SCHOLARSHIPS
Support for
our students

SCHOLARSHIPS
Support for
our students

Thanks to the generous ongoing support of our donors the financial support available to University of London students, both centrally and across the federation, continues to grow. In 2022–2023, we were delighted to launch the University of London Scholars programme, as well as continuing to provide vital support to our students through our student support fund.
75 students supported
In October 2022, the University launched a new £2million programme as part of its commitment to closing the attainment gap for students in London from different backgrounds. This federation-wide initiative not only provides funding to study with one of the University’s central academic bodies or any of its 17 independent federation members, but also provided fully funded places in UoL Halls of Residence for those who are care leavers or estranged from their families.
The programme supported 75 students in its first year with recipients ranging from first year undergraduates to those undertaking PhD research.

The impact of the University of London Scholars programme goes beyond the material financial support, with one recipient, Kayla, MSc Educational Neuroscience student at Birkbeck, stating: “Non-financially, this scholarship provides me with a sense of pride and achievement in moving forward in something I never believed I would be able to do.”

“We are delighted to see the impact that the University of London Scholars Programme is already having on our students. This programme is improving access to education, supporting the attainment gap for those from non-traditional backgrounds and is enhancing the life prospects of students who are based here in London.”

Professor Wendy Thomson CBE
Vice-Chancellor

This programme is, in part, funded by the University’s endowed funds – some of which are a result of the generous support of those who have left a gift in their Will to the University of London.
Student support fund
In 2022, devastating floods hit Pakistan causing unprecedented damage and affecting the lives of millions. Omer was in the final year of his CertHE Business Administration via distance and flexible learning when the disaster struck and his family home and harvest were washed away in the floods.
There was a sense of hopelessness and desperation, as Omer feared his education too might slip away. Thankfully, as a result of generous support from alumni and friends of the University, he received the funding he needed to complete his studies. Omer explains the impact of receiving this gift:
“The joy found after navigating the depths of sadness is priceless, a treasure that shines brighter than any gem or material possession. I’m so grateful that the University of London helped me when I was facing a very difficult time in my life.”

Omer, Student support fund recipient
Even small gifts can help, as often it is only a small amount of funding which is needed to get students through difficult circumstances.
Thank you to all those who have contributed to the student support fund this year. Your support has a direct impact on students like Omer, allowing them to complete their programmes despite finding themselves in the most challenging of situations.
Unprecedented student support fund
We are thrilled to share that Nigerian philanthropist, lawyer and double University of London alumnus, Aare Afe Babalola, has generously given a £100,000 donation to the student support fund as a result of our 2022 end of year appeal to alumni.
Afe recently celebrated 60 years since he was called to the bar in London in 1963. A prominent lawyer and philanthropist, he is also the founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) and was recognised by the University of London for his achievements with an Honorary Degree in 2015. Afe’s transformational gift will provide desperately needed support to students from all over the world who find themselves unable to continue with their programmes due to financial hardship.
This gift is in addition to his £10million donation to Kings College London to establish the Afe Babalola African Centre for Transnational Education, which will be delivered in partnership with the University of London.

Aare Afe Babalola
Nigerian philanthropist, lawyer and double University of London alumnus


To find out more about supporting our students, or leaving a gift in your Will, please visit our website or email: development@london.ac.uk