BCU Accelerate
2026 entry
At BCU, we want every student to achieve their potential – and we’re here to back you every step of the way.
We recognise that starting university comes with some big financial considerations, which is why we’re offering our BCU Accelerate Scholarship, available to all students from lower income households who enrol with our University via the Accelerate programme.
If you come from a lower income family or household, there are two pathways to accessing our Accelerate offer and scholarship. This means you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements – and possibly claim a £1,000 scholarship too.
The scholarship is worth £1,000 paid in three instalments across your first year of study to support you as you make the move from school or college.
Your Accelerate offer
You could be eligible for an Accelerate offer if you are…
- From a lower income household with a home address that falls into POLAR4 quintile 1 at the point of application
OR
- From a lower income household with a home address postcode that falls into POLAR4 quintile 2 at the point of application and meet an additional criterion, such as being first in family to go to university or receiving free school meals
With BCU Accelerate there are no extra forms to complete – all you need to do is apply via UCAS by 30 June 2026 and add BCU as one of your UCAS choices and we’ll take care of the rest.
Use our eligibility checker
Check if your postcode and personal circumstances make you eligible for the Accelerate offer and scholarship through Option 2. If you are eligible, your next step is to complete the Accelerate module.
Your Accelerate Scholarship
Once you've received an Accelerate offer you can also claim a £1,000 scholarship. To get this you'll need to do the following:
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Accept your offer of a place to study at BCU
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Be given a confirmed place on an eligible course at BCU on receipt of your level 3 qualifications (A Level / BTEC or equivalent)
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Enrol at BCU and complete the first year of your course