Donor funded scholarships and bursaries

Two students reading a book underneath a tree

Donor-funded scholarships and bursaries are generously funded by our donor community, which consist of our alumni, friends and industry partners. They are designed to alleviate financial pressures of studying at university and help support our students progress, whether that is buying a new laptop or covering a field trip. They also open the door to additional networking, mentoring, support and guidance. Securing a scholarship is not only a non-repayable award for our students, but a moment of recognition and a vote of confidence that we believe in their ability and potential.

'I'd like to say a massive heartfelt thanks to the Gittins scholarship for their continued support and recognition as a male student Mental Health Nurse. The additional funding has helped us spend some very important quality time together as a family this year, and those memories are priceless!" – Lee, Gittins Family Charitable Trust (Nursing) Scholar

The difference you can make

Open day bunting hanging in Peel Park, University of Salford

We are always looking to establish scholarships, bursaries, prizes to support students from, widening participation backgrounds and across all fields of study.

''The Mason family are proud to support the Gerry Mason Scholarship bursary, supporting over 50 students to date. Our partnership with University of Salford is delivering real change by attracting new talent to technical sectors and developing the next generation of engineers, as well as helping those from underprivileged background achieve their dream in STEM. I am proud to be continuing my father’s legacy.'' Ged Mason, CEO of Morson International

If you are a friend, alumni, industry partner, charitable trust/foundation and would like to find out about establishing your a Scholarship Programme, you can contact either:

Donor-Funded Scholarships for 2025-26

All donor-funded scholarships are available exclusively to full-time students who pay home fees. For details on additional financial support for your studies, please visit our Fees and Funding page.

Applying is easy

Simply complete the quick application form provided under each scholarship listing. Below, you’ll find detailed information about scholarships available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, including eligibility criteria.

Application windows 

Applications for the main cycle are now closed. Some scholarship deadlines have been extended, and eligible students will be contacted directly. Additional application opportunities will open at various points throughout the academic year. Updates and notifications will be shared through internal channels, including Blackboard and the Student Hub.

Live scholarships 

Live Donor-Funded Scholarships are available below. 

Application guidance

To ensure your application is as strong as possible, please note the following:

  • Quality review: All applications will be reviewed for grammar, punctuation, and overall quality. Please take time to proofread and ensure your submission is clear, well-structured, and professionally presented.
  • Engagement criteria: Attendance and active engagement with lectures, seminars and Blackboard will be taken into account when deciding which applications to put forward to the scholarship panel. Consistent participation reflects commitment and will strengthen your application.
  • Use of AI tools: While AI tools (such as grammar checkers or writing assistants) may be used to support your application, the final submission must reflect your own work and voice. Over-reliance on AI-generated content may weaken the authenticity of your application.

If you have any questions or need support with your application, please don’t hesitate to reach out to supporters@salford.ac.uk.

Salford Business School
Jim Jackson Foundation Scholarship

The Jim Jackson Educational and Enabling Foundation was established in memory of Jim Jackson, a northwest born businessman. They want to support those from less privileged backgrounds to achieve success.

The following is applicable to Salford Business School (Business courses only) students:

  • There are four scholarships for Level 4, 5, 6 engaged with the Launch programme

If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, apply using the Donor-Funded Scholarship Application form. The deadline for applications is Friday 7 November 2025.

Eligibility criteria Value of award Start date

We work to inspire, engage, and empower students from underrepresented backgrounds by raising awareness and challenging inequalities. To be eligible for this scholarship, you must identify with at least one of the following criteria:

  • First-in-family to attend university. 49% of our students are first-in-family to attend university
  • Care leavers
  • Disability (including long term health conditions and additional needs)
  • Young carer
  • Under represented ethnic background
  • Asylum seeker/refugee status
  • Military family 4
  • Eligible for free school meals (low-income background)
  • From an area/postcode where participation in higher education is low
£2,000 over one year of study (to be spent on the Inspire portal) Autumn 2025
The School of Science, Engineering & Environment
The Gittins Family Charitable Trust Scholarship

The Gittins Trust is a charity focused on supporting students in engineering, manufacturing and health work. University of Salford alumnus, Michael Woodmore is a trustee.

There are three scholarships available for Level 4 (Year 1), undergraduate students completing an engineering degree in one of the following programmes:

If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, apply using the Donor-Funded Scholarship Application form.

Eligibility criteria Value of award Start date

Applicants from communities currently underrepresented in higher education are encouraged to apply. This includes individuals who live in areas identified as having lower progression to university (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2) or areas experiencing multiple forms of deprivation (IMD quintile 1 or 2). Find out your IMD quintile.

  • Female student
  • First-in-family to attend university. 49% of our students are first-in-family to attend university
£3,000 over three years of study Autumn 2025
Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship

The Gerry Mason Engineering Scholarship is kindly funded by Morson Group, in memory of Gerry Mason, founder of the Morson Group.

There are five scholarships available for Level 4 (Year 1), undergraduate students completing an engineering degree in one of the following programmes:

If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, apply using the Donor-Funded Scholarship Application form

Eligibility criteria Value of award Start date

Applicants from communities currently underrepresented in higher education are encouraged to apply. This includes individuals who live in areas identified as having lower progression to university (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2) or areas experiencing multiple forms of deprivation (IMD quintile 1 or 2). Find out your IMD quintile.

  • First-in-family to attend university. 49% of our students are first-in-family to attend university.
£10,000 over three years of study Autumn 2025
Applicable to all schools
AJ Product Scholarship

At AJ Products, they focus on innovation, efficiency and ergonomics. Their workplace furniture and equipment is designed to make people’s everyday life at work a little easier. They are committed to supporting the next generation of talent so they're offering a £1,000 to the student that comes up with the best idea for the workplace of the future!

Entries must be submitted via email to scholarships@ajproducts.co.uk. The deadline to apply is 31 December 2025.  

Eligibility criteria Value of award Start date
  • Be aged 18 or over at the time of entry
  • Be currently enrolled in a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate-taught course at a UK university for the academic year 2025/2026
  • Submit an original entry
  • Agree to the terms and conditions of the competition
  • Applications should be individual
£1,000 January 2026
Santander Scholarship

Apply now for a £5,000 Santander Scholarship We’ve partnered with Santander Universities to offer two £5,000 scholarships to support our students during the 2025/26 academic year. This scholarship is designed to help with education-related costs – from tuition fees and course materials to accommodation and career development.

Apply here by 19 February 2026.

Bonus points

Through Santander Open Academy, you can get access to free on-demand courses and programmes from top global institutions to help you build skills for your studies and future career.

Who can apply? How to apply
  • Open to our current full-time students who are enrolled in any year of study during the 2025/26 academic year in undergraduate or postgraduate study.
  • 18+, UK resident and qualify as a Home Fee Status student.
  • [Important – please enter here any university specific criteria as outlined by your university (if any)– found on the dropdown for your university on the landing page]
  • No need to be a Santander customer
  • Register for free on Santander Open Academy (if you haven’t already)
  • Verify your email (check your inbox!)
  • Log in, click ‘Get Started’ and complete the application form and online assessment