Santander Career Support Award
We’re pleased to introduce the Santander Career Support Award 2025-26, a new initiative designed to help students access valuable career‑building opportunities using Santander Universities UK’s Employability donation to the university.
These £250 awards provide flexible support for costs that can otherwise prevent you from taking the next step - including travel, professional clothing, equipment, skills development opportunities and internship and/or placement‑related expenses. With many students facing increased financial pressure, this programme aims to remove barriers so you can confidently pursue opportunities that matter and support your future career.
All current home and international fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students (full-time or part-time, from any discipline or nationality) are welcome to apply.
The University of Exeter is committed to inclusive participation and strongly encourages applications from students with disabilities and international students. Applications from these groups will be prioritised as part of this commitment.
Please note, funding is limited and applications will close on 7th May. You will be notified of the outcome of your application on 21st May.
Who can Apply?
- All current home and international fee-paying undergraduate and postgraduate students (full-time or part-time, from any discipline) can apply for the award.
- Preference will be given to students paying international fees and students who have declared a disability as part of the University of Exeter's commitment to inclusive participation, though all students are welcome to apply.
- Your application must be for a UK‑based activity taking place this academic year (2025/26), including anything starting up to 31 August 2026.
- You must meet the Santander Terms and Conditions.
Important Note: If you have already applied for A2I Widening Participation funding or for the A2I Post Graduate Taught funding, you cannot apply for additional Santander funding.
- Interviews (in-person or online)
- Assessment centres
- Internships
- Placements
- Volunteering
- Networking events
- Conferences
- Insight days
- Employability activities or projects
- Workshops delivered by the University or an employer
The bursary cannot be used for the following:
- Living costs (regular rent, bills, food, usual commute, regular childcare)
- University tuition fees
- Anything already paid for before applying
- Devices such as laptops, tablets, or iPads
- Internet, broadband, or mobile data
- Opportunities/activities already completed at the time of applying
- Opportunities based outside of the UK
Important Note: If you have already applied for A2I Widening Participation funding or for the A2I Post Graduate Taught funding, you cannot apply for additional Santander funding.
To apply, you will need to register on Santander Open Academy and complete the short entry form.
Applications Open: Monday 23rd February 2026
Applications Close: Thursday 7th May 2026
Successful applicants will receive a confirmation email from Santander Open Academy on Thursday 21st May 2026.
If awarded, you must accept the award within 7 days (by Thursday 28th May 2026) using the link in the email or via ‘My Learning’ in your Santander Open Academy profile.
If you do not accept within 7 days, the award will be reassigned to another student.
Please read the Santander Career Support Award 2025-26 terms and conditions here before applying.
Along with financial support, Santander Open Academy also provide access to online courses and tools which are free to access on their online portal. These courses include:
- Excel – From basics to intermediate
- Safe, Fair, and Legal: How to Use AI Right
- Project Management & Agile Fundamentals
- SEO and Content Marketing
Find out more here.
If you have any queries, you can contact the team via email or phone...
Email a2i@exeter.ac.uk
Call 07866138564
Phonelines are monitored Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. If the team are not able to take your call, you can leave a message.