Financial support

Workshop participants group. © Jess Hurd/reportdigital.co.uk

UNISON wants to help members realise their potential. We offer financial support to members taking part in various educational and learning opportunities, as well as learning discounts from a number of providers.

Being a UNISON member also offers access to our full member learning offer which includes a wide range of educational opportunities, both online and offline.

If you have any questions please get in touch with us at learningandorganising@unison.co.uk

UNISON College Bursary scheme

To help members to further their education, UNISON offers grants towards course or exam fees for members studying at their own expense.

The 2023 scheme is now closed.  If you would like to be notified when the 2024 scheme is open for applications please email us at l.organising@unison.co.uk

For information, the eligibility criteria and 2023 application process are outlined here.

Learning discounts for UNISON members

Members can get fee discounts for distance learning from:

  • National Extension College – 10% discount on all NEC courses, including GCSEs, A-levels, and vocational courses; get your discount code by emailing us at l.organising@unison.co.uk
  • National Extension College – 50% discount on fees for their functional skills courses; get your discount code by emailing us at l.organising@unison.co.uk Please note – the discount applies to the course fee (full price £500) and not to the end point assessment fee (£150)
  • E-Careers – 20% discount for UNISON members on a range of professional skills development courses.
  • University of London – 10% discount for union members on four of its distance learning courses

Photograph © Jess Hurd/reportdigital.co.uk