Last chance to win £1,000 with the Santander Brighter Futures Grants Programme
By: James Horrocks
Last updated: Monday, 5 May 2025

Don't miss your opportunity to win one of our Brighter Futures Grants Programme this spring, in partnership with Santander.
Once again, Santander are giving away 10 grants of £1,000 each to Sussex students. All students can enter, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students.
You can use the grants for anything you need, whether it’s buying tech or textbooks, upgrading your study space, or covering living expenses - the choice is yours.
Entering is quick and easy
1. Register for Santander Open Academy, a free online learning platform (if you haven’t already).
2. Click the verification link in your confirmation email.
3. Log in and choose ‘Get Started’ to complete your entry into the Brighter Futures Grants programme. Select University of Sussex from the menu.
4. Submit your entry by 11pm on 15 May 2025.
What the winners said
Here’s what last year’s winners have to say about Brighter Futures Grants:
Damilola Omotola, who is doing an MSc in Mathematics, said:
“This prize will significantly contribute to my studies by getting a new computer for my learning and easing my financial burdens. The support from this prize will enhance my educational journey and help me achieve my academic goals. I am grateful for this acknowledgment and excited about the positive impact it will have on my studies.”
Ben Cawse, who is studying for a BA in Sociology and Criminology, said:
“This prize means so much to me as now I can prioritise my assignments which are due soon. It allows me to have some financial security and eases the stress about funding my degree. I could not be more grateful!”
Alpha Bangura, a student at the Science Policy Research Unit, said:
“I am working on a professional capstone project alongside my Masters program. This prize will help me design and implement a Career Readiness and Mentorship Program to address youth unemployment in Sierra Leone, while applying the sustainability approaches I have learned in the Sustainable Development Masters programme. Thank you once again to the University of Sussex and Santander for this wonderful opportunity.”
Anabelle Reed, an undergraduate student in the School of Life Sciences, said:
“This prize will help me purchase a new laptop as my current one is so old and slow and battery life is terrible. This prize money can help contribute to an updated version that can help support the data software I need to complete my degree.”
What are you waiting for? Don’t miss the chance to enhance your academic journey with a Brighter Futures Grant. Enter by 15 May 2025 for your chance to win. T&Cs apply! Apply today.