Sarum College Bursaries

Academic Bursaries

Academic Bursaries are available to help widen access to Sarum College’s learning programmes for UK residents who may not otherwise be able to participate.

Bursaries are available for:

• Postgraduate programmes – up to 50% of academic fees (excluding hospitality costs) may be awarded in each academic year.
• Spiritual Direction courses – up to 50% of course fees may be awarded once during the programme.

• Short Courses – bursaries of up to £150 towards named full-day and residential short courses may be awarded in each academic year.

Applicants may only receive one Academic Bursary in any academic year.

Applications are welcomed from all eligible students. In allocating bursary funding, particular consideration may be given to applicants who face financial, social, or other barriers to accessing learning opportunities, including:

• those experiencing financial hardship;
• people from communities that are underrepresented in higher education, ministry, or spiritual formation;
• people with disabilities and long-term health conditions;
• younger adults at an earlier stage of their vocation, studies, or career;
• those exploring ministry, spirituality, or theological study outside traditional pathways to ordained ministry.

We recognise that disadvantage may arise from a combination of circumstances, and applications will be considered holistically on an individual basis.

Please note that while bursaries can help with tuition fees, they do not cover the first-year registration fee of £150, which is payable separately.

Please use the Sarum College Bursary (Academic) Application Form below to apply for this bursary

Sarum College Bursary (Academic) Application Form

CMD Bursaries

For licensed clergy undertaking postgraduate study

CMD Bursaries are available to support licensed clergy in active ministry who wish to undertake a Sarum College postgraduate programme.

The bursary covers 100% of academic fees for the first year of study (excluding hospitality costs). We can also provide information about other funding opportunities that may help with fees in subsequent years.

A limited number of bursaries are available each year and are currently open to licensed clergy in the dioceses of Bath & Wells, Bristol, Portsmouth, Salisbury and Winchester, and the Methodist Church. Applications must be supported by a reference from your Director of Ministry or equivalent.

Please note that while bursaries can help with tuition fees, they do not cover the first-year registration fee of £150, which is payable separately.

If you wish to apply, please complete the Sarum College CMD Bursary Application Form below.

Sarum College Bursary (CMD) Application Form

Support Bursaries

Support Bursaries are available to students who experience financial hardship or require additional support after starting a programme at Sarum College. They are available to continuing students only and do not apply to Short Courses.

Hardship Grants of up to £500 per year are available to Postgraduate and Spiritual Direction students who encounter unexpected financial difficulties, such as bereavement, illness or redundancy.

Assistance Grants of up to £500 per year are available to Ministry, Postgraduate and Spiritual Direction students to help with additional costs associated with their studies. This may include costs arising from a disability or long-term health condition, such as a dyslexia assessment or specialised IT equipment.

Where possible, grants will be applied directly to the relevant costs rather than paid to the student. In exceptional circumstances, alternative arrangements may be agreed.

Please use the Sarum College Support Bursary Application Form below to apply.

Sarum College Bursary (Support) Application Form

Additional Sources of Funding

Sarum College works closely with the Sarum St Michael Educational Charity, which may be able to provide additional financial assistance. We also maintain a list of other grant-making trusts that may be helpful.

Sarum College is also an approved learning provider with the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS), enabling eligible serving military personnel to access financial support for lifelong learning.

CONDITIONS OF APPLICATION

Unsuccessful Applications
We cannot guarantee funding to any applicant. If your application is unsuccessful, you will be notified via email.

Attendance
You must meet the attendance/participation requirement of your course of study, even though the nature of ‘participation’ will differ depending on the course or programme of study.  Continued support depends on proven attendance/participation and funding may be withdrawn or unavailable in the future if your participation is unsatisfactory to the programme requirements.

Withdrawal from a Course of Study
If you withdraw from your course, you will not receive further financial assistance. You may be required to repay any financial assistance you have been awarded, depending on the amount and remaining time of study.  By accepting the funds, this condition is acknowledged.  An appeal process can made by contacting the Director of Finance at Sarum College.

Equal Opportunities, Diversity, and Inclusion
Sarum College is committed to equality of opportunity, and to ensuring broad access to a high-quality learning experience.

Supporting the Bursary Fund

We are grateful to the Community of St Denys Trustees for their generous contribution to the College’s bursary funds in July 2024.

Sarum also works in partnership with St Boniface Trust to offer respite breaks and pastoral support at the College for Anglican clergy experiencing a physical, mental and/or spiritual crisis.

If you would like to support theological learning for all, please donate online