Izzy Brinkley, President Exeter 2025-26, has secured a huge win for student employability!
If you are an Exeter student in Cornwall, and are currently on or have a placement or internship that starts before 1 October 2026, you can apply for up to £250 to support accessing your placement.
Thank you to the University of Exeter for the funding to deliver this initiative to help more students access experiences that will help them to feel more confident and secure jobs after uni.
Click here to apply for the Placement Fund.
What is the criteria to successfully receive the funding?
We will prioritise students who have secured a placement or internship that is part of a credit-bearing module or a year in industry (professional placement year), and who receive no or little support from their placement/internship provider.
We will also prioritise students who would not necessarily be able to access their placement experience without additional support from this fund.
All applicants must:
- Have an active UK bank account in their name
- Be a current student at the University of Exeter in Cornwall
- Be currently on or have a placement/internship secured that starts before 1st October 2026
How do I apply for the SU Placement Fund?
The fund is open for applications from 9am Friday 1st May to 5pm Monday 18th May. We would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Complete the application form and submit. The form asks questions about you, your placement/internship, and the funding you would like.
The application collects demographic data, such as your student fee status and whether you had free school meals, to help The SU to report engagement. It will not be used to inform the decision on who receives funding.
What can I apply for through the Fund?
The fund application process has free text comments for you to outline how much you might need and what you want to use it for.
From student feedback, we’re expecting students will want help with funding travel to/from placement, specialist equipment or uniform, additional training/qualifications/opportunities, or food while on placement.
When will I hear back from about the outcome of my application?
All applicants can expect to hear the outcome of their application by the end of 29th May, and for successful applicants, the funding transfer will take place shortly after.
I'm a Falmouth student, can I apply for the fund?
No, this fund is only for Exeter Cornwall students. If you think there should be something similar for Falmouth University students you can submit a proposal to Make a Change or get in touch with your President Falmouth or VP Falmouth.
Why do I need a UK bank account?
Having a UK bank account is the easiest way for our finance team to manage payments to students.
I’m an international student – can I apply?
Yes, international students are eligible for this fund, provided they have a UK bank account in their name for The SU to pay the funds into if they are successful.
I’m in my final year of study and will be graduating soon, can I apply for the fund?
As long as your placement/internship opportunity is confirmed, and starts before 1st October 2026, you are eligible to apply for this fund.
I’m thinking about applying, but I haven’t got confirmation of starting my placement/internship yet – can I still apply for this fund?
Unfortunately, only students who have their place confirmed for their placement/internship experience (or are already currently on placement/undertaking their internship at the time of applying) are eligible to apply. If you are unsure if your placement is confirmed, please check with your placement/internship provider, or you can access support with how to do this from the Career Zone. Please ensure your position is confirmed before applying for this fund.
Anything you feel you need or would allow you to make the most out of your experiences on placement as possible! Ideas might include transport costs, food/living expenses, additional activities whilst on placement (e.g. attending a conference), uniform or additional specialist tools. Applications where these resources and/or opportunities are not already financially supported or offered by your placement/internship provider will be prioritised.