We use cookies on this website to improve the experience we provide. By continuing to use our site you agree to this, or visit our cookie policy to manage your settings.
Saved courses
Search website

Henderson Bursaries and Scholarships

2026 entry

If you’re applying to one of our full-time Computing, Engineering or Built Environment degrees starting in September 2026 or 2027, you could benefit from the Henderson Programme – a package of support designed to help you succeed at university and beyond.

Funded by Birmingham City University graduate and Slack co-founder Cal Henderson and his wife Rebecca through the Henderson Family Foundation, the programme supports both new and current students throughout their degree.

What funding could you receive?

First year support

If you apply to study an eligible course at BCU, you may be eligible for:

  • Henderson Scholarship: £10,000 per year for up to three years towards tuition fees
  • Henderson Access Bursary: £2,000 in your first year to help with living and study costs

Funding is prioritised for students from underrepresented groups and lower socio-economic backgrounds.

How to apply for a Henderson Scholarship or Bursary

Applications are only open for students starting in September 2026. For students starting in 2027, applications will open this Autumn. 

  • Secure a place on an eligible course at BCU.

    You will need to have a confirmed place on an eligible course at BCU on receipt of your level 3 qualifications (A Level / BTEC or equivalent). You can see all eligible courses in our Terms and Conditions below. 

    Search courses

  • If you are applying for the Scholarship, applications will open Autumn 2026.

    Scholarship applications are now closed for 2026 entry. Applications for students starting in September 2027 will open in early Autumn 2026. Please check back for more information then. 

  • If you are applying for the Bursary, complete the application form.

    If you are starting an eligible course in September 2026, please complete the application form below to apply for an Access Bursary of £2,000. Applications will close at 5pm on Friday 28th August 2026.

    Apply for the bursary

Support throughout your degree

Henderson Opportunity Fund - up to £500

Home undergraduate students on eligible courses can apply for this one-off bursary to help cover essential costs such as:

- Learning equipment and software

- Study resources

- Travel to placements or industry opportunities

Henderson Innovation Seed Fund - up to £5,000

If you are a second- or third-year student on one of the eligible courses and have a project or idea you want to develop, you can apply for funding to bring it to life.

Previous students have used this support to:

- Launch apps

- Develop prototypes

- Kick-start their own business ideas

Alex used the Seed Fund for his final year project

Henderson Awards - £2,000

This bursary recognises students who go above and beyond during their degree.
You don’t apply for this – it’s awarded based on your engagement, commitment and academic achievement in your course to recognise students who excel.

Subjects eligible for the Henderson Programme

Find the full list of eligible courses here.

  • Computing

    Study in our £70 million STEAMhouse facility with access to cutting-edge technology and industry projects. Courses range from Computer Science, Software Engineering and Cyber Security to Games and Sound Engineering. 

  • Engineering

    Our hands-on, block delivery approach allows you to focus on one module at a time, working on real-world engineering challenges and being assessed through practical competency rather than traditional exams. 

  • Built Environment

    Prepare for technology-based careers in property and construction with courses in areas such as Architectural Technology, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying and Real Estate.

Cal Henderson

“I chose BCU because I liked the campus, the lecturers, and I liked the look of the course too. I chose to study Software Engineering as it wasn’t purely computer science. It was more practical than theoretical, which is what I wanted. It was really important to me that I got a degree, because that would mean I would be able to get visas to work in other countries. It's a necessary bar for a lot of jobs, so it was important to have that on my CV. I also learned useful skills from my degree that were immediately applicable to the job that I was doing."

Read more

Scholarship recipient stories

Matisse Steadmen-Chen

Computer Science student, Matisse Steadman-Chen shares how the Henderson Scholarship has helped him during his studies.

Matisse's story

Ashley Ogunbiyi

Mechanical Engineering student Ashley Ogunbiyi shares how the Henderson Scholarship helped her with her studies.

Ashley's story

Terms and conditions

These terms and conditions relate to the funding available in the 2026/27 academic year.

Frequently Asked Questions