What is the Birmingham Grant?

The Birmingham Grant offers additional support to all students whose household income falls below the University's annual financial threshold. You will receive a grant from the University if you:

• Have successfully achieved a place at the University
• Are a new, full-time undergraduate
• Are eligible to pay the full undergraduate fee
• Are classed as a UK student
• Have applied for financial assessment through your relevant SLC agency
• Have a household income below the threshold

What is the Birmingham Scholarship?

The Birmingham Scholarship recognises the achievement of students from low-income backgrounds who perform extremely well in their A levels or equivalent qualifications. You will receive a Birmingham Scholarship if you:

• Meet the above criteria for the award of a Birmingham Grant
• Achieve a minimum of AAB at A level, more than 34 points in the IB, or DDD in BTEC. Other examinations may be considered. Access Course applicants will not be eligible for the purposes of this scholarship. Please note that the award of a scholarship is not based on UCAS tariff points.

How much will I receive?

Once you have qualified for the Grant and/or Scholarship you will continue to receive the awards on an annual basis so long as you make normal progression, regardless of any change in your assessed income.

If you failed to meet the income criteria in your first year of study, but your income falls below the financial threshold for these awards in later years, you will then receive the Grant and/or Scholarship for that and subsequent years.

How do I apply?

You do not need to apply for the Birmingham Grant.  If you qualify, the University will notify you of your award in writing.

Please note: You will need to have made an application for statutory support by 31 May 2010  (for those commencing their studies in the academic year 2009/10) in order to be awarded a Birmingham Grant and Scholarship. Regrettably, if the University does not receive your financial details by this date no award can be made.

When will I be paid?

Payment of the Birmingham Grant and Scholarship will be made in two equal instalments, one in late January and one in early May. Payment will be made directly into the bank account you have nominated for your student loans. 

You are advised to read the Terms and Conditions (PDF 19KB, opens new window).

If you have any further questions, you may find them answered in the Birmingham Grant and Scholarship Frequently Asked Questions page.