Open University Students' Educational Trust

Could Open University Students' Educational Trust fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Typical grants: £200 – £3,500
Applications: Accepted
How to apply: Online form

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

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About Open University Students' Educational Trust

The Open University Students' Educational Trust (OUSET) is a student-led charity that supports Open University distance learners facing financial hardship that threatens their studies. Founded on principles of mutual support and equity, the Trust believes that financial barriers should not prevent mature learners, carers, or working students from completing their qualifications. OUSET provides non-repayable grants for essential study-related costs, including course fees, equipment such as computers, transport to study sessions, and training. As an independent, student-governed charity embedded in the OU community, it offers a targeted safety net for distance learners across the UK who are at risk of dropping out due to financial insecurity.

What Open University Students' Educational Trust funds

OUSET funds essential study-related costs for Open University students, including course fees, equipment like computers, transport to study sessions, and training. The Trust prioritises students who have already embarked on a qualification but have experienced a change in financial circumstances that would prevent them from continuing without assistance. Support is available for undergraduate and postgraduate study, with limits on the number of credits funded. The Trust does not fund general cost of living expenses.

Who can apply

Individual Open University students across the UK can apply, particularly those facing financial hardship that threatens their studies. The Trust gives priority to students who have started a qualification but, due to a change in circumstances, would be unable to continue without help. This includes mature learners, carers, and working students. Organisations such as registered charities, schools, and community groups are not eligible.

What Open University Students' Educational Trust doesn't fund

OUSET does not make grants for general cost of living expenses. Funding is limited to study-related costs, and there are caps on the number of credits supported for undergraduate and postgraduate study. Organisations are not eligible; only individual students can apply.

How they like to fund

OUSET provides non-repayable grants to individual students. The Trust welcomes unsolicited applications from eligible students. Funding is directed towards specific study-related needs, with priority given to those facing a change in financial circumstances.

How much does Open University Students' Educational Trust give?

Open University Students' Educational Trust runs one grant programme. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.

£200 – £3,500

Last verified 8 August 2026 · 7 sourced facts

Open University Students Educational Trust Grants

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.

What Open University Students' Educational Trust funds — and what they won't

Their stated priorities

Trustees give priority to those who have embarked on a qualification but where a change in financial circumstances means that they would be unable to continue with their studies without assistance from OUSET.

Costs they'll cover

EquipmentTransportTraining

They don't fund

Registered charitiesCIOsCICsCompanies limited by guaranteeUnincorporated associationsTrustSchoolFaith groupsCommunity groupsSocial enterprisesCommunity benefit societies

The full exclusions list (1)

Grants not made for general cost of living expenses. Limits on funding: up to 180 credits for undergraduates, up to 60 credits for postgraduates.

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

EducationPoverty & hardship

How to apply to Open University Students' Educational Trust

Open University Students' Educational Trust 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 Open University Students' Educational Trust could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does Open University Students' Educational Trust provide?

Open University Students' Educational Trust typically provides grants of £200 - £3,500.

Where does Open University Students' Educational Trust fund charities?

Open University Students' Educational Trust funds charities operating in the UK.

Does Open University Students' Educational Trust accept unsolicited applications?

Open University Students' Educational Trust accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

What does Open University Students' Educational Trust not fund?

Their published exclusions include: Grants not made for general cost of living expenses. Limits on funding: up to 180 credits for undergraduates, up to 60 credits for postgraduates.. The full exclusions list is further up this page.

How do I apply for funding from Open University Students' Educational Trust?

Open University Students' Educational Trust takes applications via online form. Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.