RFAs: R W Barnes Bursary Grant Program (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 20-Jul-2026

The R W Barnes Bursary Fund supports undergraduate students studying selected STEM disciplines at UK universities. The bursary provides funding of up to £2,500 for eligible students pursuing degrees in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, Oceanography and related fields.

Applicants must be UK nationals by birth, meet designated postcode requirements and be starting or already enrolled in an undergraduate degree at a UK university. Preference is given to eligible students studying at the University of Bath, University of Cambridge or Imperial College London, as well as students from lower-income households and those attending other Russell Group universities.

Bursary Overview

The R W Barnes Bursary Fund provides financial support to undergraduate students pursuing studies in selected STEM subjects at UK universities.

The bursary is intended to help students with strong eligibility links to specific postcode areas and academic pathways in mathematics, physics, engineering and related scientific fields.

It gives additional priority to students from lower-income households and students attending certain UK universities.

Funding Amount

The bursary provides funding of up to £2,500.

This support can help eligible undergraduate students with costs linked to university study.

Main Objective

The main objective of the R W Barnes Bursary Fund is to support undergraduate students pursuing STEM-related higher education in the United Kingdom.

The fund aims to:

• Support students studying selected STEM disciplines
• Help undergraduate students at UK universities
• Promote access to higher education in technical and scientific subjects
• Provide financial support to eligible students from designated postcode areas
• Give additional consideration to students from lower-income households
• Support students at priority universities and other Russell Group institutions

Eligible Study Areas

Applicants must be studying a course where at least 60 percent of the course content is related to eligible subject areas.

Eligible disciplines include:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronics Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Astronomy
• Oceanography

Courses in related fields may be considered if they meet the 60 percent subject-content requirement.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must meet several eligibility conditions.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be UK nationals by birth
• Live or have lived before starting university in one of the designated postcode areas
• Be starting an undergraduate degree in the 2026/27 academic year or already be enrolled in an undergraduate programme
• Be studying at a UK university
• Be enrolled in a course where at least 60 percent of the content relates to eligible STEM subjects

Applicants should ensure that they meet all stated conditions before applying.

Postcode Requirement

Applicants must live or have lived before starting university in one of the designated postcode areas.

This means the bursary is geographically targeted.

Applicants should check whether their home or pre-university address falls within the eligible postcode areas before preparing an application.

Nationality Requirement

Applicants must be UK nationals by birth.

This is a core eligibility requirement for the bursary.

Applicants who do not meet this requirement may not be eligible, even if they meet the subject and university requirements.

Academic Level Requirement

The bursary supports undergraduate students.

Eligible applicants may be:

• Students starting an undergraduate degree in the 2026/27 academic year
• Students already enrolled in an undergraduate programme at a UK university

The bursary is not described as supporting postgraduate study.

Course Content Requirement

At least 60 percent of the applicant’s course content must be related to eligible STEM subjects.

This requirement is important for students on combined, interdisciplinary or broader science and engineering programmes.

Applicants should be ready to show how their course meets the 60 percent threshold.

Priority Universities

Preference is given to eligible students studying at or planning to study at:

• University of Bath
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London

These universities receive priority consideration under the bursary.

Additional Priority Considerations

Additional consideration is given to students from households with an income below £45,000.

This is especially relevant where families are supporting multiple children in higher education.

Further priority is also given to students attending other Russell Group universities.

Suitable Applicants

The bursary is most suitable for undergraduate students who:

• Meet the designated postcode requirement
• Are UK nationals by birth
• Are studying an eligible STEM subject
• Have strong academic plans in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or related fields
• Are attending or planning to attend a priority university
• Come from a household with income below £45,000
• Have family circumstances involving multiple children in higher education

Why This Bursary Matters

STEM degrees can lead to important careers in engineering, science, technology, research and industry.

However, university study can create financial pressure for students and families.

The R W Barnes Bursary Fund helps reduce this pressure by providing targeted financial support to eligible undergraduate students.

The bursary is especially valuable for students from lower-income households and those pursuing demanding STEM subjects at UK universities.

How to Apply or Prepare a Strong Application

Applicants should prepare a clear and complete application showing that they meet the bursary’s eligibility conditions.

Step 1: Check the Postcode Requirement

Applicants should confirm that they live or lived before starting university in one of the designated postcode areas.

This is one of the main eligibility conditions.

Step 2: Confirm UK Nationality

Applicants should confirm that they are UK nationals by birth.

They may need to provide evidence if requested during the application process.

Step 3: Confirm Undergraduate Status

Applicants should confirm whether they are starting an undergraduate degree in the 2026/27 academic year or are already enrolled at a UK university.

The bursary is intended for undergraduate study.

Step 4: Check Course Eligibility

Applicants should review their course content.

At least 60 percent of the course must relate to eligible subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Astronomy or Oceanography.

Step 5: Identify Priority Considerations

Applicants should note whether they meet any priority conditions.

These may include:

• Studying at the University of Bath
• Studying at the University of Cambridge
• Studying at Imperial College London
• Studying at another Russell Group university
• Household income below £45,000
• Family supporting multiple children in higher education

Step 6: Prepare Supporting Information

Applicants should gather information that may support their application.

This may include:

• University offer or enrolment details
• Course information
• Proof of address or postcode eligibility
• Evidence of nationality
• Household income information
• Details of family higher education commitments, if relevant

Step 7: Complete the Application Carefully

Applicants should complete all parts of the application accurately.

They should clearly explain their course, university, eligibility and any financial circumstances relevant to priority consideration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

• Applying without checking the designated postcode requirement
• Failing to confirm UK nationality by birth
• Applying for a course that does not meet the 60 percent STEM content requirement
• Not showing that the course relates to eligible subject areas
• Leaving out university enrolment or offer information
• Not providing household income details where relevant
• Assuming all STEM courses automatically qualify
• Applying for postgraduate study when the bursary is for undergraduate students
• Providing incomplete or unclear supporting information

Tips for a Strong Application

A strong application should:

• Clearly show postcode eligibility
• Confirm UK nationality by birth
• Explain the chosen undergraduate course
• Demonstrate that at least 60 percent of the course content is eligible
• Include university details
• Mention if the university is a priority institution
• Provide household income information if below £45,000
• Explain relevant family circumstances, such as multiple children in higher education
• Submit complete and accurate supporting documents

FAQ

1. What is the R W Barnes Bursary Fund?

The R W Barnes Bursary Fund provides financial support to undergraduate students studying selected STEM disciplines at UK universities.

2. How much funding is available?

The bursary provides funding of up to £2,500.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants must be UK nationals by birth, meet the designated postcode requirement and be starting or already enrolled in an undergraduate degree at a UK university.

4. Which subjects are eligible?

Eligible subjects include Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Astronomy and Oceanography.

5. What is the course content requirement?

At least 60 percent of the course content must be related to eligible STEM subjects.

6. Which universities receive priority?

Preference is given to students studying at or planning to study at the University of Bath, University of Cambridge or Imperial College London. Additional priority is also given to students at other Russell Group universities.

7. Are lower-income households prioritised?

Yes. Additional consideration is given to students from households with income below £45,000, especially where families are supporting multiple children in higher education.

Conclusion

The R W Barnes Bursary Fund offers up to £2,500 to support eligible undergraduate students studying selected STEM subjects at UK universities.

The bursary is especially relevant for students in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy, Oceanography and related disciplines who meet postcode, nationality and course-content requirements.

Applicants should carefully check eligibility, prepare strong supporting information and highlight any priority factors such as university choice, household income and family higher education commitments.

For more information, visit Quartet Community Foundation.