The Magdalene Bursary Scheme

Established in 2012 in response to the increase in university tuition fees for Home students, the Magdalene Bursary Scheme provides vital financial support to undergraduates from lower-income backgrounds.

Since its launch, the scheme has supported hundreds of students, helping to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent academically able students from benefiting from a Magdalene education.

Delivered in partnership with the Cambridge Bursary Scheme, one of the most generous student support programmes in the country, the Magdalene Bursary Scheme provides annual maintenance support of between £4,500 and £7,200 for students receiving a full bursary, with additional support available through partial bursaries. Awards are based on financial assessments undertaken by the Student Loans Company.

Today, more than half of Magdalene undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance during their time at College. Thanks to the generosity of Members and Friends, this support enables students to focus on their studies and make the most of the opportunities available to them.

"Without the bursary, I am not certain I would be at Cambridge, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity it has given me. Thank you for your generosity and for investing in my education and future."

- Medicine undergraduate

During the 2025-26 financial year, the College provided more than £710,000 in financial support to students. This included 171 financial assistance grants worth £355,000. In total, £349,000 of support was provided to undergraduate students, benefiting 140 undergraduates, while £323,000 supported 79 postgraduate students.

Included within this support were 54 full named bursaries awarded through the Magdalene Bursary Scheme. Together with other forms of student financial assistance, these awards help sustain the College's needs-blind approach to admissions and enable Magdalene to attract outstanding applicants from a wide range of backgrounds. By reducing financial pressures, bursaries help ensure that students can participate fully in academic and College life, regardless of their financial circumstances.

In 2026, 115 Magdalene students achieved First Class honours in the Tripos or examined Master's courses, representing 32.9% of those taking classed examinations, the highest proportion in the College's history. The year's successes also included several students who topped the University in their subjects, including Magdalene's first Senior Wrangler for almost 250 years.

"I am immensely grateful for the support provided by my donor, and I hope they know how big an impact they are making in students' lives. Thank you for believing in students like me and helping overcome the financial barriers of studying."

- Human, Social and Political Sciences undergraduate

For many students, a bursary helps to cover essential costs such as accommodation, food, study materials and travel. A full Magdalene Bursary is sufficient to cover the average cost of College accommodation.

Recent student surveys found that:

• 99% said their bursary alleviated day-to-day money worries.
• 94% said their bursary helped them prioritise their studies.
• 90% said their bursary helped them feel equal with their peers.

"Every day I feel lucky to be at Magdalene, and it would absolutely only have been a dream without the generous financial support of my bursary. I feel safe and on a level playing field with others on my course and in my College."

- Psychological and Behavioural Sciences undergraduate

The support provided through the Magdalene Bursary Scheme extends far beyond helping students manage the cost of living. Bursaries enable students to participate fully in the academic, social and extracurricular opportunities that are such an important part of the Cambridge experience.

Among students surveyed:

• 63% used their bursary to participate in extracurricular activities.
• 63% used their bursary to cover travel expenses.
• 45% used their bursary to attend academic events.
• 42% used their bursary to purchase books and study materials.

Research also shows that the scheme helps attract students to Cambridge, with 75% of respondents who were aware of the scheme saying that it encouraged them to apply.

"As the first person in my family to attend Cambridge, and the first to pursue a career in medicine, your support has been truly life changing, not only for my education, but also for my confidence and aspirations for the future."

- Medicine undergraduate

Thanks to the generosity of Members and Friends, the Magdalene Bursary Scheme continues to support talented students regardless of their financial background, helping future generations to benefit from all that a Magdalene education has to offer.

"I hope that one day I will be able to give back to others in the same way. Your generosity has helped me build the foundations for the career and life I hope to lead in the future."

- Veterinary Medicine undergraduate

Your support ensures that Magdalene continues to provide exceptional education, vital financial support and life-changing opportunities for its students. Every gift, whatever its size, has a lasting impact, helping to fund bursaries and safeguard the future of academic excellence at the College.

By making a gift today, you can help ensure that academically able students can thrive at Magdalene, regardless of their financial circumstances.
 

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