Student Support Fund
Supporting the minds of the future
Making sure that the best and brightest can come to Churchill to study, irrespective of background or the ability to pay is only possible with the help of student support.
Churchill has one of the highest proportions of undergraduate entrants from the state sector amongst Oxbridge colleges. It is therefore to be expected that a large percentage of our students will come from moderate- to low-income backgrounds. 104 Churchill undergraduates currently receive a means-tested Cambridge Bursary, funded by the College and the University at a ratio of 3:2. 68% of these students qualify for full Cambridge Bursary of £3,500 per year as their family income is below £25,000. Almost a quarter of a million pounds is needed each year for the College to fund this number of Cambridge Bursaries.
In addition, the College awards Hardship bursaries to both undergraduate and postgraduate students where unexpected and urgent financial need has suddenly emerged.
Watch the video “Embracing Potential: Supporting the minds of the future”
We have historically excelled as a College around the provision of student bursaries, thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends of the College. It is vital that the College continues to have your philanthrophic support so that we can provide this level of financial assistance that so many of our students need. Your gift will help ensure that the best young minds, from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to Churchill and can thrive here.
Since 2019, the University’s Harding Challenge has been matching donations, up to £100,000, pound for pound from new donors, or those who have not given since 31 July 2018, which are given to any College student support initiative (which includes bursaries, studentships, mental health and sports and societies). The matching amount is released into a central University fund which provides undergraduate student support through the enhanced Cambridge Bursary scheme. Churchill College benefits significantly from this fund because our undergraduate student body includes such a large number who qualify for a Cambridge Bursary.
Student Stories
We interviewed a range of students who have received different bursaries and studentships — from core entry bursaries that enabled them to take up their places to small grants that helped them reach their potential – to let them share their story. Almost half our students receive some form of financial support from the College, so these stories represent just a tiny proportion of the lives touched by this vital financial resource at Churchill.
