Work Experience Bursary Scheme 25/26
The University of Manchester Work Experience Bursary Scheme opens for applications on the 5th of November 2025 and will close on the 28th of June 2026 or once the funding has been exhausted, whichever point is reached first.
The scheme offers financial support for full time undergraduates of all years to undertake career enhancing work experience. The scheme supports low or unpaid work experience opportunities.
We want to help you with the costs of undertaking your career related work experience. This is why the Careers Service has a dedicated bursary fund which is open to full time undergraduate students.
Am I eligible?
Take a look at the points below to see if you qualify.
You must be:
- a full time undergraduate;
- a UK or international undergraduate;
- considering work experience that contributes to your personal development, your skills development and supports your future career aspirations.
For final year undergraduates only, you must be able to complete your work experience by the end of June 2026.
Students can apply for up to £250 in each academic year.
If you are a student who is in receipt of
- the full maintenance loan to support your studies
- and/or the Manchester Bursary
- and/or Undergraduate Access Scholarship from the university,
you are also eligible to apply for an additional £750, and therefore up to a maximum of £1,000 in each academic year. If you are unsure of your financial status please refer to the student support funding pages.
What can the Work Experience Bursary cover?
This bursary can be used to cover the following expenses which you may incur:
- travel expenses
- and/or accommodation costs
- and/or dependent care costs
The following are not eligible to be covered by the Work Experience Bursary:
- Online or Fully remote opportunities
- Opportunities that require fees to be paid
- Placements or electives
- Study Abroad or Summer Schools
- Conferences or career related open days
- Food
- Clothing
- Living costs such as utility bills etc.
- Travel visas or insurance
- Retrospective Work Experience Bursary applications
- Work Experience Bursary applications for academic year 2026/27
For more details, see our Terms and Conditions relating to:
If you have any questions or problems throughout the application process, please contact careersbursary@manchester.ac.uk.
