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George Fentham Opportunity Fund

Helping Birmingham students overcome financial barriers

Birmingham City University is proud to partner with the George Fentham Birmingham Charity to create the George Fentham Opportunity Fund, providing financial support to students who may face barriers to succeeding at university. The fund builds on the charity’s long-standing commitment to supporting people in Birmingham and helping those experiencing hardship.

Through the partnership, one-off bursaries of £500 will be available during the 2026/27 academic year to eligible BCU students.

The George Fentham Opportunity Fund has been created with a specific focus on supporting Birmingham students studying courses that can make a positive difference to people, communities and society.

Removing the financial barriers to success

George Fentham was concerned about poverty and made provision in his will to use his wealth to support people in need, including funding education and support for members of the community.  

 The George Fentham Opportunity Fund at Birmingham City University is designed to help undergraduate students with essential study-related costs, including: 

  • Laptops and IT equipment 
  • Learning materials 
  • Travel to and from University 
  • Costs associated with placements 
  • Access to career-enhancing opportunities  

By helping with these costs, the fund aims to give students from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to focus on their studies and achieve the strongest possible outcomes. 

two women sat in red jumpers

Who is eligible to apply?

To apply for the George Fentham Opportunity Fund, you must be studying an eligible course and: 

  • be under 25 
  • be a Home student 
  • have been born in Birmingham 
  • have a permanent home address in a Birmingham postcode within IMD Quintile 1 or 2 
  • have a household income of £25,000 or less 

You’ll be asked to provide some information as part of your application so that we can check you meet the eligibility criteria. 

Postgraduate at City South

What courses are eligible?

Eligible courses include: 

  • BA (Hons) Education Studies
  • BSc (Hons) Social Work
  • BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families 
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Design
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Business and Promotion
  • BA (Hons) Textile Design
  • BA (Hons) Youth Work and Communities
  • BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies with Graduate Practitioner Competencies

How to apply?

Applications for the George Fentham Opportunity Fund are now open until Monday 16 November at 23.59pm.  

Apply now: George Fentham Opportunity Fund Application Form – Fill in form 

Please complete the application form before the deadline to be considered.  

What happens after I apply?

After the applications close, they will be reviewed by the University, and applicants can expect to receive a response by Friday 27 November 2026.  

If you are successful, you will be sent a digital acceptance form to complete by Monday 7 December. Following this, your payment will be triggered to be issued within two working weeks. 

Helping Birmingham students succeed

For more than 300 years, the George Fentham Birmingham Charity has supported people in need in Birmingham, with education and financial assistance forming an important part of its work. 

The George Fentham Opportunity Fund continues that legacy by providing additional support to eligible BCU students from Birmingham who are experiencing financial hardship, helping them overcome financial barriers and make the most of their time at university. 

About the George Fentham Birmingham Charity

The George Fentham Birmingham Charity was founded more than 300 years ago by George Fentham, a Birmingham businessman, mercer and landowner, with the aim of improving the lives of local people and supporting those facing hardship. The George Fentham Opportunity Fund brings that commitment into a new partnership with BCU, supporting Birmingham students to fulfil their potential through higher education.  

Applications are now open

Applications for the George Fentham Opportunity Fund are now open until Monday 16 November at 23.59pm. 

Apply now: George Fentham Opportunity Fund Application Form – Fill in form 

Who can I speak to find out more about the George Fentham Opportunity Fund?

Please email sasha.beesley@bcu.ac.uk if you have any questions about the fund.