University of Southampton Ignite Your Success Programme Overview
The University of Southampton has announced its Ignite Your Success programme for 2026, a comprehensive 3-year initiative designed specifically for undergraduate students from underrepresented backgrounds. This alumni-funded programme combines financial support, academic guidance, career development, and personal growth opportunities to help students maximize their university experience and reach their full potential.
Financial Support Available
The programme offers two tiers of financial assistance:
Ignite Your Success Bursary: £10,000 distributed over three years of study:
Year 1: £3,300
Year 2: £3,300
Year 3: £3,400
Ignite Your Success Award: £3,000 distributed over three years of study:
Year 1: £1,000
Year 2: £1,000
Year 3: £1,000
Both bursaries and awards are paid in three installments each academic year, with payment dates confirmed at the beginning of each year.
Programme Benefits Beyond Financial Support
The Ignite Your Success programme offers much more than just financial assistance. Participants will benefit from:
1. Dedicated Support: Ignite Coordinators provide personalized guidance and regular check-ins throughout the year, along with monthly informal drop-in sessions during term time.
2. Exclusive Workshops: Access to specialized digital and recorded workshops featuring alumni and university teams, covering topics such as time management, wellbeing, graduate preparation, and financial management.
3. Paid Internships: First-year students receive support to secure paid internships with university departments or external organizations, enhancing both financial stability and future employability.
4. Structured Mentoring: A progressive mentoring system throughout your studies:
Year 1: Peer Mentoring
Years 2 & 3: Career Mentoring
5. Community Building: Join a supportive Ignite community with social events, networking opportunities, and access to voluntary and paid roles. Follow @ignite_southampton on Instagram to stay updated.
6. Transition Support: Eligible students are invited to a Transition Day before the start of term, designed to ease the adjustment to university life with campus tours, information sessions, and opportunities to meet current Ignite students.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Ignite Your Success programme, you must:
Have a place to study on an undergraduate course at the University of Southampton starting in the 2026/27 academic year
Be studying for your first undergraduate degree
Be an EU or UK student with Home fee status
Additionally, you must meet at least ONE of the following criteria:
Received free school meals during your secondary education
Be a care leaver (in local authority care for 3+ months since age 14) or care experienced
Have a home address in an IMDQ1 (indices of multiple deprivation, lowest 20%) neighborhood
Participated in Ignite Your Journey
Application Process
Applications for the 2026/27 academic year will open in September 2025. Eligible students will be contacted directly via email with the application form. The selection process includes:
Submission of the application form
Shortlisting by a panel
Selection interviews
Final decision and notification
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there course restrictions?
You can apply if you're in the first year of any undergraduate course at Southampton. However, financial support and programme activities are only available for 3 years, even if your course is longer.
Can I receive other funding alongside Ignite?
Yes, you can receive Ignite Your Success funding alongside other bursaries, grants, or scholarships you're eligible for.
What if I leave the university early?
If you leave before completing your degree, all Ignite funding will stop, but you won't need to repay any money already received.
How will payments be made?
Financial support is paid directly into your bank account. Ensure your bank details are up-to-date via 'My student record (Self Service)' on SUSSED.
How to Support the Programme
The Ignite Your Success programme is made possible through generous donations from University of Southampton alumni and supporters. If you wish to contribute to this initiative, you can make a donation through the official Ignite Fund page.
Stay updated with more scholarship and study abroad opportunities by following our social media channels:
