The Santander Scholarship 2026 provides financial assistance to university students, helping them manage costs like tuition, books, and living expenses. This program supports thousands of students globally through the Santander Open Academy platform. Applicants can access various awards, including fixed grants, tech giveaways, and specialized career-building courses.
This post provides factual information regarding the 2026 Santander Scholarship cycle based on data from the Santander Open Academy and partner university portals. Research indicates that 75% of scholarship recipients credit financial awards with reducing their academic stress. We wrote this guide to help you navigate the specific requirements and deadlines for the 2026 academic year.
A 2023 study by the National Institute for Student Success found that small-scale grants significantly improve graduation rates for low-income students. The Santander Scholarship 2026 follows this model by offering flexible funding that students can use for diverse needs. These needs include laptop purchases, internship travel, and specialized study materials.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Short-term Courses.
- Location: United Kingdom, United States, Spain, and 8 other participating countries.
- Institution(s): Over 160 partner universities, such as the University of Oxford, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Texas A&M.
- Program Period: 1 academic year (2026–2027).
- Course Offered: All academic disciplines, including STEM, Humanities, and Business.
- Deadline: February and May Annualy.
Scholarship Coverage
The Santander Scholarship 2026 offers 3 distinct types of financial support. The Main Scholarship provides a £5,000 cash grant to successful applicants at partner institutions. Students can also win Tech Bundles containing laptops, tablets, and noise-canceling headphones to assist with digital learning. Finally, the Career Support Awards provide £250 to cover immediate professional costs, such as interview clothing, travel to internships, and certification fees.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet 3 specific eligibility requirements to qualify for the Santander Scholarship 2026. You must be a current student at a Santander partner university during the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years. You must maintain a valid profile on the Santander Open Academy platform using your university email address. Additionally, you must confirm your status as a UK or international resident with a valid student ID number. You are ineligible for this award, if you have already received the main £5,000 grant in the previous 2 years.
Application Process
The application process for the Santander Scholarship 2026 involves 4 mandatory steps.
- First, you must create an account on the Santander Open Academy website and verify your email address.
- Second, you must search for your specific university’s portal within the platform to see available grants.
- Third, you must complete the online application form, which requires your basic contact details and student identification.
- Finally, you must take the online “Core Skills” assessment, which measures your problem-solving abilities and logical reasoning. Santander uses a randomized draw or merit-based selection depending on the specific award. You will receive an email notification, if the committee selects your application for an award.
Deadline
The primary deadline for the Santander Universities £5,000 Scholarship is 19 February 2026. Smaller grants, such as the Career Support Awards, remain open until 7 May 2026.
