Tackling poverty and inequality begins with ensuring that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are able to access higher education and thrive during their studies at ARU.
Seventeen per cent of our students come from regions with the lowest levels of participation in higher education. The measures we take to support them are highly effective: students from lower participation areas have been shown to outperform those from higher participation areas in completing their courses.
To support these students, we provide a range of targeted financial and pastoral support. This includes bursaries, scholarships, a dedicated support fund for vulnerable groups (care leavers and mature students) and additional learning support so students can succeed in their studies.
Widening participation and financial support
We are committed to removing financial barriers to higher education and provide a range of financial support mechanisms to support this. These include a range of scholarships, automatic provision for students with annual household incomes below a defined threshold (the ARU Bursary), as well as an Alumni Scholarship offering discounted fees for graduates progressing to further study. We also provide targeted support for specific groups, including care leavers, members of the Gypsy, Traveller, Roma, Showman or Boater communities, and students with disabilities. Additional funding is available to support travel, work experience opportunities, and ad-hoc grants for students experiencing financial hardship.
Financial advice and support services
We recognise the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on our students wellbeing and ability to participate in student life. Our Money Advice Service offers specialist, impartial and confidential information and advice about all aspects of student finance. Students are able to benefit from dedicated Money Advisors for help with budgeting and money management, support with the cost of living or financial worries, and advice on student funding and repayment of student loans.
Supporting students through the cost of living crisis
Across all our campuses, students are able to access practical support measures to reduce the cost of living. This includes free food and sanitary products, free and confidential counselling and free health and wellbeing resources. We support students living in ARU accommodation with utilities, internet and insurance included in rent, and provide discounts on public transport for students who need to travel to our campuses. We provide £1 Campus Sport sessions, as well as discounted gym membership of our Helmore Gym in Cambridge and The Old Factory gym in Chelmsford, and Peterborough City Council's Vivacity sports venues.
Targeted mentoring support for students
ARU's mentoring programmes connect students with experienced professionals who provide guidance, support and advice as they prepare for future careers. Through Mentoring at ARU, students develop confidence, improve employability skills and gain insights into professional working environments. The programme is available to all students and provides targeted support for groups that are traditionally underrepresented in higher education and graduate employment, including students from lower participation backgrounds, care-experienced students and students from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
Together, these measures ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are not only able to access higher education, but are supported to succeed and thrive throughout their time at ARU.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.