King’s College London is proud to announce the Broadening Horizons Award Global Mobility, an initiative jointly offered by the Widening Participation Department and the Global Mobility Office. Established in the 2015/16 academic year, this award is designed to increase access to international study and work experiences for undergraduate students from widening participation backgrounds.
King’s College London, founded in 1829 by King George IV and the Duke of Wellington, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK. Located in the heart of London, King’s has a long history of academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and public service. It has played a major role in many scientific discoveries and social reforms, and today, it continues to be a global leader in education, attracting students from all over the world.
Table of Briefs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | King’s College London (Widening Participation Department & Global Mobility Office) |
| Award Type | Financial aid for study and work abroad (travel + study costs) |
| Eligible Students | Home-fee-paying undergraduates from widening participation backgrounds |
| Award Value | £250 – £900 |
| Activity Type | Study abroad, internships, electives, summer exchange, field trips |
| Application Rounds (2025/26) | Round 1: Deadline 17 Aug 2025 Round 2: Deadline 7 Dec 2025 Round 3: Deadline 29 Apr 2026 |
| Eligible Period | Activities between 1 Sept 2025 – 31 Aug 2026 |
| Retrospective Applications | Accepted (conditions apply) |
| Contact | studyabroad@kcl.ac.uk |
Background
The Broadening Horizons Award was created to expand global mobility opportunities for students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds at King’s College London. Jointly managed by the Widening Participation Department and the Global Mobility Office, this award helps students access life-changing academic and cultural experiences abroad especially those who may otherwise face financial or systemic barriers.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the BHA, applicants must:
- Be home-fee-paying undergraduate students
- Be engaged in an eligible activity abroad (term-time or summer)
Meet at least one of the following criteria:
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Recipient of the King’s Living Bursary
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Recipient of a means-tested NHS bursary
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Participant in K+, Sutton Trust, or Realising Opportunities Summer Schools
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Mature learners (21+ at the start of undergraduate degree)
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Care-experienced, estranged, or young carers
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Holder of the Sanctuary Scholarship (home-fee not required)
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Identify as Gypsy, Roma, or Traveller
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Have a disability requiring additional support abroad
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Enrolled in the Extended Medical Degree Programme or Enhanced Support Dentistry Programme
Benefits
While funding is not guaranteed, most successful applicants receive £250 to £900, depending on:
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Financial need and number of eligibility criteria met
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Destination country and duration of stay
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Other financial aid received (e.g., Erasmus+, Turing Scheme, departmental scholarships)
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Whether the activity is paid or unpaid
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Quality of personal statement responses
Students undertaking paid placements or holding multiple scholarships may receive reduced funding.
Application Process
There are three rounds based on when your activity takes place:
Round 1 – Application Deadline: 17 August 2025
- Semester 1 or full-year activity
- Complete online application form
- Activities between 1 Sept 2025 – 12 Jan 2026
Round 2 – Application Deadline: 7 December 2025
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Semester 2 activity
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Activities between 13 Jan – 27 April 2026
Round 3 – Application Deadline: 29 April 2026
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Summer exchange or electives
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Activities between 28 April – 31 Aug 2026
Results Timeline: Applicants will be notified 6–8 weeks after the round deadline. If selected, you may need to submit further documentation.
Important Note: Most students will not receive their award funds before their activity begins plan accordingly.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: Round 1 –17 August 2025.
Application Deadline: Round 2 –7 December 2025.
Application Deadline: Round 3 –29 April 2026.
Conclusion
The Broadening Horizons Award is a valuable opportunity for King’s students from underrepresented backgrounds to gain global exposure, enhance employability, and enrich their academic journey. Whether you’re heading for a semester in Europe, a summer in Asia, or a research internship in Africa, BHA can make that dream a reality.