The Sussex Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based award recognising, and rewarding, undergraduate students who achieved excellent academic performance before joining the University.
The Sussex Excellence Scholarship is worth £3,000 in Year One of a three or four year undergraduate degree:
- £1,000 cash award and £2,000 rent reduction if you are living in University-managed accommodation *
or
- £1,000 cash award and £2,000 fee waiver if you are not living in University-managed accommodation *
* Please note Abacus House is not University managed.
Type of award
Undergraduate
Award amount
£1,000 cash award and £2,000 rent reduction or fee waiver in Year One of a three or four year undergraduate degree.
Eligibility
You will automatically be awarded the Sussex Excellence Scholarship if you have achieved a minimum in the following qualifications:
|
Qualification |
Minimum criteria |
|
A Level* |
AAA |
|
BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (QCF)* |
Distinction, Distinction, Distinction |
|
International Baccalaureate Diploma |
36 points |
|
Canadian British Colombia Senior Secondary Graduation Diploma |
AAAAB from Grade 12 courses |
|
Canadian Ontario Secondary School Diploma |
AAAAAB from Grade12 U or M courses |
|
European Baccalaureate |
Overall average of 85% |
|
French Baccalauréat /Option Internationale du Baccalauréat (OIB) |
Overall mark of 14 |
|
German Abitur |
Overall mark of 1.6 |
|
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education |
Scores of 555 in three subjects, excluding English, Chinese and Core Maths |
|
Indian Standard XII (CBSE, ICSE and Metro boards) |
Overall average of 85% |
|
Indian Standard XII (West Bengal) |
Overall average of 80% |
|
Norwegian Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole |
Overall average of 5 |
|
Romanian Diplomă de Bacalaureat |
Overall average of 9 |
|
Spanish Titulo de Bachillerato |
Overall average of 8.5 |
|
USA Advanced Placement Test |
At least three APs with scores of 5 in each |
|
University of Sussex International Study Centre International Foundation Year |
Overall average of 80% |
|
Bellerbys College International Foundation Year |
Overall average of 80% |
*You will also be eligible if you have mixed BTEC and A Level combinations of equal 'size' to 3 A Levels / BTEC Extended Diploma (for example, at least a Distinction in BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) plus AA in two A Levels; or Distinction Distinction in BTEC Diploma (QCF) plus A in an A Level).
All subject areas are eligible except Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) degrees.
You must have accepted the University of Sussex as your firm choice.
The Sussex Excellence Scholarship can be combined with other University of Sussex awards.
You must have, or obtain, a UK bank account, and the details of this account must be added to your Sussex Direct profile, in order to receive payment.
Application procedure
If your qualification is listed above and you achieve the minimum criteria you will be automatically awarded the Sussex Excellence Scholarship. There is no separate application form.
Qualifications not listed above
If your qualification is not listed above, we did have up to 10 additional Sussex Excellence Scholarships available. However, these additional scholarships had to be applied for and the application deadline for applying was 20 May 2015. As this deadline has passed, it is now too late to apply for these additional awards.
Timetable
Scholarship payments
The rent reduction or tuition fee waiver will be applied at the start of Year One of a three or four year undergraduate degree. The cash award will be paid in two instalments of £500 in Year One, with the first instalment paid in January and the second in May.
Further information
Frequently asked questions
What A level grades meet the requirements for the Sussex Excellence Scholarship?
To be eligible for the Sussex Excellence Scholarship, you will need to achieve at least AAA in A level. This means any of the following combinations of grades: AAA or A*AA or A*A*A or A*A*A*.
Other equivalent combinations of grades (such as A*AB) would not meet the eligibility requirements for the scholarship as one of the three grades is below an A grade. To be eligible for the Sussex Excellence Scholarship you must have at least 3 A levels at grade A or higher.
Does the combination of A levels matter?
No, as long as you achieve at least AAA in any three of the A levels you declared on your UCAS application, you will meet the criteria for the scholarship.
Can the International Baccalaureate Diploma score include bonus points?
Yes, the eligibility criteria relates to the overall IB Diploma score, including any bonus points. An overall score of at least 36 points from three Higher and three Standard Level subjects, plus up to three bonus points, would meet the eligibility criteria for the Sussex Excellence Scholarship.
What combinations of BTEC and A level meet the requirements for the Sussex Excellence Scholarship?
Applicants who are taking a BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) combined with two A levels would meet the requirements if they achieve at least Distinction in the Subsidiary Diploma and AA in the two A levels. The same grades in the Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Award (NQF) and two A levels would also be eligible for the Sussex Excellence Scholarship (ie. Distinction plus AA).
For those taking a BTEC Level 3 Diploma (QCF), the eligibility criteria would be met by achieving at least Distinction Distinction in the Diploma combined with an A grade in one A level. A double Distinction (or higher) in the Edexcel Level 3 BTEC National Certificate (NQF) combined with an A grade in an A level would also meet the requirements.
I've applied for deferred entry in 2016, can I still get the Sussex Excellence Scholarship?
Scholarships are awarded in the year in which you start, so the details set out here relate to students starting in September 2015. As you have an offer to start in September 2016, you would need to be considered for the Sussex Excellence Scholarship under the arrangements in place for 2016 entry. Each year the University reviews its scholarship provision and a decision regarding eligibility in subsequent years would be taken in this context.
If I decide to defer my place, can my scholarship be carried over to the next year?
No, this would not be possible. Scholarships are linked to the year you start and eligibility criteria are established each year. If you defer to 2016, you will need to be considered in the context of the 2016 scholarship arrangements. This may well be very similar, but we cannot guarantee this and it is therefore not possible to carry your scholarship over.
I am an international student, will the Scholarship be detailed in my Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies in support of my visa application?
Yes, if you are eligible for a Sussex Excellence Scholarship then details of this will be included within your CAS when this is produced.
What happens if I transfer course?
The award is based upon performance before you joined the University so you will still be eligible for the scholarship provided you are transferring to another course at the University of Sussex. The only exception is if you transfer to the Brighton and Sussex Medical School which is not covered by the Sussex Excellence Scholarship.
Can I have the award paid to me in cash only?
No, the aim of the Sussex Excellence Scholarship is not only to reward academic success but also to encourage integration on the University's campus through a rent reduction.
I am repeating my first year at Sussex. Am I eligible for the award again?
No, you can only be awarded the Sussex Excellence Scholarship once. If you are repeating your year at Sussex, you will not receive the scholarship again. However, if you are transferring from another university to restart your undergraduate studies at Sussex, and meet the eligibility criteria, you would be awarded the scholarship (as this will be the first time you have received the Sussex Excellence Scholarship).
What happens if I withdraw? Will I need to repay the award?
If you withdraw part way through your course you will not need to repay the award.
I am appealing my grades, can I still receive the award?
If your appeal is successful, and provided you can supply evidence of your grades, you will be eligible for the award. You will need to ensure that you notify the Admissions Office of any change.
I have been awarded the Sussex First Generation Scholars award, can I also get a Sussex Excellence Scholarship?
Yes, you can receive the Excellence Scholarship in addition to the financial element of the First-Generation Scholars scheme. If you qualify for both you will receive in total in Year One:
- £2,000 rent / fee waiver
- £3,000 cash paid by the university in two equal instalments in January and May 2016
- £1,000 cash paid through the Student Loans Company in two equal instalments in January and May 2016
I think I am eligible but I have not received the award, what should I do?
Details of your Scholarship will be showing in your online account when you register in September. If you expect to receive the Sussex Excellence Scholarship, but the rent/fee reduction is not showing when you complete online registration when you arrive at Sussex, please contact Undergraduate Admissions (ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk) who will be able to check your details.
Contact details
For any qualification / grade related queries please contact Undergraduate Admissions:
Telephone: +44 (0)1273 678416
Email: ug.applicants@sussex.ac.uk
For general funding queries please contact the Student Funding Team:
Telephone: +44 (0)1273 872994
Email: scholarships@sussex.ac.uk