Help with the cost of living
The cost of living has increased for everyone – we’re all feeling like managing our money is getting harder. We’re working hard to find new ways to support you alongside the advice and resources we already have in place. On this page, you’ll find links to existing support, funding, on-campus resources and more.
Skip to different sections on this page
- Additional cost of living support
- Money saving toolkit
- Financial support
- Find part-time work
- Wellbeing support
We are continually updating the content below as more support is provided, so check back and keep an eye on our communication channels for more information. The content on this page was last updated on 20 March 2024.
Additional cost of living support
We are providing additional financial support to help with the cost of living during the 2023-24 academic year through the form of bursaries, on-campus discounts and adjustments to our existing support funds.
Find full details about our Cost of Living bursaries including FAQs and Terms and Conditions (including eligibility criteria) on the Student Hub. We will continue to update the Hub if/when any new support measures are confirmed.
Log into your Inspire account to see if you have funds remaining to spend in the online Inspire store or withdraw to your bank account. Don’t miss out, our Cost of Living bursaries expire on 30 June 2024 or on completion of your studies, whichever is earlier.
Need help accessing your funds? Talk to askUS. You can visit us in person, call us, email us or chat with us online.
More helpful links:
Money Saving Toolkit
We've put together our top money saving tips and advice to help you save money at home, on-campus and when you're out exploring Salford, Manchester or further afield. Explore our blogs, free tools and external resources below.
Save money on campus
If you come to campus for lectures, seminars or study sessions, there are lots of ways you can keep costs down. Check out our Made in Salford blog to read about discounted food offers, how to get free books and resources and more.
To help you manage the current rise in the cost of living and keep food costs down while you're studying, you can get 20% off everything in Allerton Refectory and Maxwell Refectory including hot and cold counter food offers, urban eats meal deals, and all other retail items. We have also applied a 50% discount to the price of over 30 essential items in our Campus Convenience Stores. Visit Salfood's webpage to learn more about these offers, as well as all other deals you can take advantage of.
Bursaries, scholarships and support funds
If you need additional financial support to help you while you study with us there are a number of options available, whether you're searching for donor-funded scholarships or are experiencing hardship as a result of ongoing financial difficulties. Explore the different options available:
Financial Support Funds
The Salford Support Fund and the International Support Fund were created to help students who are experiencing exceptional financial difficulties to achieve their potential at University. Due to the current Cost of Living crisis, we have increased the funds available and made changes in line with inflation and energy cost increases. When applying to the Salford Support Fund (UK students), you can state ‘cost of living/energy bills’ as a reason in your personal statement along with any other circumstances/reasons for your application for hardship funding.
The Support Funds are now open for all eligible students and close on 31 July 2024.
- UK students can apply for the Salford Support Fund
- International students can apply for the International Support Fund
Cost of Living bursaries
We are providing the following bursaries to help our students with the rising cost of living during the 2023-24 academic year:
- Commuter Bursary for eligible students to help with transport costs
- Parental Bursary for eligible students to help with childcare costs
- International Disability Bursary for eligible students to help meet the extra costs of studying that international students with disabilities may face
- Household Bills Bursary to help eligible students facing financial hardship when living in the private-rented student accommodation sector
Find full details about the bursaries, including eligibility criteria and Terms and Conditions on the Student Hub.
Scholarships and grants
Donor-funded scholarships and bursaries
It is through the generosity of our alumni, friends and industry partners that we are able to provide a number of donor-funded scholarships and bursaries for University of Salford students who would otherwise find it challenging to fund their studies.
Scholarships can offer you more than just financial support, such as boosting your employability. There are a range of scholarships and bursaries available at a University-wide level, as well as specific to schools and subject areas, supporting talented students who may need additional financial aid to support their time at Salford.
Santander Brighter Futures Grant
Santander are giving 10 Salford students the chance to win £1000. The grant is designed to support you and your student experience, so you can use it to lighten the load of bills this year, fund new textbooks and equipment to boost learning, or contribute towards your professional development.
This opportunity is open to all Salford students and you don't need to bank with Santander to apply. Applications close on Friday 29 March 2024.
BUNAC Educational Scholarship Trust scholarship
The BUNAC Educational Scholarship Trust (BEST) scholarship is now open for applications. The scholarship offers financial assistance to eligible applicants looking to undertake postgraduate study in the USA or Canada. Awards typically range between £5,000 and £15,000. Find eligibility criteria and how to apply on their website.
Student finance, fees and funding application support
You need to pay for your tuition fees and living costs while you are studying. Head to our website to find out more about funding options for your stage of study and make sure you're receiving everything you're entitled to.
Support for care-experienced students, estranged students or carers
We recognise that, for students who have caring responsibilities, are care-experienced or have no support from family, coming to university can be challenging and you may need extra support, whether that's for your studies, wellbeing or your finances. Find out what you are entitled to and the support we offer on our website.
Salford Inspire Scheme
From September, undergraduate and international students in years 1, 2 and 3 will be eligible to receive £150 online credit. Additionally, Integrated Master's students will also be eligible for the award in their final year of study. Find out more on our website.
Supplement your income with part-time work
Save the Student found that 56% of surveyed students earned money through a part-time job while at university. If you are looking to top up your income with part-time work alongside your studies, our teams can help.
Find jobs through Unitemps
If you're looking to develop your skills, enhance your CV, or just earn additional income, Unitemps can help you find flexible roles on campus or with local businesses. The team can offer advice, prepare you for interviews and, towards the end of your final year, help you find a graduate role that matches your aspirations.
Boost your employability skills
If you're looking for part-time work alongside your studies, our team of friendly Careers Advisers can help you to craft a compelling CV or covering letter, impress in interviews and find vacancies that suit you.
Support for international students
Maximise your career prospects in the UK. Get guidance from our Careers and Enterprise team on finding work during and after your studies, enhancing your CV and boosting your employability skills.
Support for your wellbeing
We know that financial problems can have a massive impact on your wellbeing. Whether you need practical support or just someone to talk to, our friendly Wellbeing Advisers are here to help.