Learning Opportunity Fund

About this fund

This fund supports students to access learning opportunities such as conferences, short courses and online courses. It can also be used towards part-payment of longer or more expensive learning opportunities. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until [DATE TBC] or until the Fund is exhausted (whichever is earlier).

When to apply

Applications will open on Monday 26th of October and reviewed as they are submitted, until all of the funds have been allocated.

Who is eligible to apply?

All students at the University of Edinburgh who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:

• you are a fully matriculated student on a full or part-time mode of study.
• you can provide evidence of disruption to your studies due to industrial action.
• you can submit evidence of the learning opportunity that the fund will be used for (please see below for approved categories).
• you hold an active UK bank account in your own name.

How much funding can I apply for?

The costs of relevant learning opportunities supported by the fund, as evidenced in your application. Please note that the maximum grant payable per student is £350.

What learning opportunities can I receive funding for?

The Fund is designed to support access to learning opportunities which are relevant to your studies. Whether to award a grant under this fund is at the University’s discretion. Examples of learning opportunities that we would fund include:

• short courses (non-credit bearing and with no formal degree/diploma/certificate qualification)
• online courses (non-credit bearing and with no formal degree/diploma/certificate qualification)
• language course
• TEFL/TESOL/CELTA course
• conferences
• continuing professional development course
• first aid qualification
• Centre for Open Learning short course
• music lessons
• unpaid in-person/virtual internships
• exams (ACA Accountancy exams only)
• tutoring 
• University of Edinburgh Societies and Clubs (where support has not been received through the Participation Grant) 

You can include the cost of travel and accommodation associated with your learning opportunity as long as the total claim does not exceed £350.

You can also apply for support with overseas learning opportunities.

Ineligible opportunities

The University will not award a grant for credit-bearing learning opportunities, ancillary costs or subsistence, unless otherwise specified above. Examples of ineligible opportunities include (but are not limited to):

• assistance with tuition fees
• credit-bearing courses
• books 
• claims that are purely for accommodation and travel
• assistance with rent and subsistence
• software/computer equipment
• driving lessons/test
• paid work-based internships
• gaming site memberships

Applying

Applications will open on Monday 26th October 2026.

Why was my application rejected?

To ensure the limited Fund goes to those most in need, we may reject applications if:

• we reasonably consider that the funding isn’t for an eligible learning opportunity.
• you have not provided the appropriate evidence required to process your application.
• you do not meet the above eligibility criteria as noted above.
• you have already made a successful claim.

Payments

How you will be paid

If your application is successful, these funds have been will be credited to your University of Edinburgh Aspire account. You will receive a separate email with your login details. If you can't find this email, enter your email address on the Login page, and click ‘Forgot Password’.

Aspire will have already created an account using your email address, you do not need to create a new account.

For instructions on how to withdraw your funds into your bank account please click here.

If you have any queries, please head to the UOE Aspire Help and Support page or contact Aspire here.

Overseas bank accounts

We are unable to make payments to overseas bank accounts. You must set up a UK bank account before applying to the fund. Any award may be withdrawn if you do not meet this requirement.

Learn about your options for opening your first student bank account in the UK and banking safety:

Opening a UK bank account

Disputes, appeals and fraudulent applications

We hope that your application process goes as smoothly as possible. If you have any issues with our decisions, we have a dispute and appeals procedure that you can follow. If we discover that your application or any documents you provide us are fraudulent, we will investigate.

Disputes, appeals and fraudulent applications