Travel Pass Contribution Scheme

Get help with the cost of a First Bus travel pass if you receive certain bursaries or financial support from us.

How the scheme works

We contribute up to £150 towards the cost of qualifying travel pass tickets.  The exact amount depends on the type of ticket you buy.

First Bus will confirm student tickets for the next academic year around May.

Who can apply

To apply, you must:

  • be a fully registered student
  • receive one of the following awards or bursaries:
    • Financial Assistance Fund (FAF)
    • University of Bristol Bursary
    • Access to Bristol Bursary
    • Bristol Scholars Bursary

If your bursary is not yet confirmed, you can still apply. We will check your eligibility later in the year.

When to apply

Applications open from the start of welcome week and close at the end of February.

 You can apply:

  • before or after buying your travel pass
  • before or after receiving bursary confirmation
  • after receiving an in-year Financial Assistance Fund award

 The scheme has a fixed budget. Applications may close earlier if funding runs out.

How to apply

1. Complete the scheme application form during the application window.

  • the form will appear on this page once applications open.
  • you must be logged in with your University of Bristol account to access it.

2. Provide proof of purchase.

  • if you already have your ticket, upload proof of purchase with your application.
  • if you apply before buying your ticket, upload proof of purchase once it’s available.

How payments are made

Applications will be assessed within 5 working days. If your application is successful, payment will be made within the following working week.

Payments are made to the UK bank account registered on your University financial statement.

Missing proof of purchase and repayment

To receive the contribution, we need proof that you bought a qualifying travel pass.

If we do not receive this:

  • we will need to reclaim the payment and issue an invoice.
  • any balance remaining at the end of the academic year may be deducted from future bursary or Financial Assistance Fund payments.

Any remaining balance after that will be handled by the University’s Credit Control team.

Providing false information or documents may lead to your application being cancelled, repayment of any contribution, and possible disciplinary action.

Any outstanding debt at the end of the academic year will prevent you from progressing to your next year of study or graduating. 

Contact us

If you have questions about the scheme, your application, or you need to submit proof of purchase, contact student-funding@bristol.ac.uk.