Scholarships are available for students studying specific subjects at a university, to support those who demonstrate high academic ability or potential – particularly those from low income households.
They’re similar to academic scholarships, and can be an excellent motivator when you’re revising for your final school exams – especially if you get an unconditional offer, and are tempted to put your feet up.
Often these are sponsored by an external organisation, like a commercial organisation or local employer with whom the university has an ongoing relationship, or donated by an individual linked to that university, such as an alumni or former professor. Awards may also be donated in memory of an individual.
These are usually administered by the appropriate department or school at a university, in collaboration with the donor/sponsor.
Usually an award will be a one-off payment, or series of payments, to contribute towards your general living and study costs. These don’t have to be repaid, unlike traditional student loans.
Recipients may get additional benefitson top of the financial incentive, especially when a scholarship is awarded by an organisation in that field or industry. For example, it can open doors to internship or work experience placements. Plus, being able to say you received a scholarship from company x looks impressive on a CV, or in a graduate job interview.
Not every university or college will have dedicated subject-specific scholarships. This might be something worth asking about at an open day.
How does student finance work where you live?Explore our complete guides to undergraduate finance inEngland,Scotland,Wales, andNorthern Ireland.
Examples of subject-specific scholarships offered by universities
As you can see from the examples below, what’s on offer varies by university:
- Example 1: £2,000 per year across three years of study.
- Example 2: £1,500 per year.
- Example 3: £6,000, paid in instalments for three years.
- Example 4: An award of £1,000 paid in two instalments across the third year of study.
- Example 5: An award of £1,000 for first year only.
To find what extra funding your UCAS choices offer, visit their websites, or contact them. There will be some work involved for you, but the rewards are well worth it.
