Funding to help second year students pursue a passion outside of their area of study.

The information on this page is correct for the 2023/24 academic year. Information about the financial support available in the 2024/25 academic year will be published in January 2025.

Overview

The Heller Bursary provides funding to help you do something you are passionate about that is outside your area of study. 

Previous projects have helped students: 

• Start a social enterprise to protect tropical fish 
• Buy equipment for a gin business 
• Get training to teach archery      
• Develop German language skills to support a long-standing interest in the country 
• Start a beekeeping and honey business
• Set up a home ceramic studio

Sir Michael Heller passed away in January 2023. This bursary continues to be supported by his wife, Lady Morven Heller, and their daughter, Nicola.

What you could receive

Successful applicants can receive between £500 and £2,000 towards their project.

Who can apply

You can apply for the Heller Bursary if you: 

• are a 'home' status student,
• are in the second year of an undergraduate course, and
• have not received the bursary before.

The bursary cannot be used for something you have already done or bought.

If you receive benefits and/or any other financial support, it is your responsibility to check whether receiving an award will affect your entitlement(s)/payments.

When to apply

You will need to submit an application form. The form will ask you for:

• How much you are asking for, between £500 and £2,000
• A breakdown of your costings
• A statement of up to 500 words, explaining why you should receive an award 

You must read the terms and conditions before applying. These can be found at the start of the application form.

What happens next

A panel will meet to assess applications. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a selection event. Applicants will be asked to prepare a short presentation, this will be followed by a short interview.

Successful applicants will be contacted and asked to complete a claim form so that we can arrange payments. 

Successful applicants will be expected to: 

• Submit receipts related to their activity, in some circumstances 
• Share updates on their activity six months and one year into their project 
• Attend an event in London or Sheffield, if invited, to meet the donors and discuss their project (the cost for this will be covered by the University)

Need help

If you have any questions about the Heller Bursary, please contact Hallam Help.