Ten students can win a £1,000 financial boost thanks to Santander Universities

Posted on 14 October 2025 • University news

The Open University has once again teamed up with Santander Universities to offer students help with their finances through the academic year. Thanks to Santander Universities, 10 lucky students will get the chance to win £1,000 cash in a free draw.

All OU students are eligible to enter. Just sign up via the Santander Open Academy. Enrolment is open now and will close at 11pm (GMT) on 27 November 2025.

Winners can spend their Brighter Futures Grant on whatever they need, whether that be rent, bills, groceries, textbooks or technology. The funding boost is designed to alleviate financial pressures so OU students can focus on their studies.

Santander Universities is the philanthropic arm of Santander that supports 75 university partners with funding and student opportunities in education, employability and entrepreneurship.

Successful partnership renewed

To enter, follow these 4 simple steps:

1. Register for Santander Open Academy, a free online learning platform (if you haven’t already).

2. Click the verification link in your confirmation email.

3. Log in and choose ‘Get Started’ to complete your entry into the Brighter Futures Grants programme. Select [University name] from the menu.

4. Submit your entry by 11pm on 27 November 2025.

The Open University renewed its successful partnership with Santander Universities in 2022, which includes this programme of £10,000 in grants for students to support their studies through the Santander Open Academy.

Find out more online.