Student scholarship now live with £1000 bursary

Students entering the workforce have ranked a good salary as their highest priority when looking for a job, according to new research.

Leading fintech firm Quotezone.co.uk carried out a survey of 100 students to find out their expectations of the workplace and what they value most when job hunting.

Over a third (39%) placed money as the primary factor when looking at a prospective employer, with career progression ranking a close second (35%). Just 9% put flexibility as their top priority, while 8% are on the lookout for an employer with a strong culture.

In terms of salary expectations, almost a quarter (23%) of students are expecting to start their first job on £35,000, just shy of the median full-time salary (£39K) across the UK. This places graduate pay expectations close to mid-career professionals, rather than those just starting out.*

While financial renumeration appears to be the top priority, it’s interesting to see 75% say they would be willing to sacrifice salary in exchange for a better work-life balance.

Over two-thirds (68%) of students feel positive about working from home, underlining how remote and hybrid models are now seen as a normal and a desirable part of working life for the next generation of talent.

A further 20% favour a split of two days at home and three days in the office, suggesting that flexibility – rather than full-time home working – is the ideal balance.

For many graduates, the biggest issue they face when entering the workplace is the lack of relevant jobs, with 25% believing more career opportunities are needed.

Shocking new findings by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) have shown a surge in the numbers of graduates who have obtained degrees which fail to match with the skills required by employers, leaving over 700,000 people across the UK with a university degree out of work and claiming benefits.**

The UK fintech sector is a thriving hub, and is the top-ranking investment destination in Europe - ranking second globally behind the US.***

As such, graduates are afforded a diverse range of opportunities in this growing industry, with entry level pay in fintech estimated to be 60% higher than the average graduate starting salary.

Despite this, a staggering 76% of students admitted they have never considered a career in this lucrative field.

In a bid to support young people who are taking their first daunting steps into the fiercely competitive world of employment, Quotezone is encouraging students to explore the wide range of opportunities available and enter their student scholarship.

The Quotezone Fintech Scholarship, is designed to raise awareness of the vast career pathways available for graduates within the fintech sector. 

The program, now in its sixth year, also provides much-needed financial support for students, and offers them a chance to take part in industry relevant work experience.

Greg Wilson, CEO at Quotezone.co.uk said: “Fintech is not just the latest buzzword, it has never been more important, it protects, streamlines and drives our financial services.

“With hundreds of thousands of people now employed by the fintech industry across the UK, it is vital that we strengthen our recruitment processes and plan for the future. 

“Our scholarship project aims to shine a light on the divide between graduate expectations and the reality of what firms need from the next generation of skilled recruits – helping employers attract and retain fresh talent. 

“The fintech industry thrives on a varied workforce, having a range of different skillsets boosting innovation – making it the ideal career for many young graduates in pursuit of competitive salaries, generous benefits and lucrative career opportunities. I’d encourage students of all subjects to apply for our Fintech Scholarship to get a glimpse of what life could be like in this valuable sector.”  

The application process for the Fintech Scholarship is a short online form – the deadline for entries is April 30th 2026.

The winner will receive a £1000 bursary and will also have the option to take part in industry related work experience at Quotezone – gaining vital sector experience to help support their recruitment efforts.

References:
Quotezone survey findings are based on a randomised survey of 100 students across the UK in January 2026, which represents a margin of error of approximately 5% at a 95% confidence level.
Quotezone Fintech Scholarship – https://www.quotezone.co.uk/about/student-scholarship
*https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/bulletins/annualsurveyofhoursandearnings/2025
**https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1klry2rjm0o
***https://www.business.gov.uk/invest-in-uk/investment/sectors/fintech/