EMPLOYERS' SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications now open

Open to undergraduates living in areas of economic and social hardship in Birmingham

Our Employers' Scholarships are a comprehensive package of financial support for students who live in areas of economic and social hardship in Birmingham and who may previously have discounted their hope of going to university due to financial pressures.

As part of our commitment to widening participation, we firmly believe that financial circumstances should never be a barrier to academic excellence, which is why we are offering a pioneering suite of fully-funded Employers' Scholarships for September 2026 entry.

We are currently offering eight scholarships, delivered in partnership with industry sponsors Hobart commercial kitchen equipment, Miss Macaroon (Birmingham-based social enterprise run by University College Birmingham alumna Rosie Ginday MBE), Celtic Collection hotels, Siemens engineering, Didactic Services Ltd learning systems, Wood Manor Group construction, City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club and Red Carnation Hotels.

These scholarships are available to eligible students applying for the following courses, which are a priority in addressing regional sector skills gaps:

If you are starting one of these three-year (or four-year with placement) undergraduate degrees in September 2026 and are awarded a scholarship, you will have all of your tuition fees, halls of residence accommodation fees paid for by the University - and you will receive a bursary, our £6,000 Cost of Living Allowance and Kick-Start funding to help with your living costs - none of this has to be paid back.

What exactly do I get if I am awarded a scholarship?

We understand that the cost of university extends far beyond tuition. To provide truly holistic support, our Employers' Scholarships offer an exceptional financial package, including:

Full tuition fee waiver - to the value of £29,370 across three years
Dedicated living bursary of £1,600 per year
Fully-funded accommodation in The Maltings halls of residence to the value of £5,628 per year
£6,000 Cost of Living Allowance - Not a loan. Not means tested. No repayment
Kick-Start bursary of up to £800 per year

This package is in addition to our other award-winning support, designed to empower students to immerse themselves fully in the university experience, from campus life to extracurricular opportunities, without the stress of external financial pressures.

Our Employers' Scholarships

Each scholarship is sponsored by a high profile industry employer, who will provide mentoring, work experience, support with preparing students for interview and, where possible, future job opportunities.

The City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club Scholarship

The 'Birmingham Rockets' is a professional basketball team that competes in the British Basketball League. The rockets focus on developing local talent and promoting the sport regionally and are known for their competitive spirit and community engagement, including providing placements and work experience opportunities for our students.

The Celtic Collection Hotels Scholarship

The Celtic Collection, a longstanding employer of many of our placement students, is a prestigious group of luxury hotels and resorts based in Wales. Originating from the renowned Celtic Manor Resort, it offers high quality accommodation, dining, golf and event facilities and focuses on exceptional service, unique experiences and premium hospitality.

The Didactic Services Ltd Scholarship

Didactic Services Ltd is the Festo official partner for the UK and Ireland - Festo produces and sells pneumatic and electrical control systems and drive technology for factories and process automation worldwide. Didactic Services is the sole supplier of Festo Didactic Learning Systems for Education and partner of the WorldSkills Mechatronics Competitions.

The Hobart Commercial Kitchen Equipment Scholarship

Hobart’s commercial equipment is widely used in professional kitchens, including at University College Birmingham. The company manufactures mixers, dishwashers, and food preparation machines known for durability and efficiency and serves restaurants, hotels and healthcare. Its products help streamline operations, improve hygiene and reduce labour costs.

The Miss Macaroon Scholarship

Miss Macaroon is a Birmingham-based social enterprise founded by Rosie Ginday MBE, an alumna of University College Birmingham. It produces handcrafted macarons while supporting unemployed young people through training and job opportunities, reinvesting profits into social programmes, combining confectionery with meaningful community impact.

The Red Carnation Hotels Scholarship

Red Carnation Hotels is a luxury hotel group operating across the UK, Europe and South Africa. Renowned for exceptional service, elegant accommodation and fine dining, Red Carnation Hotels combines boutique charm with comfort, delivering personalised experiences for discerning travellers worldwide.

The Siemens PLC Scholarship

Siemens is a global engineering company which focuses on industrial automation, smart infrastructure, mobility and healthcare solutions. Siemens technology, which we use in our engineering labs, is known for innovation in digitalisation, helping industries improve efficiency and sustainability, and support modern infrastructure and economic development.

The Wood Manor Group Scholarship

Wood Manor Group is a UK-based provider of timber, construction materials and related services. Serving builders, contractors and DIY enthusiasts, the company provides high quality products, sustainability and reliable delivery, and is known for its expert advice, strong customer support and comprehensive building solutions.

Eligibility criteria

Selection for the Employers' Scholarship is based on values, aspirations and your proposed contribution to University College Birmingham life. Read our full terms and conditions.

Terms and conditions

Academic requirements

You must be in your final year of post-16 education when you apply e.g. year 13 or the final year of your college course
You must be eligible for home UK fee status - if your fee status is due to change from overseas to home in the near future, you can still apply, but we may need to contact you for additional information
If you still have overseas fee status by 1 August 2026, you may not be able to benefit from the scholarship offer. You have until 1 September 2026 to obtain home fee status in order to benefit from the financial support as an undergraduate
You must meet all of the qualification and subject requirements of the course you are applying for, as outlined on the university website (e.g. be studying the correct A-levels (or equivalent) and have achieved any required GCSEs)
You must have achieved at least five grades 9-6 (A*-B) at GCSE (or equivalent). If this does not include English Language and Maths, they must have achieved at least a grade 4 (C) in these subjects

Specific requirements

Applicants must meet at least two of the following criteria (unless they have experience of local authority care, as outlined below), and priority will be given to those meeting multiple criteria.

You have been in receipt of, or have within the last six years, been eligible for, free school meals
You are the first generation of your family to attend university (not including siblings)
Have completed Key Stage 4 studies and/or currently attending UCB's sixth form or college
Have experienced significant extenuating circumstances that have had (or are having) a detrimental effect on academic attainment e.g. you are a young carer, have suffered from long-term illness requiring time out of education or have a disability or specific learning difficulty
Have a household income of £35,000 or below

If either of the following statements apply to you, your application will be prioritised:

You have spent time in local authority care
You are currently resident in a foyer or other supported accommodation

Eligible postcodes and wards

Postcode district	Ward
B10	Hodge Hill
B11	Hall Green
B12	Hall Green
B14	Selly Oak
B18	Ladywood
B19	Ladywood
B2	Ladywood
B20	Perry Barr
B21	Ladywood / Perry Barr
B23	Erdington
B24	Erdington
B25	Yardley
B26	Yardley
B31	Northfield
B32	Northfield
B33	Hodge Hill / Yardley
B36	Hodge Hill / Meriden
B6	Ladywood
B7	Ladywood
B8	Hodge Hill
B9	Hodge Hill

"Our ultimate goal is to empower students from disadvantaged backgrounds to not only enter university, but to thrive and succeed within it. By offering these scholarships, we are levelling the playing field and allowing our scholars to compete with their peers on equal terms. They are designed to foster confidence, academic success and professional readiness, ensuring graduates leave us ready to lead, innovate and make a lasting impact on the world."

Professor Michael Harkin University College Birmingham Vice-Chancellor and Principal

How to apply

To apply for an Employers' Scholarship, please complete the form below by 31 July 2026. If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to a selection interview and select our scholars on 31 August 2026.

As part of the initial application stage, you will need to demonstrate your commitment to your chosen course and explain how the scholarship would make a meaningful difference to your ambitions.
Once accepted onto a course, successful students will be expected to meet ongoing criteria throughout their studies, including maintaining good attendance and academic performance standards.

If you need help with writing your application, here is some guidance to support you. If you have any questions about our scholarships, please email UCBScholarships@ucb.ac.uk

Apply now