Impact stories

In the academic year 2023/24, we awarded 34 local bursaries.

Read what some of the recipients had to say:

"I am truly honoured and humbled to be a recipient of this bursary. Your kindness and generosity have not only lightened my financial load but have also motivated me to work harder and strive for excellence in my studies. Your belief in my potential has given me a renewed sense of purpose and determination."
BA (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice student, 2023/24 bursary recipient

"This bursary will help ease the financial burden on me and motivate me to excel in my studies and make the most of this incredible opportunity. Your generosity will not only help make my dreams more achievable but also reinforce my belief in the importance of helping others in their educational endeavours."
BSc (Hons) Accountancy and Finance student, 2023/24 bursary recipient

"Please know that I am committed to utilising this bursary wisely and responsibly. Your investment in my future is not taken lightly and I am determined to make the most of this opportunity. Your kindness and generosity have not only lightened my financial load but have also ignited a renewed sense of determination and purpose within me."
BA (Hons) Digital Music student, 2023/24 bursary recipient

In the academic year 2022/23, we awarded 43 local bursaries.

Read what some of the recipients had to say:

“I am so grateful that this has been awarded to me, allowing me to progress with my university course, meaning I can bring a better life to me and my two girls. It will allow me to purchase new sketch books and paint and drawing equipment that is well needed for me on my course.”
BA (Hons) Interior Design Decoration student, 2022/23 bursary recipient

“As a recipient of a bursary I am grateful and touched by your donation. Especially so with the current increased costs in energy, travel and food. As you can probably guess, as a student I am hoping to greatly improve my knowledge and employability - with this bursary I hope to be able to continue on my journey to becoming a primary school teacher for children with special educational needs, here in Hampshire. The bursary will help me continue to take part in valuable placement work at local SEN schools and will assist in the materials I need to complete my degree. Without your donation I would not be able to enrich my knowledge with these experiences.”
BSc (Hons) Psychology student, 2022/23 bursary recipient

“I am a third-year journalism student and I plan to pursue a career in freelance or independent journalism. Receiving this financial help has provided means and motivation to complete my course at a high level during a period of financial uncertainty which is affecting everyone. Lightening my financial burdens allows me to focus on the most important part of university: learning."
BA (Hons) Journalism student, 2022/23 bursary recipient

In the academic year 2021/22, we awarded 29 local bursaries.

Read what some of the recipients had to say:

“Thank you so much for offering me the local bursary. I simply cannot express in words what a difference this will make to my first-year nursing training. It has taken away the worry of me needing to fit in as many bank shifts at my local hospital and given me more chance to focus directly on my studies to ensure I reach my full potential. With the extra money it has also allowed me to purchase more student uniform, so I do not have to worry about getting my one set washed and dried by the next day (and without a washer dryer!). This money has also taken the financial stress of travelling to my placements and petrol and parking money etc.
BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice student, 2021/22 bursary recipient

“I am a mature student and decided to study quite late on in the year, which meant that I was not as financially prepared as I would have liked to have been. I receive no help from anyone and have had to always rely on myself for everything. It is especially difficult for me currently as I have been unable to get a job not only because of the pandemic but also because I have been unable to walk properly since March this year. To receive this extremely kind donation has honestly made such a difference. I am enjoying my course immensely and this is really going to let me get the best out of it that I can possibly get. This bursary has not only given me the opportunity to buy the items and books I need to get the most out of my course, but it’s also given me peace of mind, which for me, is probably the best thing you could give someone.”
BA (Hons) Film and Television student, 2021/22 bursary recipient

“I would like to extend my deepest thanks for your support in the form of the Local Student Bursary. I am a final year psychology student, and as I’m sure you can appreciate, this past year has been incredibly tough. Keeping up with the course load is difficult enough in the current climate, however I find it especially difficult as I am a disabled single parent. I have to contend with my illnesses, raising my children, studying, and working in order to keep up afloat, but your generosity has meant that I can focus more on my children and my studies. Last semester, I was working three jobs to keep financially stable, but it crippled me emotionally and physically.
BSc (Hons) Psychology student, 2021/22 bursary recipient

In the academic year 2020/21, we awarded 39 local bursaries.

Read what some of the recipients had to say:

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to you for providing me with this bursary. I am extremely honoured to be this year recipient of the Local Bursary Scheme.

As a full time, student, I am able to work just part time hours, but this bursary will allow me to dedicate more time to my studies, take additional classes to support my degree. The current situation and Covid 19 and studying from home are associated with additional expenditure. This financial assistance you provided will be great help to me in paying my additional educational expenses and allow me to concentrate more on my studying. Thank you again for your contribution and giving me that great opportunity and support.”
BA (Hons) Business Management student, 2020/21 bursary recipient

“Firstly, I would like to thank you so very much for your generosity - your donation really means a lot to students like myself who find the financial side of university to be both limiting and challenging. Your donation will undoubtedly alleviate these constrictions. It is also with a heavy heart I write this but on Christmas Eve my father passed away so at a time like this some financial stability is very stress reliving. However, despite this I am now more determined than ever to work even harder than before to make sure that I do him proud and succeed in his honour and your donation will allow me to do just that. It will relieve me from stress, give me stability, feed me and spend less time at work and spend more time at home which will ultimately allow me to work that little bit harder and do that little bit better so thank you! I too one day hope that I am successful enough to be able to make a donation just as you have to help someone in a similar situation as myself because it really goes a long way and helps students in more ways that just the physicality’s that money provides.”
BA (Hons) Fashion Styling and Creative Design student, 2020/21 bursary recipient

In the academic year 2019/20, the Local Student Bursary Scheme was officially born, and we awarded 17 local bursaries.

Read what some of the recipients had to say:

“Receiving the local student bursary changed my life. I am so grateful to the generosity of former students and staff who donated. It allows me to focus on my studies and follow my dream of being a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry. In my family, I am the first person to go to University. Having been a student from a low-income background and after the diagnosis of my mother’s illness, I have worked incredibly hard, with very little resources, to get to my current position whilst also helping care for my mum. Money was extremely stretched after paying the necessary bills, such as rent and food. As a result, I also had very limited social interaction outside of the University – as my focus was on saving as much money as possible for study related material. It felt very lonely. This all changed when I heard I would receive the bursary. I now worry less about my finances and can focus on my final and busiest year at Solent. The bursary has truly raised what would have been unpassable. I feel free and can focus on my studies without constantly worrying about my finances. I am putting everything into my time at Solent to achieve my dream. I am so excited for what the future holds and can’t wait to pursue my dream career as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry, thanks to the generosity of people like you.”
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering student, 2019/20 bursary recipient

“As a Local Student Bursary recipient, I am so grateful to everyone who donated. As a full-time carer for my mother, the bursary took a huge weight off my shoulders. The bursary is helping to cover the cost of travel to campus and providing better equipment to further my studies in software development. It has truly allowed me to progress further in my education. Being a full-time carer and a full-time student is difficult at times. The bursary has allowed me to focus on my studies without having to worry about how I’ll be able to continue my studies. Thank you to everyone who has donated. You have lessened the stress and allowed me to focus on my studies.”
BA (Hons) Computer Games Design student, 2019/20 bursary recipient

In 2018, thanks to the donations from our alumni, staff and friends, we were able to award three bursaries to local students from disadvantaged backgrounds for the first time.

"When I was 18, I never had the opportunity to get a good education. My goal is to one day become a qualified product designer. To me the industry is full of exciting, challenging careers that involve using excellent skills. I want to enhance my creative skills and knowledge that will enable me to join and contribute to this dynamic and constantly evolving world. Humans have always sought to improve the way they live, and I want to be a part of that. Only a good education will give me the chance to live my dream. I’m so pleased Solent is giving me this opportunity and with extra support through a bursary.”
BA (Hons) Product Design student, 2018/19 bursary recipient

“As a mature, full-time student there are lots of challenges in my life including financial worries. Through receiving the bursary I will now be able to buy a computer, chair and table, which will support my studies."
BA (Hons) Fashion and Design student, 2018/19 bursary recipient

Jim credits Solent’s bursary scheme for helping him to find success while at university:

“The bursary kick-started my post grad activities, which have included exhibitions and commissions. Without the help and support I received this would have been much more difficult, and I cannot stress how beneficial and important these bursaries are.”

Dmitrij emphasises the invaluable support the bursary provided him:

“Reflecting on my journey, the bursary provided me with invaluable financial support during my studies at Southampton Solent University. It enabled me to focus on my academic and extracurricular commitments without the burden of financial stress. This support was pivotal in allowing me to excel and ultimately graduate with a First-Class Honours degree in Business Management. The bursary also contributed to my ability to pursue professional opportunities, such as internships and work placements, which enriched my learning experience and helped me develop a diverse skill set in areas like project management, financial analysis, and leadership. It gave me the confidence to embrace new challenges, and the knowledge gained from these experiences has been crucial as I transition into the next phase of my career. I am grateful to the generous donors for their contribution, which has not only supported me financially but also inspired me to continue working hard to make a positive impact in my future endeavours.”