Welcome to Newman College Brighton
BURSARY &
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Each year the College receives an allocation of funds to support its students aged 16-18. Students who are 18 at the start of the course but turn 19 during the academic year (i.e.; after 31 August) are also eligible.
The funds are intended to support students who face financial barriers to participate in education. There are two types of bursaries available: Vulnerable Student Bursary and Discretionary Student Bursary.
The 16–19 Bursary Fund is designed to support students who may face financial barriers to participating in education. It can help with essential college-related costs such as:
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Travel to and from College
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Essential textbooks, equipment or specialist materials
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Curriculum-related trips and visits
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UCAS application costs
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University interview travel expenses
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Exam resit fees
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Other essential participation costs identified by the College
There are two types of bursary support available:
Vulnerable Student Bursary
Some students may be eligible for a bursary of up to £1,200 per year, depending on their individual circumstances and assessed need. This may include students who are:
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In care
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Care leavers
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Receiving certain benefits in their own right
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Financially supporting themselves
Discretionary Bursary
Students with a household income below £28,000 may be eligible for discretionary support. Applications are assessed on an individual basis and funding is not guaranteed.
Please note that bursary awards are based on eligibility, assessed financial need and the actual costs linked to participating in education.
Free School Meals (FSM)
Some students aged 16–18 may also be eligible for Free School Meals. This is administered by Brighton & Hove City Council and provides a daily allowance to use in College food outlets.
Students who are eligible for Free School Meals are strongly encouraged to also apply for the Discretionary Bursary, as this may provide support with other essential college-related costs such as travel or equipment.
Bursary support is for essential education-related costs only. Awards depend on available funding, assessed need and evidence provided.
Support may be given as a payment or provided directly by the College. Receipts may be required.
Bursary support is normally conditional on 90%+ attendance, positive conduct and good academic engagement.
Apply here: Free School Meals
Money Saving Tips
Save money on travel to college
If you travel to college by bus or train, there are a few options that may help reduce the cost of your journey:
Bus travel: You may be able to save money with a student bus pass.
Student Bus ID Card
Rail travel: If you travel by train, it is worth looking into the following:
Get an TOTUM/UNiDAYS student discount card
A student discount card can help you save money on shopping, food, travel and other everyday spending.
To apply:
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Choose Newman College (Hove) as your college
Please double-check this, as there is also a Cardinal Newman in Coventry! -
Complete your details, upload a passport-style photo and make payment
It is a small cost upfront, but it can be really useful if you plan to use student discounts regularly.
Guidance Notes and Applications
How to apply
Applications for bursary support are made using the online application form on the Newman College website.
You will need to:
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Complete the online form in full
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upload the required supporting evidence
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Submit your application by the published deadline where possible
2026–27 deadline
The initial bursary deadline for 2026–27 is 23 October 2026.
Applications can still be made later in the academic year, but late applications will only be considered if funding remains available
Bursary Guidance Notes | 26-27
Application for 'priority vulnerable student' 2026-2027 (Currently Requires a Google Account to Access)
Application for 'discretionary student' 2026-2027 (Currently Requires a Google Account to Access)