University of York launches plan to financially support disadvantaged students

The University of York has launched a programme to support its least advantaged students during the cost of living crisis.

The University of Opportunity fund will offer varying amounts to students depending on their needs.

Funded by alumni and friends of the university, it will work to ensure students are supported and acknowledged.

The flexible approach of the fund will allow the university to adapt to provide support where students need it the most and when students need it the most. Providing essential support to those in need, help will also be available for students from low income backgrounds, underrepresented backgrounds and disabilities.

The ambition behind this newly launched plan is to remove all the gaps that students may experience with access, success, award and progression. Such elements remain essential to a student’s journey into and during university.

Beulah, a recent graduate from the University of York, said the University of Opportunity directly impacted her studies.

Growing up and becoming a carer for her mother, who had terminal illness, Beulah was able to study at York after receiving a scholarship.

She explained how the help available to her wasn’t flexible enough to support her specific needs, and that other students facing similar challenges may not be able to continue with their studies in the way that she did.

After graduating in 2023 with a MA in medieval studies, Beulah said: “The generous alumni community allowed me to study at York as I was only really able to attend because I got a scholarship. What happens when something truly odd happens? What support is available for you.”

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The increase of cost of living has taken tolls on all aspects of student life, especially those from low-income families or those facing multiple obstacles to their education. Without the necessary support, many students are be at risk of non-continuation of their studies.

University, both the education and experience, is expensive. The costs of clubs and societies on top of living independently all adds up. Young people from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities also fall through through gaps.

This programme works to remove all the gaps within access to university, and improve opportunities for students to reach academic success whilst studying, including receiving the best degree outcome and post-grad opportunities.

The University of York released a headlining statement of what the University of Opportunity fund hopes to achieve: “Together, and through the support of the community, we can become the university of opportunity, a university where every student knows they belong and can thrive by embracing their differences.”