£6,000 - for free

No lengthy forms to complete - and it doesn’t need to be paid back.

Fuelling their passions, not their worries

If your child is considering university, it's only natural to want to help them navigate this exciting but possibly daunting journey. You'll want to ensure they are going to the right place for them and, crucially, that they will receive the very best support as they embark on this pivotal stage of their life.

At University College Birmingham, we feel that the cost of living shouldn't stop them from reaching their goals. We don't want you or your child to worry, which is why we are giving our UK undergraduates £6,000 each to help with everything from food and bills to transport - which doesn't have to be paid back.

To receive the free £6k, they will need to be a full-time UK undergraduate starting in February 2026 or September 2026 and paying their tuition fees with a student loan. No catch, just some extra support. We hope it makes life a little easier for both of you!

Find out more

Who are we?

University College Birmingham is a centre of excellence for high quality higher education, offering a whole range of undergraduate degrees in a range of fields.

Where we differ from many universities is that most of our bachelor's degrees are vocational and practical, which may suit your child better than very academic degrees, in all sorts of subjects, from food and sport to engineering, prosthetics and childcare. We also offer two-year foundation degrees, which often require lower grades, after which your child can top up to a full honours degree, if they choose.

Experience what it would be like to study at University College Birmingham by coming to our open day.

View courses Join an open day

Reasons to study with us

£300 million investment into campuses, equipment and resources
Many courses accredited by the University of Warwick, ranked 9th in the UK in The Guardian 2024 league table
City centre location - surrounded by booming businesses, gorgeous green spaces and vibrant nightlife. Plus, there's a magnificent mix of cultures right on your doorstep and fantastic connections to the rest of the UK and the world
Network of 1,000 employer contacts to provide valuable placements and excellent careers guidance through HIRED
Award-winning support (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2024)

Supporting them every step of the way

The £6k is just one way we can help. We also give students up to £800 a year for everything from kit to food and drink through Kick-Start - which also doesn't need to be paid back. They can even get free toast and fruit for breakfast on us!

Our award-winning support includes expert teams designated to

Academic learning support and mentoring
Employability and finding placements
Mental health and wellbeing
Disability and neurodiversity
Student engagement and much, much more

Find out more

When your child comes to the end of their Level 3 course or A-levels, they may start wondering what direction to take. Designed for parents and carers, this Guide to University will help to clarify what is coming next.

View guide

Discover more

Undergraduate open days

Join one of our undergraduate open days and find out all about our wide range of degrees, the exciting topics you will study and the facilities on offer to give you th…

Undergraduate application

Apply directly to University College Birmingham and avoid UCAS charges and personal statements.

University disability and neurodiversity support

We are committed to providing an inclusive learning environment, and our DNS team is here to advise you and provide assistance throughout your…

Health and wellbeing

We know good health and wellbeing are essential for you to enjoy your university experience and study effectively. Our dedicated team are here to help you.

Learning support

Whatever help you need to succeed in your studies, our learning support teams are committed to giving all our students the advice, skills and practical tools to discover your…

Financial support

While studying, it is important to manage your finances and access any help to which you are entitled. Our staff are here to give you the support and advice you need.

Undergraduate study

Our extensive range of specialist BA, BSc and foundation degree courses are highly valued by industry.