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Digital Equity Fund for students now open, providing laptop vouchers up to £750.

15 Dec 2025

Following a successful pilot year in 2024/25, the Access and Success team are pleased to announce that the Digital Equity Fund, providing laptop vouchers for target communities of students, is running again for this academic year (2025/26).

Students using laptops

This fund was created in support of the University’s Digital Equity Charter, that committed to ensuring that all our students have access to the development opportunities, accessible learning materials, hardware, software, connectivity and study spaces to effectively engage with their teaching, learning and the student experience. In 2024/25, the Digital Equity scheme, funded by the Manchester Access and Successful fund was responsible for providing 300 students in Year 0, 1 and 2, with a voucher to purchase their own refurbished laptop, from the University-approved supplier, Stone.

An evaluation survey launched in June 2025, showed 92% of respondents felt the scheme had positively impacted their studies and 99% said that the voucher had reduced financial pressures for them. Furthermore, 22% of students said that without the scheme they would have relied on using their smart phones to complete university assignments, 9% stated they would have used a shared family device, and a further 27% relied on University PCs.

Following the positive impact of the scheme, donors who generously give to student inclusion and success have contributed an additional £100,000. In addition to this Emma Britain and Abbie Hyde of ASDS have secured an additional £539,000 of funding from the Future of Student Computing Group (FOSC), which has allowed significant expansion of the scheme for 2025/26.

Dr Simon Merrywest, Director for the Student Experience said: "I am delighted to see the return of the truly transformative Digital Equity Fund. By removing financial barriers and providing essential technology, we’re giving students the tools they need to succeed in every aspect of their studies. It’s not just about laptops—it’s about creating equal opportunities for learning, growth, and achievement. My hope is that every device represents a further step toward a future where no student is held back by circumstance, and everyone can fully engage with their education and thrive in a digital world."

The increased funding will allow for over 800 students to benefit this academic year, and the voucher will be worth £750. This will allow students to purchase new devices that meet IT services recommended specifications for study and assessment. Students will have the choice of a HP laptop, or an Apple iPad.

Eligibility

Eligible students will receive communication either directly, or through relevant networks, encouraging them to apply to the scheme. 

The scheme is open to undergraduate students in all year groups, who meet at least one of the following criteria:

More information