Merton Student Finance - Financial Business

Merton College, one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford, offers generous financial support to its undergraduate and graduate students, aiming to ensure that financial circumstances are not a barrier to academic excellence. Their commitment to access and inclusion translates into a comprehensive suite of bursaries, scholarships, and hardship funds, designed to alleviate the financial pressures associated with studying at Oxford.

For UK students, the Merton College Bursary Scheme provides non-repayable financial assistance based on household income. This is typically awarded in conjunction with the standard UK government student loan. The bursary aims to help with living costs, enabling students to fully engage in their studies and extracurricular activities without undue financial strain. The exact amount varies based on assessed need, but it represents a significant contribution to offsetting the cost of accommodation, food, and academic resources.

International students are also eligible for financial assistance, albeit typically through different channels. Scholarships are often available for outstanding academic achievement, and these may be partially or fully funded. Specific scholarships are often tied to particular subjects or research areas. Competition for these awards is fierce, requiring exceptional academic records and compelling research proposals.

Beyond bursaries and scholarships, Merton College maintains a hardship fund to support students facing unexpected financial difficulties. This fund can be accessed for various reasons, such as unforeseen medical expenses, family emergencies, or changes in personal circumstances that significantly impact a student’s ability to afford living costs. Applications to the hardship fund are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the College aims to provide timely and appropriate support to those in need. Students should approach the Senior Tutor or their College advisor in the first instance.

Merton also offers a number of smaller grants and awards to support academic-related activities. These can include funding for travel to conferences, research materials, language courses, or other educational opportunities that enhance a student’s learning experience. These awards are often competitive and require a clear justification of how the funding will benefit the student’s academic development.

Prospective students considering Merton College should carefully research the available funding opportunities on the College website. The application process for each bursary or scholarship varies, and deadlines are strictly enforced. Early application is always recommended. Current students facing financial difficulties should not hesitate to contact the College authorities for advice and support. Merton’s commitment to providing financial assistance demonstrates its dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive academic community for all its students.