available funds in the 25/26 academic year – we cannot guarantee we will still offer them from September 2026.
| Fund | Dates | Description | Likely award (pro-rata for part-time students) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Support Fund |
|
Support for FT/PT UG students from a low household income to help with the purchase of a laptop. | Currently £400 one off payment (not pro-rata for PT students) |
| Disability Support Fund |
|
Support for FT UG students from low and mid income households towards the cost of a diagnostic test and purchase of equipment via Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). | Cost of diagnostic test will be £50 to the student (remaining balance paid) and £200 towards DSA equipment as a one off payment |
| Care Leaver Bursary |
|
Bursary for UG and PG students who are aged under 25 and are Care Leavers or who have lived in a Foyer | £1500 per year (increasing to £2000 in final year) |
| GTRSB Bursary |
|
Bursary for UG and PG students who identify as part of the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater community | £500 per year |
| Placement Travel Bursary |
|
Extra support for the cost of travel to placement for students who are not eligible for the NHS Learning Support Fund due to residency | £500 per year |
| Work Experience Bursary |
|
Help towards the cost of interview clothing and/or extra costs associated with a low paid internship or voluntary experience with a charity |
£50 Interview bursary £300 Work Experience bursary |
| GO! International |
|
Extra help with the cost of an overseas experience whether it is a field trip, a conference or volunteering | £500 per year |
| Hardship Fund |
|
Non repayable grants for home fee students who find themselves in financial difficulties | Depends on circumstances |
Find out more about scholarships for international and European students, and whether you are eligible.
You can apply for more than one scholarship. However, if your application is successful, you'll just receive the one: this will be the highest value scholarship of those you've applied for.
The exception is our Alumni Scholarship, which you can combine with some other scholarships or bursaries.