University of Glasgow announces £100,000 in Talent Scholarships
Published: 12 February 2014
Talent and ability, rather than economic circumstance or background are by far the most important attributes for any prospective student to the University of Glasgow, something which the institution has again underlined with the announcement of an additional £100,000 in scholarships.
Talent and ability, rather than economic circumstance or background are by far the most important attributes for any prospective student to the University of Glasgow, something which the institution has again underlined with the announcement of an additional £100,000 in scholarships.
Funded by philanthropic donations to the University, these Talent Scholarships are focussed on those students with an excellent academic record but whose financial circumstances might otherwise prevent them taking up a place at University. The success of the students selected for a Talent Scholarship, including over 70 new students this year, will be celebrated at an awards ceremony in the University's ornate Bute Hall on Wednesday 12 February.
Since it was established in 2007 the Talent Scholarship programme has supported over 300 undergraduate students throughout their studies at the University of Glasgow, with each receiving £1000 a year for the duration of their degree. This year, for the first time, Talent Scholarships worth £2000 have also been awarded to 20 postgraduate students to help support them in achieving their full potential and ambition.
Professor Frank Coton, Vice Principal for Learning and Teaching at the University of Glasgow, said: “The University of Glasgow is determined that its doors are open to all who are dedicated to academic excellence and the Talent Scholarship scheme helps to make this possible.
"By alleviating some of the financial pressures of attending University, the Talent Scholarships help to ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to a world-class higher education. Without this much-needed financial support many of the students would be unable to take up their place at University.”
Brian McBride, the chairman of online fashion retailer ASOS and a major supporter of the initiative will hand out certificates at this year’s award ceremony: "The Talent Scholarship scheme is vital in providing the opportunity and support for some of Scotland's most talented students to excel. Breaking the barriers of inequality in education is something I feel very strongly about and I am delighted to be in a position that I can help in some way to ensuring that financial constraints are no boundary to young people achieving their potential.
"I am also honoured that I have been invited to congratulate these students during the award ceremony. These committed and ambitious young people are at the very starting point of their careers which could see them rise to be our future leaders."
University of Glasgow student Heather Adams received a Talent Scholarship throughout the duration of her undergraduate Law degree and this year received one of the first Postgraduate Talent Scholarships to enable her to complete her postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Heather said of her scholarship: "Receiving a Talent Scholarship throughout my law degree was invaluable. It provided me with the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a lawyer which might not have otherwise been possible for me.
"Gaining my Diploma in Legal Practice is also vital to enable me to become a practicing lawyer, however, the cost of doing this is very high. Without access to any other financial support, the Postgraduate Talent Scholarship has been essential in helping me to realise my ambitions."
The Talent Scholarship fund is now accepting applications from students intending to study here from 2014/15.
Find out more
Media inquiries: cara.macdowall@glasgow.ac.uk / 0141 330 3683
First published: 12 February 2014
<< February