Addressing barriers to student success
Introduction
We work closely with our Student Unions to try and make studying at Exeter a positive experience for everyone and to address challenges faced by students in realising their potential.
In recent years, the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have exerted continued pressures on students who have experienced disruption to their education and costs which have escalated far beyond the government support available.
These impacts are often most felt by those from lower income households or whose personal circumstances restrict their ability to draw down additional sources of income from family or part-time work.
We are supporting a growing number of students with disabilities and mental health conditions and are seeking to make sure that supporting wellbeing is a key driver within our policies and practice.
Financial and bursary support
The University and Student Unions have put in place considerable mitigation to help make university study more affordable but cost pressures are a continued concern and a priority for our students.
Our approach is to prioritise direct support for those most in need while seeking to reduce costs wherever possible for those studying at our institution to support retention and wellbeing.
Access to Exeter (ATE) Bursary
The Access to Exeter bursary is automatically awarded to UK undergraduate students with an annual household income below £35,000.
Its purpose is to help reduce financial barriers and support students in successfully completing their degrees at Exeter. The bursary which is received by around 3,000 students accounts for the majority of the £7.5 million spent on student funding and hardship support. These students are more likely to meet other widening participation criteria for example being from areas of high deprivation and/or low progression to higher education; declaring a disability; from an ethnic minority student group; or returning to learning as a mature student.
We assess the scheme annually to help inform decision making and carry out a fuller analysis periodically to understand the contribution of the bursary in supporting continuation and attainment outcomes using methodology set out by the Office for Students. When this was last conducted this showed there was statistically no significant difference in outcomes between students receiving the bursary and those on higher incomes, demonstrating that it appears to be achieving objectives.
In 2024/25 we surveyed recipients as part of our annual monitoring[1]. Key findings included:
- 94% of respondents said the bursary was important to their ability to continue at university, with 63% describing it as very important.
- The bursary is primarily used to cover essential living costs, including accommodation, bills, and groceries.
- Students reported that the bursary positively influenced their ability to participate in social and academic activities, alleviate financial stress, balance study and personal commitments and feel more satisfied with university life.
Responses showed slight improvements with the previous year suggesting that enhancements to the bursary – such as inflation-linked payment increases and the introduction of a £25,000–£30,000 household income band – were having meaningful impact. 79% of respondents were engaged in paid work alongside their studies and 65% worked during term time. The proportion of students working more than 8 hours per week and reporting negative impacts on their academic experience decreased in 2024/25 although these students were still more likely to report that employment negatively affected their university experience. Eligibility for the bursary has been increased to a household income of £35,000 for 2025/26.
[1] 445 students responded, representing 16% of all bursary holders.
“The ATE bursary was hugely valuable in supporting me throughout my time at Exeter. It eased financial pressures, allowing me to fully focus on my studies while also taking part in wider university life. Beyond the practical support, I found that the bursary made me feel recognised and encouraged – a tangible reminder that the University is committed to social mobility and helping students from all backgrounds succeed.”
Bursary recipient.
Exeter Cares and NNECL reaccreditation
The Exeter Cares Team provides tailored support to undergraduate students who face additional challenges, including those who have been in care, displaced, estranged from their families, have caring responsibilities or are returning to learning.
Support is available from pre-application to graduation to ensure these students feel seen, supported, and empowered. In the 2024/25 academic year, Exeter Cares delivered a wide range of support, handling more than 2,000 enquiries and providing specialist welfare support to 318 students.
A recent evaluation highlighted Exeter Cares as a critical safety net for care-experienced and estranged students, helping ensure stability and enabling full engagement with university life. In recognition of its commitment, the University was awarded the NNECL (National Network for the Education of Care Leavers) Quality Mark Renewal.
“Visible and robust commitment to learners from a care background, those experiencing estrangement, and those seeking asylum. This achievement highlights their dedication through understanding their data, evaluation, student voice, and supportive practices.”
Assessor feedback.
Specific delivery included:
Outreach and representation
- Represented Exeter Cares at four Open Days and two Offer Holder Days
- Responded to over 2,000 emails via the Exeter Cares mailbox
- Provided wellbeing support to 318 students
- Advocated for students requiring summer accommodation or facing housing challenges
Financial support
- Awarded £1,000 bursaries to 112 care-experienced and estranged students
- Granted 14 mature student scholarships, each worth £3,000
- Supported 29 student carers with travel costs through the Student Carers Travel Fund (up to £400 per student)
Community and engagement
- Hosted four social events to foster connection and belonging
- Published three termly newsletters to keep students informed and engaged
- Delivered enhanced festive support, reaching 39 students with options including a free Christmas Day lunch on campus or vouchers and reached out to six wellbeing-specific requests during the holiday period
- Celebrated 129 student birthdays through the Care Experienced Birthday Club
Mental Health Charter
In summer 2025 the University achieved the University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Award.
The award, administered by Student Minds, recognises our on-going commitment to a whole-university approach, and dedication to mental health and wellbeing as a core priority for our students and staff. It also reflects our work with our community to continue to develop our approaches.
The assessment involved a 20,000-word self-assessment document and a two-day onsite visit at our Streatham Campus where the assessment panel met with staff and students to gain further insights into our approach to supporting mental health. The panel was particularly impressed with our:
- work to ensure the student voice is at the heart of what we provide
- work with academics and sector-leading research
- use of evidence-based strategy underpinned by policy, training and practice
- governance processes
- regular and in-depth reviews of mental health and wellbeing.
Falmouth University, with whom we have a shared campus at Penryn, also achieved the UMHC Award, and we will continue to work with them and FX Plus to support those working and studying in Cornwall. We have been updating our UMHC action plan to incorporate the assessors feedback and ensure it meets the needs of our community. Achieving the Award is just one step on our continuous journey to develop our approaches to mental health and wellbeing.
International student experience
The University launched a new International Student Experience strategy in the summer of 2024, through which we aim to deliver our vision of creating a transformative, welcoming and sustainable experience for our international student community, reflecting their unique backgrounds, perspectives and needs.
During the 2025/26 academic year we focused on implementing a series of actions that were identified as priorities through consultation with our international students.
Highlights from the year include:
- launching of our International Student Community and Support team, making specialist support for your international students more visible and cohesive
- introducing a rent guarantor scheme to help students who do not have a UK based guarantor secure private rented accommodation
- a university wide Cultural Festival, hosting more than 30 events
- four Intercultural Cafes taking place each week at three different campuses
- providing 1 to 1 English language support sessions
- running International Student Advisory Boards at Streatham and Penryn campuses to ensure we continue to listen and respond to our international students
Feedback on the Cultural Festival:
“Cultural events like this are important so that we can feel included and for other people to learn about different cultures.”
“Hosting this type of event is important to increase the sense of inclusivity.”
“Thanks to this I have managed to meet more people…..you feel more welcomed.”