Alumni and supporters website fa-home
rebecca banner

Newcastle Student Fund

Help the next generation of Newcastle graduates face the financial struggles caused by the rising cost of living

Donate Today
  • Home

Will you help students struggling at Newcastle University this winter?

Sadly, the cost-of-living crisis shows no signs of ending. Inflation continues to push grocery prices higher, rents are on the rise, and as temperatures begin to drop, many students are faced with making a choice between keeping warm or going hungry. 

Many of our students are juggling multiple jobs and going without essential items to keep afloat, often to the detriment of their learning (Higher Education Policy Institute, Student Academic Experience Survey 2023). Those worst affected don’t have a support network or family to provide a safety net and turn to when they need help the most.  

  • 58% of students say their loans no longer cover their living cost.
  • 1 in 4 students regularly go without food and other necessities because they cannot afford them.
  • Private rent in Newcastle is rising at an alarming rate - by nearly 10% in the last 3 years.
  • A third of new students at Newcastle University are from underprivileged backgrounds, and likely to feel the effects of the cost-of-living crisis most.

Will you join the Newcastle University family and support struggling Newcastle students?

James

Donate to the Newcastle Student Fund today 

With your help, this generation of Newcastle students can face the financial struggles caused by the rising cost of living, succeed in their studies and make a difference around the world.

And you can make double the difference, with match-funding available from the Newcastle University Development Trust - so for every £1 you donate, £2 will go to a student in need.

  • £100 will enable an industry leader of the future to attend an assessment centre for a graduate scheme.
  • £250 will cover an emergency hardship payment for a Medicine student who is struggling to afford their rent.
  • £500 can purchase a laptop for a talented young Engineering student.
  • £1,000 will fund a year-long Opportunity Scholarship for a first-year student from a low-income background.
Please donate today Icon Chevron Right

Shania's story

Receiving support from the donor community means I don’t have to stress about money as much. It has helped with my living expenses, to purchase course books, and also my netball kit. Without the scholarship, I would have been relying on my mum and my sister, which would be tough because my mum is a single parent. 

I feel very proud to be one of the students that has the backing of the Newcastle University donor community. It gives me more determination to strive for the very best.  

Shania, Biomedical Sciences student

Shania - Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
Graduation

The difference our alumni and supporters make

Our alumni and supporters have already made a life-changing impact to students struggling this academic year. Your generous donations have helped us to:

  • Open a 'Student Pantry' in the Students' Union which is free to access, offering cooking basics, toiletries and sanitary products for students who need them. 
  • Offer discounted hot and healthy meals at outlets on campus to fuel a day of lectures and learning - 1,300 students a month have benefitted from our £1 meals this term!
  • Subsidise travel costs to internships and placements, helping students to take the first step in their careers.
  • Provide participation bursaries for students to join Student Union clubs, societies and sports.
  • Increase the number of free e-books and resources available at our libraries, so students don't have to spend as much to support their learning.
  • And much, much more.
Donate now Icon Chevron Right

  • It’s not cheap coming to university; you’ve got accommodation, groceries, and social life to consider. [This scholarship] means I’m not having to constantly worry about being out of pocket. I’m very grateful.

    Georgia
    BEng Mechanical Engineering

  • Everyone should have access to a good education. I wouldn’t have been able to afford to do my Master’s without this scholarship and there are so many students who face financial barriers to learning too, so if you can help, please do.

    Sarah
    MA Multimedia Journalism

  • If I didn’t receive the scholarship, I would have had to apply for a part-time job alongside my studies which would have been a struggle to balance whilst studying such an intense course.

    James
    BDS Dental Surgery

Are you a student struggling with the rising cost of living?

Your University and Students’ Union are here to help you.

NUSU have set up an online cost of living hub where you can find out the latest information about support available to you.

The Student Advice Centre have pulled together some Frequently Asked Questions regarding the cost of living, including guidance on any government support you may be entitled to

If you’re feeling anxious or stressed about your financial situation, there is mental health and wellbeing support available to you.

Find out more

Learn more about our campaigns and partnerships or simply contact us if you have a question about the Campaign for Newcastle University.

Our Causes Icon Chevron Right Impact Icon Chevron Right Contact us Icon Chevron Right