Bristol Scholars

The Bristol Scholars scheme is an innovative offer for post-16 students studying in the City of Bristol.

Bristol Scholars receive free academic support, take part in a range of outreach activities, and will be eligible for a tailored offer for a place on an undergraduate programme at the University. These activities are designed to empower Bristol Scholars to succeed in post-16 education and therefore enable them to progress to study with the University.  Participants on the scheme receive targeted support throughout the transition to university, as well as during their time at Bristol, to ensure they have the best possible chance to excel on their chosen undergraduate programme.

The scheme is intended to capture the talent we know exists in our locality; to demonstrate the University's commitment to Bristol's schools and colleges; and to provide alternative entry routes into our programmes.

School eligibility and nomination process

The Bristol Scholars Scheme allows Headteachers and Heads of Post-16 to nominate individual students on the basis of their academic potential. If eligible for the programme these students will receive a guaranteed, tailored offer from the University of Bristol. For interviewing subjects, providing subject requirements are met, Bristol Scholars are guaranteed an interview rather than an offer. 

The tailored offer is intended to reflect that a student's predicted results, or performance in Year 12, may not reflect their true academic ability. Tailored offers are made with the understanding that students who have overcome particular challenges during their studies will have every chance of succeeding at the University, especially when engaging with the bespoke support offered as part of the Bristol Scholars programme.

Bursary

Students who firmly accept the offer of a place to study at the University of Bristol may be eligible for the Bristol Scholars bursary. This consists of:

  • A Bristol Scholars bursary of £3,855 for each year of study (this excludes any year where NHS funding is awarded).

To be considered for the bursary students need to have put Bristol as their Firm choice in UCAS, have a household income of below £25,000 per year and must be a UK Home Fees student.

It is important to note that all of our bursaries and scholarships are subject to change, and as such, onus falls onto the student to ensure that you check the most up to date information for each financial award at point of application to the university (including eligibility criteria, award amount and any terms and conditions associated with these financial packages).  

You can find all of this information online on our individual bursary and scholarship webpages, accessed via our Scholarships, Awards and Bursaries webpage.

Support during undergraduate study

To ensure that Bristol Scholars are able to make a secure and successful transition to the University, they will be provided with a point of contact at the University from the moment their place is confirmed in August. Bristol Scholars will be supported by a dedicated member of staff, the Bristol Scholars Adviser.

The Bristol Scholars Adviser will:

  • deliver one-to-one coaching
  • facilitate a monthly social event
  • be the point of contact for any queries Bristol Scholars may have
  • coordinate the annual Bristol Scholars residential conference
  • run a week-long Building Up to Bristol course to help Bristol Scholars make a smooth transition to university.

Contact

Please direct all queries to Katie Arnold, Bristol Scholars Coordinator

bristol-scholars@bristol.ac.uk

'Building Up to Bristol' for Bristol Scholars

To help Bristol Scholars make a smooth transition to university, we offer a bespoke Building Up to Bristol course

This one-week in-person course will offer you the best possible preparation for your degree.

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