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Access to Digital Learning Fund

The Birkbeck Access to Digital Fund is available to eligible postgraduate taught and research students who are unable to meet the cost of essential IT equipment required for their studies.

Undergraduate students can instead apply for the Access to Education Bursary (ATEB), which supports eligible students with essential study-related costs, including digital equipment, travel and other course-related expenses. Find out more on the Birkbeck Financial Support Scheme page.

Fund details

The following information outlines the details of the Birkbeck Access to Digital Learning Fund, including eligibility, value of the fund, what you can put the money towards, and how to apply.

  • Eligibility criteria

    In order to be eligible to apply, you must have Home fee status, be fully enrolled on any postgraduate course, studying a minimum of 30 credits for the academic year, or enrolled on a  research programme. You must be a registered Birkbeck student, studying on a programme that is based at our Bloomsbury campus in London (this includes programmes delivered online).
    You must also have a household income of £30,000 or less as defined in the criteria below.
    You must also meet one of the categories defined below:

    • Category A: You receive government funded means-tested benefits or live with parents in receipt of these benefits.
    • Category B: You are a single parent receiving child benefit.
    • Category C: In receipt of Carer's Allowance.
    • Category D: A care leaver.
    • Category E: Hold refugee or humanitarian protection status.

    Please read the mandatory documentary evidence required before applying.

    Additional support

    Students who do not meet the ADLF eligibility criteria above, but who are experiencing exceptional personal circumstances affecting their ability to purchase essential digital equipment required for their studies, are encouraged to apply to the Hardship Fund.

  • Household income

    Household income is your gross income from the tax year before the start of the academic year (e.g. 2025-26 tax year for the 2026-27 academic year) and the gross income of your spouse/partner (if relevant). Parental income is not considered for any students.

    The income limit is raised by £2000 if assessed on a joint income, £2000 for the first dependent child, and a further £1000 for each child thereafter. (A dependent child is any child under 18, for whom you or your partner has parental responsibility that is wholly or mainly financially dependent.)

  • Value of award

    Awards are provided as a £500 voucher for Birkbeck’s online Aspire Shop where students can choose from a range of laptops and related accessories.

    Vouchers must be provided before purchase. Funding cannot be offered for equipment already purchased.

  • How to apply

    You can apply using the online application form and completing all sections.