York SU has given out the most money on record for Activities Access Grants this year with over £41,235 given out to students for sports and societies memberships and participation costs.
Over 600 students applied for the grant which is funded by the University and helps fund student-led activities. Approximately 20% of applicants were students with a disability.
39.7% of applications were for university sports, 36.8% were for societies, 20.7% for college sports clubs and the rest were media groups and volunteering projects.
Out of the £42,000 provided, over 70% of the funds have been used for membership costs for joining activities and the rest is for participation costs.
The Activities Access Grant is financial support designed to help students participate in York SU student-led activities. Eligible students can apply for a reimbursement of up to £80 to cover the cost of joining student groups and £80 for participation costs such as equipment and playing kit, transport costs and trip fees.
The York SU Academic Officer Kaitlyn Beattie-Zarb said: “We are incredibly proud to be able to offer the much sought after Activities Access Grants, and are deeply grateful to see such a speedy and high take up of the offer.
“Cost of Living concerns remain an ongoing barrier for student engagement in activities, and I believe that no student should be excluded from the exciting range of activities we offer due to any financial constraints.
“With hundreds of students applying for grants within 24 hours of the second round opening, it’s clear that guaranteeing the long-term recurrence of such grants is a vital aim of the union and university moving forward.”
Applications for the grant are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students but students must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Your household income is below £42,875 per annum
- You are eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA)
- You are a student who has been in care
- You are an estranged student
- You have completed a University of York Widening Participation programme prior to or upon attending the University (e.g. Next Step York, Step Ahead, Black Access Programme, York Experience Summer School, Realising Opportunities or similar).
- You have refugee immigration status and have been awarded a York Refugee Bursary.
- You have been awarded an Equal Access Scholarship or can provide evidence that you are claiming asylum in the UK.
- You have received funding from the Student Support Fund from the University of York.
There are two windows at the start of each semester where students can apply for funding.
Applications for this year are now closed and will reopen again in the 2025/26 academic year.