Office for Students

Could Office for Students fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Where they fund: England
Applications: Accepted
How to apply: Online form

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

Get a draft in 2 minutes · no card

officeforstudents.org.uk

About Office for Students

The Office for Students (OfS) is the independent regulator for higher education in England, established in 2018 under the Higher Education and Research Act. Its mission is to ensure that every student, regardless of background, can access and succeed in higher education, with a focus on equality of opportunity, rigorous standards, and enabling regulation. The OfS blends oversight with targeted funding, prioritising student voice, sector resilience, and innovative pathways. Through programmes such as Uni Connect, it supports initiatives that improve access, success, and progression for underrepresented groups.

What Office for Students funds

The OfS funds programmes that enhance student outcomes in higher education, with a focus on education, mental health, and health. It supports work that improves access and success for underrepresented groups, including through the Uni Connect programme. Funding is directed at organisations operating across England, helping to build partnerships that raise aspirations and widen participation. The OfS also supports initiatives that address mental health and well-being among students, as well as broader health-related challenges within the higher education sector.

Who can apply

Community groups and organisations based in England can apply for funding from the OfS. The funder prioritises work that supports underrepresented students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, care leavers, and other groups with lower participation in higher education. Eligible organisations should be able to demonstrate a clear focus on improving access, success, or progression within the English higher education system.

How they like to fund

The OfS offers multi-year grants and does not require match funding. It welcomes unsolicited applications, typically through programme-specific calls. Funding is provided through structured programmes like Uni Connect, which supports partnerships and collaborative activity. The OfS focuses on grants that enable long-term impact rather than one-off projects.

How much does Office for Students give?

Office for Students runs one grant programme. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.

Last verified 8 August 2026 · 3 sourced facts

Uni Connect programmeOpen to applications

Multi-year funding

Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

EducationMental healthHealth

How to apply to Office for Students

Office for Students takes applications via online form.

Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

1
Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
2
See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
3
Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if Office for Students could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Office for Students provide?

Grant amounts vary. Contact Office for Students directly for current funding levels.

Where does Office for Students fund charities?

Office for Students funds charities operating in England.

Does Office for Students accept unsolicited applications?

Office for Students accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

How do I apply for funding from Office for Students?

Office for Students takes applications via online form. Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.