St Chad’s College is pleased to offer a Welcome Bursary scheme to support students as they begin their undergraduate studies in Durham. The scheme is intended to cover a series of costs associated with the early stages of University life, many of which often come together at a difficult transitional time.

What is the purpose of the St Chad’s College Welcome Bursary?

The Welcome Bursary is provided in order that all students have the opportunity to participate fully in College life from day one. This includes the wide range of Induction Week activities that the College offers and those activities made available through membership of the Junior Common Room. The College recognises the significant costs that can be associated with attending University and thanks to the generosity of the Jim Tyrrell Student Support Fund is delighted to offer this support.

What can the Welcome Bursary be used for?

Those students awarded the Welcome Bursary are encouraged to use it to cover costs associated with JCR Membership, the Induction Week Wristband and purchasing an academic gown (used throughout the year for Formal Dinners in College and other activities). The St Chad’s College Welcome Bursary therefore offers a payment of £250 per student.

Who is eligible for the St Chad’s College Welcome Bursary?

Eligible students will be new full-time home undergraduates at St Chad’s College who begin their students from September 2026 onwards. The Welcome Bursary will be awarded to all new eligible undergraduates who have a household incoming, as assessed by Student Finance England (or equivalent), of less than £30,000 per year.

How will payments be made to students?

Provided that you and your parents/partner consented to share their household income with the University during the student finance application process, Student Finance England (or equivalent) will pass your household income to the University and St Chad’s College will use this information to confirm your eligibility for the Welcome Bursary.

Students eligible for the Welcome Bursary will be asked to supply their bank details in order that the bursary can be transferred to them. This will take place from mid-August of the year of entry following College confirmation.

Other information

St Chad’s College Welcome Bursaries are non-repayable and are a single-year bursary awarded only to first year undergraduates. However, once a student at St Chad’s College, students may also apply for other bursary schemes provided by the College including the Opportunities Fund, Meal Bursary Scheme and Student Support Fund.

For further information, please contact chads.admissions@durham.ac.uk.