The Centenary scholarships, backed by £60,000 in UK Government funding, are being made available to cover the living costs for students from backgrounds less likely to go to university. Both Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast will receive £30,000 to award scholarships.
At Ulster University, Northern Ireland Centenary Scholarships will be awarded in support of Ulster’s Belfast Community Scholarship and Northern Ireland Community Scholarship schemes. Smaller awards will support talented students in need of financial assistance as part of the Ulster University Student Opportunity Fund. The Community Scholarships will be awarded to students entering their first year at Ulster in September 2022 with applications opening in April 2022. The Student Opportunity Fund opens to students in late September.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis said:
“This is levelling up in action, as the scheme is geared towards supporting students from backgrounds less likely to go to university.
“Provided by two of the UK’s world-class universities, Queen’s University Belfast and the Ulster University, this is a great opportunity for students to access brilliant facilities and opportunities to build their future careers.”
Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University said:
“At Ulster University we believe in creating access to education for everyone. This generous funding from the Northern Ireland Office will help students from low income and disadvantaged backgrounds to access the qualifications, experience and skills that will enable them to fulfil their potential.
“The funding will provide two full scholarships as part of our Community Scholarships programme and give further support for students via Ulster University’s Student Opportunity Fund which makes financial assistance available in achieving excellence, reaching potential and addressing hardship. Support like this truly helps to transform lives and we are delighted to work with the Northern Ireland Office to offer these scholarships.”
The Ulster University Student Opportunity Fund will be open for applications late September 2021 – all Ulster University students will be contacted directly with further information on how to apply. These scholarships will ease the financial burden for students from low income families and with limited financial resources.
For further information, please email studentfund@ulster.ac.uk