Partially funded

BCU Accelerate Scholarship

Birmingham City University, United Kingdom

Scholarship overview

BCU Accelerate supports UK applicants from lower-income households. Eligible applicants can receive an offer up to four grades below the normal entry requirements and can claim a £1,000 scholarship paid in three instalments across the first year.

There are no extra forms: applicants apply via UCAS by 30 June 2026 with BCU as a choice. The scheme covers students starting in September 2026 or January 2027. Only one BCU scholarship can be held, with the larger awarded.

Award Information

  • Home address postcode in POLAR4 quintile 1 at the point of application; OR
  • Postcode in POLAR4 quintile 2 plus one of: first in family to go to university; disclosed disability; caring responsibilities; estranged from parents; refugee/asylum status; armed forces service or a parent/carer in the armed forces; parenting responsibilities (under 25); been in care (under 25); received free school meals (under 25).
  • Apply to BCU by 30 June 2026.
  • Be awaiting results in 2025/26 for qualifications taken for the first time.
  • Meet any course-specific requirements (interview, portfolio, subject qualifications).
  • Undergraduate courses (BA, BSc, BEng, LLB, MSci) only; excluded are sub-degree courses, partner-delivered, fast-track, part-time, CPD, short courses, apprenticeships and distance learning. BA Acting, BMus Music, BMus Jazz and Access to HE students get no reduced offer but can receive the scholarship.
  • For the scholarship: accept the BCU offer as firm or insurance, gain a confirmed place on an eligible course on receipt of level 3 results, enrol and complete the first year.
  • Offers cannot be deferred.
  • £1,000 paid into your bank account in three instalments during the first year (2026/27 entry).
  • September 2026 starters: end of December 2026, end of March 2027, end of May 2027.
  • January 2027 starters: end of March 2027, end of May 2027, end of December 2027.
  • Reduced offer of typically four grades below published entry requirements (two or three grades for selected health courses).
  • UCAS application to BCU: by 30 June 2026.
  • Payment details requested by December 2026 (September starters).
  1. Use BCU's eligibility checker to confirm your postcode and circumstances qualify.
  2. Complete the Accelerate module if eligible.
  3. Apply via UCAS with BCU as a choice by 30 June 2026.
  4. Accept your BCU offer as firm or insurance choice.
  5. Achieve a confirmed place, enrol and provide your payment details when contacted.

Official links

Other scholarships

View all scholarships →

Ready to start your study abroad journey?

Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.

Book a Consultation

Explore

Help & Support

Get In Touch

Email: [email protected]

Newsletter

Get the latest courses, scholarships and events in your inbox.

Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.

Terms of Service · Privacy Policy · Refund Policy