Investing in your future: How we support your financial well-being through university

5 July 2023

With only 33 per cent* of students turning to their university for financial support, and more than one in four* unsure of who to approach during times of difficulty; improving both accessibility and visibility of crucial funds and services, is key to our navigating the cost-of-living crisis – together.

Through grants, scholarships, funds and loans, our Development Trust and Student Services teams award more than half a million pounds worth of financial aid every year. Not to mention the added benefits of tailored careers guidance, budget planning and professional financial advice!

Students shouldn’t have to bear the burden of financial struggles alone. And at Harper Adams, you won’t have to. Since 2014, we have proudly maintained our position among the top 20 UK Universities for Student Support^# - a title voted on by our students! Our community of professional service teams and wider support network are dedicated to empowering our learners with the skills to make informed financial decisions, here at university and long after.

We firmly believe everyone should have the opportunity to make a difference, and together, who’s to say you won’t? Discover more about our financial support below.

Financial support

Looking for information on our Access to Learning Fund, Disabled Students’ Allowance or how to earn and learn? Then head to our dedicated webpages below:

Student Finance information

For most students, paying the Tuition Fee outright is not a viable option, which is where Student Finance steps in. Typically – although this does depend on where you live – you can apply for both a Tuition Loan (which isn’t based on your household income and covers the full course cost) and/or a Maintenance Loan (which is based on your household circumstances and is there to cover things like accommodation costs, trips, books and societies). Explore the below resources to learn more – including a great video from Student Finance England!

Harper Adams scholarships and bursaries

The University's Development Trust is a charity that works with industry partners and alumni to offer exclusive scholarships to current Harper Adams students. Around £500,000 of scholarships are offered each year; with most including financial help, or a paid placement opportunity.

Take a look at the range of incredible scholarships and bursaries.

Grants, allowances and other support

Support is available at Harper, you only need ask. Take a look at some of the funds, grants and allowances we have available, once you join us.

Other Sources of Help
Access to Learning Fund

Our Access to Learning Fund (ALF), helps both undergraduate and postgraduate students with living and course-related costs such as travel, accommodation, books and childcare. Most awards don't have to be paid back at all, with some short-term interest free loans available in exceptional circumstances.

Once you have applied for the AL, through Student Services, the University will look at your needs and decide how much you are entitled to. The money can be paid in a lump sum or in instalments and will be on top of your other student finance. However, in order to qualify you must have already taken out the full student loan that was available to you.

If you would like to discuss our financial support offering further, you can contact our student services team on: StudentServices@harper-adams.ac.uk

^{*both statistics from the latest Black Bullion ‘Students’ thoughts on financial support from universities and colleges’ report.
^#Whatuni Student Choice Awards}