Application process

Thanks to the generosity of alumni and other friends, the Alumni Fund is able to offer awards of £2,000 to support undergraduate student placements.

The deadline for applications is 31 May 2020. Please ensure you complete all of the steps in ‘How to Apply’, below, before the deadline to ensure your application can be considered.

You are only eligible to apply if you have not yet started your placement. You do not need to have confirmed your placement before applying but your application must relate to a specific placement. If you apply for a grant and are successful but then your placement plans change (for instance, you are not successful in securing your placement) you will not automatically retain the grant.

Applicants for an Alumni Fund Placement Grant must also meet one or more of the following criteria:

• have a student loans household income assessment of £42,875 or below

• your home is in an area where there is a low participation of young people progressing into higher education

• your school or college performance is below average

• you are a care leaver

• you or your family receive a state means-tested benefit

• you have an Access to HE Diploma

• you are 'irreconcilably estranged' from your parents or guardians

• you are a young carer

• you are a refugee or asylum seeker

• your home address is considered to be in an area of lower social mobility according to ACORN data analysis

• you have a protected characteristic which could put you at a disadvantage when applying for a placement. More information can be found here.

Applicants must also demonstrate a shortfall in the funding required to complete their placement. If you are unsure if you meet these criteria, please contact Student Money Advice.

International students are welcome to apply. Please talk to the Student Monday Advice team to discuss your individual situation and whether you are eligible for a grant.

How to apply

1. Before you apply, please note that you will need to submit a letter or email of support from your Placements Officer. You may want to discuss this with them before beginning your application form. This letter should confirm if your placement is a Type B Unpaid Service Placement.
2. Discuss what funding is available to you with Student Services before submitting your application. You will be required to do this before submitting an application. For more information please contact Student Money Advice.
3. If you feel you are eligible to apply please complete an Application Form. Please be aware that this is a very competitive process. We advise you give care and attention to your application form, as you would with a job or placement application.

If you would like any help completing an application, please contact Melanie Wortham.

What happens next

Completed applications will be held until the next deadline. Decisions will be shared with applicants shortly after these dates. If you need a decision sooner, please contact Molly Southwood. The University’s decision on the interpretation of eligibility criteria is final and there is no right of appeal.