Find out about the different aspects of student funding and who to speak to if you have financial or cost-of-living worries.
The cost of living
The cost of living is a concern for many students, particularly during times of rising costs. We are here for you. We have various support services to help you if you’re facing financial difficulties.
Grants and loans to support your study
The Sussex Bursary is available to undergraduate students from the UK whose family household income is less than £35,000 as determined by Student Finance. Eligible students will receive the award automatically.
The Hardship Fund is a grant for students who are struggling financially during their studies and does not need to be repaid. Applications are assessed based on personal circumstances and financial need.
The Welfare Loan helps students with short-term money problems cover immediate costs at university. You can request and receive between £50-£700. This interest-free loan must be repaid within one month of being awarded.
We also offer a range of undergraduate and Masters scholarships.
Students from low-income families and countries are particularly eligible for this funding.
Cheap and healthy food on campus
Minimise spending on food with the Sussex Saver, our £2 hot meals scheme. A nutritious vegetarian or vegan option is available for just £2 at Eat Central in Bramber House from 12pm to 2pm every weekday.
You can also download the Too Good to Go app to cut costs and food waste.
Our housing bursary
Students from low-income families can apply for our £1000 on-campus housing bursary.
The bursary is for new full-time undergraduate students (for the academic year 2025-26) from the UK who live in a household with an income of less than £25,000 as assessed by Student Finance.
This fund helps students pay their on-campus accommodation costs.
Free legal advice
Our Sussex Law Clinics are run by final law students in collaboration with our law academics and external solicitors and barristers.
The clinics cover a range of areas including criminal justice law and housing law, offering free legal advice to anyone who needs it.
Graduation support
You can apply for funding to cover the costs of your graduation ceremony, including two guest tickets, gown hire and a basic photography package.
Health and wellbeing
Nothing is more important than your mental and physical health. Find services and advice to support your wellbeing during your studies.
You can also explore:
- part-time jobs on campus and careers advice
- discounted travel with a rail or coach card
- accommodation advice
- cost-of-living initiatives from the Students' Union.
Our continuing work on the cost of living
A university cost of living steering group was launched last year, bringing together Students’ Union officers, student experience and wellbeing experts, and university leadership. This group continues to work on exploring and developing initiatives to further support students.
We'll also be continuing to work with other universities to ensure the UK government are aware of students' financial needs during a time of rising costs – and encouraging them to act.
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Thanks for considering Sussex. There are many funding options for people thinking of going to university.