Funding and grants
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Through our partnership with Santander Universities, students can access funding, development programmes and career-enhancing opportunities designed to support their academic and professional goals, helping them build skills, gain experience and prepare for future success.
Santander Scholarships
Opening November 2026, Santander Scholarships provide financial support to students facing financial challenges during their studies. Six scholarships of £5,000 are available to help reduce financial pressures, enabling recipients to focus on their studies, wellbeing and overall university experience while achieving their academic potential.
Santander Employability Grants
Santander Employability Grants provide £250 to help students access opportunities that enhance their career prospects and professional development. Funding can be used for training, networking events, specialist equipment, travel costs and other activities that support career goals, helping students build skills, gain experience and prepare for the world of work.
Santander Brighter Futures Grants
Opening 5 October, Santander Brighter Futures Grants offer £1,000 awards to help students manage financial pressures, enhance their university experience and focus on achieving their goals. Open to all enrolled students, the grants provide valuable support to help recipients make the most of their time at university and invest in their future.
Awards and events
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Discover awards, competitions and development opportunities that could make a real difference to your future. From awards and recognition programmes to exclusive events and experiences, these opportunities can help you build your skills, expand your networks, enhance your CV and unlock new possibilities during your time at GCU and beyond.
Magnus Magnusson Awards
Opening October 2026, the Magnus Magnusson Awards offer grants of up to £5,000 to help students pursue ambitious projects, opportunities and experiences that can have a lasting impact on their personal and professional development. Whether supporting travel, research, community initiatives or skills development, the awards empower students to turn their ideas into reality and make a meaningful difference in the world around them.
Lunch and Learn Workshops
Our Lunch and Learn Workshops cover a variety of themes designed to support your personal and professional development. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills, build confidence, expand your network, develop new ideas or explore future career opportunities, these interactive sessions provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to help you achieve your goals. Open to students from all backgrounds and disciplines, there’s something for everyone. View our What’s On page here.
Global Alumni Career Insights
Global Alumni Career Insights is an online event series that connects students with GCU graduates working for leading organisations and global brands. Through engaging discussions about their career journeys, alumni share what it takes to succeed in their industry, the skills and experiences employers value, and the lessons they have learned along the way. These sessions offer valuable insights, practical advice and inspiration to help you explore career paths, build your employability and prepare for future success.
Careers support
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Prepare for success after graduation with expert careers guidance, employability resources and practical support. Whether you're exploring career options, looking for placements or applying for graduate roles, we're here to help.
Career Planning
Not sure what comes next after university? The Careers Service can help you explore your options, understand different career pathways and make informed decisions about your future. Access career planning tools, labour market insights and tailored guidance to help you achieve your goals.
CVs, Applications and Interviews
Build your confidence and improve your chances of success with support at every stage of the application process. Access advice on CVs, cover letters, applications, interviews, assessment centres and psychometric tests to help you stand out to employers.
Jobs, Placements and Work Experience
Gain valuable experience alongside your studies and take the next step towards your future career. Find opportunities including part-time jobs, placements, internships, work experience and graduate vacancies, with support to help you secure the right opportunity.
CareerHub
CareerHub is the Careers Service's online portal, giving you access to vacancies, employer events, appointments and the latest careers opportunities. It's your one-stop destination for staying connected with everything happening across the Careers Service.
Employability and Skills Development
Develop the skills, experience and confidence employers look for through a range of programmes and opportunities. From the GCU Employability Award and volunteering to personal coaching and LinkedIn Learning, there are plenty of ways to enhance your employability while studying.
Visit Careers Services to take advantage of these opportunities
Mentoring and networking
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Build valuable connections with alumni, industry professionals and fellow students. Through mentoring programmes and networking opportunities, you can gain insights, advice and contacts to support your personal and professional development.
Alumni Career Mentoring Programme
Opening January 2027, the Alumni Career Mentoring Programme gives final-year students the opportunity to be matched with a GCU graduate working in an industry they aspire to join. Through one-to-one mentoring, students can gain valuable career insights, advice, encouragement and guidance from professionals who have successfully navigated their own career journeys.
With mentors based in more than 60 countries worldwide, the programme offers access to a truly global network of alumni. Our mentors work across a wide range of sectors and include professionals from leading organisations such as Microsoft, TikTok, Apple, Google, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Emirates, Barclays, Turner & Townsend and many more.
Whether you're looking to explore career options, build your professional network, develop your confidence or gain industry insights, the Alumni Career Mentoring Programme can help you take the next step towards your future career.
Enterprise activities
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Develop your entrepreneurial mindset, bring your ideas to life and grow your confidence through enterprise opportunities. Whether you're interested in innovation, starting a business or developing transferable skills, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
GCU Entrepreneurial Hub
Whether you have a business idea, want to develop your innovation skills or simply explore new opportunities, the GCU Entrepreneurial Hub provides a supportive environment to help you grow.
Open to students, staff and alumni, the Hub offers expert advice, practical workshops, networking opportunities and access to dedicated workspace to help bring ideas to life. Members can also benefit from business support, mentoring and opportunities to apply for seed funding, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to develop their skills, confidence and future ambitions. Join the Hub here.
Seed Funding
Opening 12 October, GCU Entrepreneurial Hub Seed Funding provides grants of up to £5,000 to help students turn their ideas into reality. Whether you're developing a new product, launching a social enterprise, testing a business concept or bringing an innovative project to life, this funding can help cover essential start-up and development costs.
Alongside financial support, successful applicants can access expert guidance and resources through the GCU Entrepreneurial Hub to help maximise the impact of their idea.
