Helena Kennedy Foundation  - ​The Helena Kennedy Foundation 

Helena Kennedy Foundation Higher Education Bursary

You will receive a scholarship of up to about 2,625 EUR (up to £2,250) to cover your living and study costs whilst studying for your Bachelor’s degree at a UK university. At some partner universities, the amount will be spread over the entire duration of your studies. You will also receive ongoing support (regular one-to-one counselling from an experienced adviser) and assistance in finding work placements. The Helena Kennedy Foundation is a UK-based charity that supports students in further education who face social and financial barriers to accessing and completing a higher education degree.

Who can apply

• Where you study now: You are in your final year at a publicly funded UK further education (FE) institution or a sixth-form college, for example, on an ‘Access to HE’ course, an A-Level course, a BTEC course, a ‘Scottish Highers’ course or a T-Level course.
• Where you are going: You will be starting a bachelor’s degree at a UK university in September of the year you are awarded the scholarship. It is fine if you take a gap year beforehand.
• First time at university: You have not yet completed a university degree programme.
• Financial need: You are facing serious financial difficulties.
• Background: You come from a difficult background and have overcome real obstacles to get this far.
• Field of study: Any topic is fine.

How to apply

You apply directly to the Helena Kennedy Foundation via its website, and your university must nominate you, usually through a tutor, a student adviser or the head of department. The application deadline is 8 May. The Foundation decides on the award of scholarships based on academic merit and financial need, and will inform you of the result directly.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very narrowly defined: you must be a student in your final year at a vocational college, transferring to a university for the first time, demonstrate genuine financial hardship, and be nominated by your college. As a result, the pool of applicants is smaller than for open scholarships. If you clearly meet the criteria and can present a compelling, well-documented account of the obstacles you have overcome, your chances are good. Check with your university of applied sciences well in advance, as it may have its own internal deadline before 8 May.