UNISON College Bursary Scheme: Grant Guidance

What you need to know

Please read the content below to gain a full understanding regarding the eligibility criteria of the grants offered by UNISON.

You can apply if all of the following are true:

✅ You are not in subscription arrears.

✅ You have been a UNISON member for more than 4 weeks.

✅ You are not a retired member.

✅ You are not a student member who has never been a full member.

✅ You have not already received 4 education grants under the scheme.

✅ The course or module for which you’re applying begins in 2026.

✅ You have not already received an education grant in the current calendar year.

✅You are not already receiving financial support towards your course fees.

As part of the scheme, members can receive:

A maximum of one grant per calendar year.
A maximum of four education grants in total.

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility and Membership Rules

Question: Do I need to stay a UNISON member while studying?

Answer: Yes. Members are expected to remain in UNISON for the duration of the course/module supported by the grant. If there has been a lapse in membership for a sustained period following receipt of a grant, this may impact the award of any subsequent grant.

Question: Can I apply if I have a student loan or maintenance grant?

Answer: Yes. Student loans and maintenance grants do not count as financial support for course fees under this scheme.

Question: What if I am not sure whether my course is eligible?

Answer: You should check course details carefully before applying to ensure it meets the grant requirements.

Course Dates

Question: Why does the course or module have to start in the same calendar year?

Answer: Grants are managed within an annual budget cycle, so the course/module must start in the same calendar year as the application.

Question: Can I apply before the course or module starts?

Answer: Yes, you can apply in advance, but the course/module must still start in the same calendar year as the application.

Evidence and Supporting Documents

Question: What evidence do I need to provide?

Answer: Applicants must provide:

Proof of enrolment
Proof of payment of fees

These items of evidence do not need to be provided initially but you must specify via your application a date by which you can provide these details. If you are unsure then provide an estimate, for example, the first date the month you expect to receive confirmation of student finance.

More details about what evidence is required for specific grants is available here.

Question: Why do I need to provide proof of enrolment and payment?

Answer: This ensures UNISON can confirm the course/module is genuine, that the applicant is registered, and that the grant is supporting real learning costs.

Question: What counts as proof of enrolment?

Answer: A confirmation email or letter from the course provider showing your name, course/module title, and start date.

Question: What counts as proof of payment?

Answer: A receipt, invoice marked paid, confirmation email, or another clear record showing the amount paid. Information required specific to grant types is available via the link above.

Question: Can I submit screenshots or digital copies of evidence?

Answer: Yes. Please pay attention to the quality of any images submitted, and if sharing files ensure they are saved in the correct format.

Question: What happens if I submit an application without evidence?

Answer: You can apply at any point but your application cannot be processed until proof of enrolment and payment is received. These should be shared at the earliest opportunity.

Application Process

Question: Can I save the online application form and return later?

Answer: No. The online form cannot be saved and returned to, so applicants should prepare all details before starting the form.

Question: What should I do if I decide not to study after submitting an application?

Answer: Please take a proactive approach to contact us when you’re no longer able to proceed with your application so it can be withdrawn and funds allocated to another members’ application.

Question: What if I change my mind about the course I have applied to study but want to apply for a grant towards another course?

Answer: You will be required to start a new application to reflect this change.

Question: Are grants guaranteed if I meet the criteria?

Answer: No. Funding is limited and grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget is fully allocated. Prior to receiving an application and making an assessment based on the details received, we are unable to make assurances about grants being awarded. This avoids any disappointment based on overpromising prior to receiving a full application.

Submit your application

If you have:

✅ Decided which grant is right for you.

✅ Read the grant guidance.

✅ Checked the evidence required for your grant type.

Then you are ready to submit your application. Please click here to apply.