SCHOLARSHIPS
Your support, their future.
Enabling students to succeed.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Your support, their future. Enabling students to succeed.
Philanthropically funded scholarships ensure that students can benefit from the lifelong impact of a world-class University of London education, regardless of their socio-economic background. The generosity of our donors provides financial support to exceptional individuals who, without it, could not access this life-changing experience. To all our donors who support our scholarship programmes, thank you.
The impact of providing students with a secure home
In 2022–2023, we launched the University of London Scholars programme, an ambitious £2million strategic commitment to closing the attainment gap. The programme is supporting more than 70 students every year across the University of London and its 17 independent federation members, and the initiative is continuing to grow.
An incredible additional £185,000 of funding has been donated by the Unite Foundation and the Portal Trust to expand the number of fully-funded places available in University of London accommodation for care-experienced students in London. It’s the direct impact of this generosity that is making a difference to our students right now, including Munir, studying for his BA (Hons) Global Politics and International Relations at Birkbeck, University of London, and Sabrina, who has just completed her LLB Laws at LSE.
We caught up with Munir and Sabrina, who both received fully-funded places within the University’s halls of residence. They were kind enough to share some of their student journey with us and discuss the impact of being a University of London Scholar.
“The support doesn’t just make university accessible; it provides the stability that students need to truly thrive, equipping them to build their future without limitations.”
What has been the impact of receiving accommodation support through the London Scholars programme?
Munir: It’s been life-changing. Growing up in care, having my own space was something I always dreamed of, and this scholarship has given me exactly that. It has lifted the financial burden of paying rent, which has had a ripple effect throughout my life. It’s been essential in improving my mental health and given me the freedom and security to find a sense of community. This programme has truly been a gift, empowering me to thrive personally, emotionally, and socially.
Sabrina: It’s been transformative. With this security, I was able to attend classes and lectures consistently, engage in events and pursue valuable internships, as well as secure a training contract, along with two political internships and a consulting internship. These experiences have been pivotal in shaping my professional trajectory and afforded me the opportunity to give back to the community, an experience that enriched my understanding of social issues and allowed me to contribute meaningfully.
Why do you think it’s so important for the University of London to be able to support students in this way?
Munir: For many students without family support, the daunting costs and lack of a safety net are significant barriers, often deterring them from even considering university. Support opens up higher education to students who might feel it’s out of reach. This freedom allows students like me to engage with our studies and take on opportunities, such as internships.
Sabrina: Many of us face financial barriers that can impede academic and professional growth. Personally, I’ve struggled mentally at times, with various stress points in my life exacerbated by my background. The pressures can be overwhelming, especially without family, siblings, or relatives to turn to for advice or assistance. Having my rent covered has profoundly increased my chances of completing my course. This investment in student welfare is crucial. When the University of London supports its students, it levels the playing field.
“Having my rent covered has profoundly increased my chances of completing my course. This investment in student welfare is crucial. When the University of London supports its students, it levels the playing field.”
What do you most enjoy about studying with the University?
Munir: The immersive learning environment, where the subjects I’m passionate about are celebrated, thoughtfully challenged, and constantly discussed. Being in a place where curiosity and knowledge are valued is incredibly motivating. I also love the diverse community - it’s inspiring to connect with people from so many different backgrounds, each bringing unique perspectives and experiences. It makes every conversation richer and every learning experience deeper.
Sabrina: I enjoyed the incredible diversity of students and the inspiring ideas. I befriended peers on my course who, despite being my age, had already launched successful ventures. For instance, one friend created digital revision guides, while another student I met at an LSE Africa event started an NGO that provides reusable period pads. These individuals have greatly inspired me and raised my ambitions; I can envision myself starting a charity, initiative, or business that benefits others.
What are your main ambitions during your time at the University of London and after you graduate?
Munir: To fully engage with my studies and successfully obtain my degree, and to gain hands-on experience through internships that allow me to apply what I’ve learned in meaningful ways. These internships are especially important to me, as they provide insight into different fields and help me discover where my true interests lie. After I graduate, my hope is to work in a sector I’m passionate about, one that aligns with my values and allows me to make a positive impact - even if I’m still exploring exactly what that might be.
Sabrina: Now that I have graduated, my primary ambition is to begin my training, as I work towards qualifying as a commercial solicitor. I aim to establish a professional network that mobilises legal practitioners and advocates to champion justice in regions of Africa where access to legal resources is limited. My other goals are to become a council member within the next five years, where I can influence local policy, and to use my legal knowledge and political experience to become a school governor and make a significant impact on educational policies and practices, ensuring that all students have the resources and support they need to thrive. I am also committed to starting a charity aimed at helping looked-after children realise their potential. Having seen the challenges first-hand of growing up in care, I want to create a platform that provides mentorship, educational resources, and opportunities that empower them to build successful futures.
Thank you so much to Munir and Sabrina for talking to us. They demonstrate first-hand the incredible power of philanthropy and the potential it unlocks. We wish them both every luck in their stellar futures!
The Global Effect of Giving
This year, we were thrilled to launch the Mary Stiasny Scholarship, a new philanthropically funded global award supporting the University’s mission to transform lives and societies around the world through the power of education. The Scholarship is named in honour of Professor Emerita Mary Stiasny OBE, who retired from her role as Pro Vice-Chancellor (International, Teaching and Learning) in June 2024. The award will create three undergraduate scholarships, with the first awards being for students in Pakistan and covering a full programme of study with the University of London.
Professor Emerita Mary Stiasny OBE
Mary Stiasny joined the University in 2013, having studied at four of the University’s federation member institutions, worked at three of them, and been a teacher herself. We are honoured to launch the scholarship in Mary’s name, in recognition of her work globally and her commitment to strengthening our position as the world’s leading provider of flexible and distance learning.
“The University of London is a pioneer in delivering world-class education. We were the first university in the UK to admit students regardless of their gender, race or religion, the first to admit women to degree programmes and, for over 150 years, give students the opportunity to study our degrees anywhere across the globe. I hope that this new scholarship will enable more students to undertake a University of London degree regardless of their financial status.”
Professor Emerita Mary Stiasny OBE
Thank you to all those who have made donations towards the Mary Stiasny Scholarship, and for supporting the University’s mission to transform lives through education.
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