Skip to main content Skip to footer

This section of the website is devoted to live Q&A sessions with our own advisers or external employers. We will promote the Live Q&A’s in advance and you can also access session archives below.

Opportunity Fund

Get ahead for your first day at work through funding from the Careers & Employability service to reduce the financial impact of attending career opportunities. Money from the Opportunity Fund has been used by many University of Lincoln students to support them in accessing their opportunities and working towards their career goals. Our confidential application process is simple and can be found below.

Why apply?

Its a simple, quick application process and you can receive support from the Careers team throughout the application. Receive up to £500 to support multiple opportunities. The funding can be put towards a variety of costs including;

  • Professional clothing
  • DBS Checks
  • Recovering lost documents
  • Costs associated with caring responsibilities
  • Travel & Overnight Accommodation

We consider each application on a case-by-case basis so if you’d like to apply for any costs not listed above we are happy to discuss this with you.

Am I Eligible?

There are a variety of eligibility criteria to be able to access the fund and if you’re eligible you can access the fund during your studies and up to 15 months after you graduate.

Each application is reviewed on a case by case basis but you must meet one of the following to apply: 

  • Home postcode where few students go to University
  • Parent/carer household income of less than £25,000
  • Parent/carer did not go to University
  • Student carer
  • Lived in local authority care or estranged from family
  • Has a disability, mental health condition or long term health condition (does not include specific learning difference, such as dyslexia)
  • Independent students (mature students), as defined by Student Finance England (depending on home postcode/ household income of less than £42,641)
  • Students from black and ethnic minority groups (depending on home postcode/ household income of less than £42,641)
  • Only Home, undergraduate students are eligible to apply for the fund

Please note, this funding is to support costs associated with career opportunities. Costs associated with study won’t be eligible unless directly related to a job opportunity. The fund is also intended as an enabling fund, which means applications for backdated costs may not be accepted.

If you do not fall into any of these eligibility criteria, there may still be financial support for you via Student Services, so do get in touch with them via advice@lincoln.ac.uk.

How do I apply?

Download an information pack and an application form via the buttons below to find out more. If you would like support in completing your application or have any questions relating to the Opportunity Fund, please book an appointment.

This funding is only available to Home, undergraduate students. Each application is assessed on a case by case basis.

Information Pack

Application Form

Online Application Form

What Do Students Say?

Final Year Accountancy and Finance Student

“I was able to purchase professional clothing to attend a networking event. At the event I was able to speak to a representative from a company I had applied for and requested their contact details. Afterwards, I was invited to attend an interview for the role. It has helped me to understand the importance of networking and how to make a lasting impression”

Psychology Graduate

“The opportunity fund allowed me to access a trial day at a potential job in London by enabling me to travel to the location. I was able to grasp what the working environment would be so that I can make an informed decision of whether to accept the job offer. This opportunity has enabled me to explore a job that will grant me appropriate experience to continue my desired career path in Clinical Psychology.”

Postgraduate Sports Science Student

“The fund supported me with travel costs for a short-term internship with a professional football club. This experience has given me insights in to how knowledge from my course can be applied in the real world.”

Final Year Product Design Student –

“I was supported with opportunity funding for travel and clothing to attend an interview for a graduate design job. The next day I was offered the job! The fund takes a lot of pressure off and opens your options. Get in touch with the Careers & Employability service if you feel restricted by finances when applying for jobs.”

Final Year Mathematics Student

“The funding allowed me to attend the assessment centre for a Transport Planning graduate role. The funding allowed me to attend the assessment centre day at Atkins, for a Transport Planning graduate role. Although unsuccessful, the day has given me an insight into what other assessment centre days will be like and has highlighted skills I would like to develop.”

Law Graduate

“I was due to start a job in a law firm, but didn’t have appropriate clothing until I applied for the opportunity fund. Being able to purchase professional clothing has helped me to make the impression I wanted to make on those I have started working with. The fund has really helped to boost my confidence just from being able to control how I looked and how I want to be perceived. I advise you all to reach out and ask for help so that you too can be in control of your future.”

Meet the Team

Amanda Hogg, Careers & Employability Administrator

Freddie Copson, Widening Participation Officer

Becki Commins, Careers & Employability Adviser (Access & Participation)