Freda Becker fund - Freda Becker fund

What the Freda Becker Fund gives you

As a medical student at one of the University of London’s medical schools, you will receive a research bursary (a scholarship to fund your studies). It is awarded at the start of your ‘Intercalated BSc Year’, a standalone year of science studies that you undertake as part of your medical degree. At UCL, the fund provides approximately 5,700 EUR per year (about GBP 5,000), divided into individual grants of around 1,150 EUR (1,000 GBP). The money comes from a bequest left to the University of London for medical research; these funds are now pooled with the Goldberg-Schachmann Memorial Fund and awarded through the individual medical faculties.

Who can apply

• University: You are studying medicine at one of the University of London’s medical schools: King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, St George’s or UCL.
• Field of study: You’re studying medicine.
• Study phase: You are a medical student in your foundation year and are now starting your gap year before completing your BSc degree (year 3 at UCL).
• Grades: You have achieved outstanding results this school year. In some schools, the award is given to pupils who are amongst the top 20 per cent.
• Financial need: At UCL, any money left over after the prize for the best students has been awarded goes to students who need financial support.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.

How to apply

Each medical school runs its own selection process, so you should apply through your own institution. At UCL, you apply at the end of the year 2, and the UCLMS Scholarships and Grants Committee decides who receives the funding.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very narrowly defined. You must be studying medicine at one of four specific medical schools in London and be taking a gap year as part of your BSc degree; consequently, the pool of eligible applicants is small. If you are amongst the top students in your year group or can demonstrate genuine financial hardship recognised by your university, your chances are good. Each medical school selects the scholarship recipients from among its own students, so you are not competing against applicants from across the country, but against your fellow students.