University of St Andrews - Gateway to Physics and Astronomy Scholarship

What you get

You will receive about 5,170 EUR per year (£4,400) as a contribution towards your living and accommodation costs whilst studying Physics at the University of St Andrews. The money is paid out in monthly instalments from September to May. The grant covers the entire duration of your undergraduate degree and is renewed each year, provided you are making progress with your studies. The grant is funded by the University’s Wardlaw Scholarship Programme, which helps students who would otherwise be unable to afford to study at St Andrews.

Who can apply

• Programme: You will be starting the ‘Gateway to Physics’ programme at the School of Physics and Astronomy. This programme comprises an initial ‘Gateway Year’ prior to a four-year BSc or five-year MPhys degree.
• Study level: You are a new undergraduate student starting your first year of study.
• Where you live: You have the status ‘Home match fee for Scotland’.
• Financial need: The benefit is based on your household income, so you must provide evidence that you are in need of this support.
• Study mode: You are studying full-time or part-time during the day.

How to apply

You cannot apply for this scholarship separately. Instead, you should complete the form for the ‘St Andrews Access Award’ via your applicant portal. You will then be considered for Wardlaw scholarships such as this one based on your household income. You can apply after you have submitted your application to the university and before you receive an offer of admission. The application deadline is 15 April.

How realistic are your chances?

The eligibility criteria for this funding are quite strict: you must have Scottish home student status, be enrolled on the specific ‘Gateway to Physics’ programme, and demonstrate financial need. As a result, the number of people eligible for funding remains small. The ‘Gateway’ programme itself is aimed at students from disadvantaged backgrounds, a category to which many applicants here are likely to belong. If you clearly meet these criteria and apply early, providing proof of your income, your chances are good.