The Committee launch the Awards each year at the start of the academic year and the deadline for applications is normally six weeks later. Launch dates and deadlines can be found each year on our website and also on all promotional materials.

Applicants can apply themselves or you may wish to nominate someone who you feel would benefit from the funding. Applicants fill out a simple application form demonstrating a financial need and how they will use the funds for educational purpose. 

Applicants must write a personal statement and must:

    •    Have a realistic plan with clear learning outcome
    •    Demonstrate a clear link between planned spend and learning outcomes
    •    Demonstrate a financial need
    •    Demonstrate they are deserving of the award
    •    Provide a reference

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a short interview before being granted an award.

The  Awards are open to all students aged 16-30 living in most areas* of Birmingham.
You must be an enrolled student and you must also have settled status in the UK, which means that you must be settled in the UK within the meaning of the Immigration Act 1971. Supporting documents may be requested.
Once your completed form and supporting documentation has been received it will be assessed and you will be informed if you qualify for an award. Applicants will be required to provide evidence of current financial circumstances and a supporting academic reference.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO PROCESS AN APPLICATION?
Your completed application form will be checked to ensure you have supplied the correct information and supporting documentation. The aim is to process correctly completed application form within six weeks of receipt. After six weeks you should have received either an acknowledgement letter or a provisional assessment notification.

WHEN WILL YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL?
After initial assessment, short-listed candidates will be invited to a short interview. The final award notifications will be made shortly after then. Guidance regarding other funding bodies will be available to those applicants who are not successful.

HOW WILL THE AWARD BE PAID?
Awards are usually given upon submission of receipts for which you are reimbursed. We pay invoices for course fees, childminding and for items such as books and course materials.

WILL YOU BE ELIGIBLE FOR AN AWARD IF YOU ARE ALREADY RECEIVING FUNDING FROM ANOTHER SOURCE?
Yes, provided there is no duplication between the type of support granted.

WILL YOU STILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR AN AWARD IF YOU ARE ATTENDING A PART-TIME COURSE?
Yes, full-time and part-time students are eligible to receive financial assistance under the scheme.
 

Download Form
(Application forms are available to download when new set of awards are announced)

* Applicable areas are announced each year when awards are launched.