Students in pole position thanks to Santander’s UK-first app launch
Students at the University of Bradford were firmly in the driving seat during the launch of a new one-stop-shop app developed in partnership with Santander Universities UK.
Bradford is the first UK university to join the Santander network – with its UoB Digital app – which contains a campus map, timetables, news, student support services links, Santander benefits and more.
The news follows Santander’s decision to double its annual contribution to the University from £50,000 to £100,000 a year, to support students with grants, scholarships and internships to help widen access and improve outcomes and opportunities.
Aleesha Kadarsha, BSc Forensic and Medical Sciences second year student, pictured playing on the F1 simulator.
F1 simulators
As part of the launch, students were given a chance to test drive two top-of-the-range Williams Team F1 simulators.
Puja Patel, Head of sustainable finance and universities, said: “This is a first for the UK – and we’re thrilled that our partnership with the University of Bradford is helping students to navigate campus life more smoothly and pursue their study and career ambitions with confidence.”
Paul Watson, University Provost, said ‘“We are proud to announce the launch of the new ‘UoB Digital’ app, developed in close collaboration with our students to deliver a more accessible, connected, and enriching university experience. The app represents an important step forward in enhancing student engagement and wellbeing – bringing together key services, information, and opportunities in one easy-to-use platform. UoB Digital is more than a digital tool; it is an integral part of how we support our students to succeed, stay informed, and make the most of their time at the University of Bradford.”
Aleesha Kadarsha, BSc Forensic and Medical Sciences second year student (pictured playing on the F1 simulator), said: “The new UoB Digital app is really useful in terms of having the timetable and quick links all in one place; it’s already on my home screen.”
Paul Watson, Provost, hosting the UoB Digital app launch event
Strong partnership
Santander Universities UK partnership with the University of Bradford was cemented in May 2024, with the bank dontating £150,000 in funding over three years to support students through scholarships, employability, entrepreneurship activities, plus access to online skills courses and competitions.
The company recently announced it was doubling its annual £50,000 grant to £100,000-a-year. The bank plans to use the UoB Digital App launch as a blueprint to work with other UK universities.
Santander’s partnership with the University of Bradford upholds Santander’s existing association with the city, which is already home to one of the bank’s six UK head office sites.
UoB Digital app
What it means for students
Through the new agreement, one University of Bradford student will receive an annual grant of £10,000 over three years, as part of the Santander Scholars Programme, which aims to support under-represented students in higher education.
On top of that, £15,000 will be allocated to support entrepreneurship and start-ups; a minimum of three budding businesses created by students will receive up to £5,000 each.
The employability strand of the partnership will provide support package includes £15,000 of funding per year. Students will receive up to £1,000 each to help them towards gaining employment, which could be used to fund internships, work experience, and volunteering opportunities.
The final area of support will be Brighter Future Grants which will provide 10 students with a £1,000 grant each year. These awards will be available to all students at the University of Bradford.