EMPLOYERS' SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications now open

Apply now

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

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 

Back to top