Financial Information

Financial Support

Here you will find information on: sources of financial assistance; bursaries; and sources of advice.

Although you might think that the costs of studying at Oxford are much higher than elsewhere, this isn’t necessarily the case. In addition to the various sources of direct financial support (outlined below) there are various ways in which costs are kept to reasonable levels. Keble offers good quality accommodation at affordable rents as well as meals in Hall (there are no separate Hall charges, you just pay for what you eat). You can live in the centre of the city, so there are no additional daily transport costs. Plus, there are extras such as travel and research grants from the Keble Association.

The College will endeavour, within the resources available, to ensure that all Keble students will not have to worry about funding during their time at College. Alumni and friends of the College recognise that the costs of studying at University are increasing. Through their generous donations the College is able to offer some financial support to those in need. This support includes the Oxford Bursaries for undergraduates which are part-funded by the University and the College, but also additional funding where there is genuine need and further funding to support those experiencing unforeseen financial circumstances.

Financial support is mainly directed at assisting with students’ on-course living costs. There are also some funds to help with expenses incurred as a result of course- and career-related activities during the vacations (see Awards, Grants and Prizes). Financial support cannot meet the cost of fees.

Oxford Bursaries

Jointly funded by the College and University, there is a comprehensive bursary programme in place to support Home undergraduates. There is no separate application process for Oxford’s bursaries as these are allocated automatically based on the household income assessment carried out by your regional funding agency. Full details of the schemes are available here.

Keble Bursaries

As a complement to the funding available from Oxford University and the government, Keble is able to offer additional support to undergraduates who need it. Keble Bursaries are funded by former students and friends of Keble, via the Talbot Fund, to support the current and next generation of undergraduates at Keble. No separate application is required for these. Decisions on the allocation of Keble Bursaries are made during Michaelmas term based on the same reported household income figures used for Oxford Bursaries.

Oxford Financial Assistance

The University’s main fund for supporting students has two main schemes, one for Home students and one for all other students. There is also a Student Support Bursary for eligible Home undergraduates. Up-to-date information on these funds, including any application deadlines, can be found here.

Students wishing to apply to these funds will be expected to have also applied for the Keble College Student Support Fund and will require the support of the College in making the application.

Keble College Student Support Fund

The College has a financial support fund that can make small grants (up to a maximum of £1000) or loans based on demonstrable financial need to cover unexpected necessary expenditure or because of a sudden change in financial circumstances.

Student support funds are finite and therefore the College makes decisions on applications based on criteria set out in the guidance notes for applicants. Each application is assessed on an individual basis and priority is given to students on course and to students who can demonstrate good evidence of financial need.  Individuals in need of support will also be expected to apply to other sources, such as the University or (for Home students) UK government funding.

Graduates who have recently signed a financial declaration that their fees and living costs will be met for the duration of their course are very unlikely to be awarded financial support.  This applies particularly to graduates on one-year courses. It is understood, however, that things can change during a longer course and individuals may apply if their circumstances have significantly changed.

It is unlikely that the College will be able to provide significant or long-term financial assistance; in such circumstances it may be advisable to suspend status until the underlying financial problem can be resolved.

In general, support is more likely to be provided when an applicant can show that they have taken reasonable steps to moderate their expenditure.

To apply to the Student Support Fund please read the guidance notes and complete the online application form. Please note that applications that do not meet the criteria set out in the guidance notes, or which provide incomplete or unclear information may not be considered.

If, after reading the guidance notes about this fund, you have further questions about making an application to this fund please contact student.support@keble.ox.ac.uk.

Funding for Students with Disabilities

The main source of funding for study-related costs relating to disability is the UK government’s Disabled Student Allowance (DSA). More information on DSA and other sources of disability-related funding for both UK and international students is available on the University’s Disability Advisory Service website.

If you are eligible for DSA, you should apply as soon as you have been made an offer (conditional or unconditional) to study at the University of Oxford as it can take up to 14 weeks to process DSA applications and for support to be fully implemented.

Estranged Students

Undergraduates who, for whatever reasons, are estranged from their family and therefore unable to find suitable accommodation out of term, may be eligible for support from the University and the College.  This may include financial assistance as well as access to accommodation, including out of term time.

Further information about the University support available here.

To discuss your situation in confidence please contact the Student Support Officer.

Childcare Costs

Information for student parents can be found here.

Information on assistance with childcare costs from the University can be found here.

Financial Difficulties: Sources of Advice

If you run into financial difficulties there are people you can contact for advice, both inside and outside the College. It’s often the case that financial worries are inseparable from other concerns, for example about health, family and your studies. Details of the College Welfare team are found elsewhere on the College website.

College Support

The Accounts Assistant can advise on battels, bursaries, and undergraduate fees.

The Financial Controller can advise on graduate fees and scholarships.

Members of the College’s Welfare Team are happy to meet with students to discuss all aspects of their personal situation and can talk with students about financial, as well as health, wellbeing, and family issues.

University Support

The University’s guidance and advice on what to do if you run into financial difficulties is available here.

The Student Advice Service of the Oxford Student Union can advise on budgeting, funding, banking and debt.