Applications open for eleventh year of Southwark scholarships

15 March 2022

Southwark Council invites would-be university students who are worried about paying tuition fees to apply for this year’s Southwark Scholarship Scheme.

Since the scheme began in 2011, the council has helped 121 young people (under 25 years) to pursue higher education through the scholarship award.

Applicants need to meet the eligibility criteria which ensures that scholarships go to local young people from underprivileged backgrounds. They must also have a good record of academic achievement and positively contribute to the local community.

Leanne Armitage was awarded a Southwark Scholarship in 2014 and recently qualified as a junior doctor from St. George’s, University of London. She said: “While I was going through medical school, the scholarship meant that I didn’t have to worry too much about having a part-time job. It afforded me the time to be able to work on setting up a charity, to help increase diversity across UK medical schools. I was awarded the Queen’s Young Leader’s Award by Her Majesty the Queen in 2018, which is definitively my proudest achievement to date.”

Another Southwark Scholar, William Carter, is currently a PhD student in Political Geography at the University of California, Berkeley. He said: “The Southwark Scholarship scheme is life-changing. Last year, I was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. I am proud of being a Southwark Scholar and being an ambassador for the Southwark Scholars that allows that mission to continue to happen.”

Cllr Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Education, said: “We are passionate about breaking down the barriers that might prevent our young people from achieving their full potential. If you are thinking about going to university but are put off by the tuition fees, please take a look at our scholarship scheme. The scholarships are designed to help relieve the financial burden on students from low income households so they can concentrate fully on their studies and their future.

“We are delighted that our Southwark Scholarships have already helped 121 young people from across the borough to pursue their chosen university course. Our scholars have gone on to achieve at the very highest levels while remaining passionate about supporting young people just like them. It is a privilege to celebrate their many successes.”

For more information and how to apply for a Southwark Scholarship, visit www.southwark.gov.uk/scholarship

Expressions of interest must be made by 1 May 2022.

Page last updated: 15 March 2022