Employer scholarships launched to break down barriers | News

March 2026

Employer scholarships launched to break down barriers for Birmingham students

By Melanie Hall

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University College Birmingham has launched the first eight of a suite of new, fully-funded scholarships for students living in areas of economic and social hardship in Birmingham.

With a greater number expected to be announced for the 2027 intake, the introduction of the new Employers' Scholarships reflects the University’s longstanding commitment to widening participation and inclusive education, with a primary focus on people in Birmingham who may previously have dismissed their hope of going to university due to financial pressures.

This pioneering programme is a pillar of the University’s Widening Access and Participation Plan and is designed to support talented and motivated students who face financial or personal barriers to higher education, opening new pathways into university and helping them to fulfil their potential.

As well as supporting local talent to thrive, the scholarships will also address issues of sector skills gaps, equity in the workplace and growth for the West Midlands region.

As a result, the suite of scholarships will draw on key areas of the University’s provision in subject areas such as business, construction, culinary arts, cyber and computer science, engineering, hospitality, sports exercise science and tourism.

“Our ultimate goal is to empower students from disadvantaged backgrounds to not only enter university, but to thrive and succeed within it,” said Professor Michael Harkin, University College Birmingham Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

“By providing these scholarships, we are levelling the playing field and allowing our scholars to compete on equal terms with their peers. These scholarships are designed to foster confidence, academic success and professional readiness, ensuring that our graduates leave University College Birmingham ready to lead, innovate and make a lasting impact on the world.”

Open to applications now for September 2026 entry, the eight available scholarships will include a full tuition fee waiver and accommodation for the duration of the course, further backed by a substantial bursary to help with the costs of study and student life.

This unprecedented package is an addition to University College Birmingham's existing, award-winning support and is intended to empower students to immerse themselves fully in the university experience, from campus life to extracurricular opportunities, without the stress of external financial pressures.

The new University College Birmingham Employers’ Scholarships so far are:

The City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club Scholarship
The Celtic Collection Hotels Scholarship
The Didactic Services Ltd Scholarship
The Hobart Commercial Kitchen Equipment Scholarship
The Miss Macaroon Scholarship
The Red Carnation Hotels Scholarship
The Siemens Plc Scholarship
The Wood Manor Group Scholarship

Visit our Employers' Scholarships page to find out which specific degree courses the scholarships are available on, which postcodes of Birmingham the scholarships apply to, how much the scholarships are worth, the extra employer support, eligibility criteria and how to apply (with lots of guidance).

Find out more