Wed, 17 Sep 2025

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 Charity boosts bursary cash to university students

The charity says the rising cost of living has affected what students can pay for.
The Harpur Trust, a charity based in Bedford, has increased its financial support for new university students due to rising living costs. The trust's University Bursary Scheme provided £4,500 each to 16 local students, an increase of £1,000 from last year. This support allows students to afford opportunities and reduce their anxiety and stress related to the high cost of studying. The charity has given out around £1m to 300 students over the past two decades through this scheme. The annual cost of an undergraduate degree in England and Wales has risen by 3% to £9,535, while student rents have also increased significantly. On average, first-year students in the UK face weekly costs of £260 without rent or £418 with rent included. Beneficiaries of the bursary scheme, such as Eshe Powell and Russell Terrey, praised the charity's support, stating that it has taken away financial stress and allowed them to focus on their studies. The trust will open its application process for current year 13 students in January, providing £4,500 each to those who are struggling financially. The money can be used for various study-related expenses such as accommodation, books, food, IT equipment, transport, or course materials. According to Victoria Reed, the charity's grant manager, the bursaries help students concentrate on their courses and improve their grades while reducing anxiety and stress.
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