Win £1,000 with Santander’s Brighter Futures Grants – Autumn 2025
By: James Andrews
Last updated: Tuesday, 7 October 2025

The University of Sussex, in partnership with Santander Universities, is offering 10 grants of £1,000 each to current Sussex students. These grants are designed to support students with the costs of university life, including study resources, accommodation, bills, or career development.
Who Can Apply?
The Brighter Futures Grants are open to all Sussex students—undergraduate, postgraduate, full-time, and part-time. You do not need to be a Santander customer to apply.
How to Apply
- Register for a free account on the Santander Open Academy platform.
- Verify your email address by clicking the link in the confirmation email.
- Log in, select ‘Get Started’, choose ‘University of Sussex’ from the menu, and complete your entry.
- Submit your application by 23:00 (GMT) on 27 November 2025.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 27 November 2025, 23:00 (GMT)
- Winners Announced: 5 January 2026, 23:00 (GMT)
- Grant Acceptance Deadline: 19 January 2026
What Can the Grant Be Used For?
The £1,000 grant is flexible and can be used for:
- Study materials (e.g., textbooks, software)
- Accommodation or utility bills
- Career development opportunities
- Any other expenses that support your university experience
Previous Winners
In the Autumn 2024 term, 10 Sussex students were awarded the Brighter Futures Grant. Winners used the funds for various purposes, including covering accommodation fees and living expenses, allowing them to focus more on their studies. Isabella Roffey, a BA Politics student, shared that the prize money helped her concentrate on her final assessments.
Apply Now
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to ease your financial burdens and enhance your university experience. Visit the Santander Open Academy platform to apply today.