University College Birmingham is launching the first eight of a suite of new, fully funded Employers’ Scholarships, with a greater number expected to be announced for the 2027 intake. This comprehensive, sector-leading initiative reflects the University’s longstanding commitment to widening participation and inclusive education, and has a primary focus on people in Birmingham, who may previously have discounted 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 living in areas of economic and social hardship, who face financial or personal barriers to higher education, opening new pathways into university and helping them to fulfil their potential.
“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 UCB’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.
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.
The University College Birmingham Employers’ Scholarships include:
- 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
“We’re delighted to support the UCB scholarship scheme, and to welcome a candidate who might not ordinarily get the opportunity, into the Hobart family, where they will receive training, mentoring and real-life experience in one of hospitality’s most diverse businesses,” said Scott Duncan, Managing Director, Hobart UK Equipment Division.
“This is a new chapter in our on-going partnership journey with UCB and ours is very much a relationship built on a shared ethos of partnership and opportunity; if we can support individuals to thrive and build their skillset in this wonderful industry of ours, we will, time and time again.”
“At Siemens, we believe the future of industry depends on developing talented, diverse individuals with the skills to innovate and lead,” added Steve Jones, Connected Curriculum Lead at Siemens plc.
“We are proud to support the Employers’ Scholarship at University College Birmingham, helping remove barriers for outstanding students and enabling them to contribute to the technologies and industries that will shape tomorrow.”
As part of the initial application stage, students will be asked to demonstrate their commitment to their chosen programme and explain how receiving the scholarship would make a meaningful difference to their future ambitions. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to attend a selection day as part of the final decision-making process.
Once accepted on to a course, successful students will be expected to meet ongoing criteria throughout their studies, including maintaining good attendance and academic performance standards.
Applications can only be made through the University College Birmingham website, where you will also find details on applicable courses, eligibility criteria and key dates:
