The Cowrie Foundation, in collaboration with Lancaster University, is excited to announce the availability of the Cowrie Foundation Scholarship for undergraduate students starting their studies in the 2025/2026 academic year. This prestigious scholarship aims to support Black African and Caribbean heritage students from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds, offering financial assistance to ensure that access to higher education is not limited by race or social class.
Lancaster University, established in 1964, is a public research university located in Lancaster, England. Originally founded as a university to provide higher education to the growing population in the North-West of England, it has since developed into a globally recognized institution. Known for its strong focus on research and teaching, Lancaster offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across various disciplines, with a commitment to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The university has earned a reputation for excellence in both education and student satisfaction.
Table of Briefs
| At a Glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Level | Undergraduate Students |
| Fee Status | Home Students |
| Year of Entry | 2025 |
| Eligibility | Black African and Caribbean heritage, Home fee status, Household income under £25,000 |
| Amount | Tuition Fee Waiver + £8,000 Maintenance Stipend per year |
| Application Process | Application form, Personal Statement, Additional Information |
| Closing Date | 2 May 2025. |
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Cowrie Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Ethnicity: Applicants must be of Black African or Caribbean heritage.
- Fee Status: Applicants must have a home fee status.
- Household Income: Applicants must have a household income of £25,000 or less.
- University Offer: Applicants must hold an offer for an undergraduate program at Lancaster University for the 2025/2026 academic year. This offer can be conditional or unconditional, but it must be accepted.
- First Degree: Applicants must be starting their first undergraduate degree (they must not have previously completed a higher education qualification).
- Residency: Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK.
Benefits
The Cowrie Foundation Scholarship provides the following benefits:
- Tuition Fee Waiver: The scholarship covers the full tuition fee for undergraduate study at Lancaster University.
- Maintenance Stipend: In addition to the tuition fee waiver, recipients will receive a maintenance stipend of £8,000 per year. This stipend is designed to support living expenses and may include other bursaries or scholarships available from Lancaster University.
The maintenance stipend is paid in installments three times a year, ensuring that students have consistent financial support throughout their academic journey.
Application Process
To apply for the Cowrie Foundation Scholarship, applicants must submit the following:
- Personal Statement: A statement of between 600 and 900 words, covering:
- Why the scholarship would be beneficial to your studies.
- How the scholarship would help you achieve your academic goals.
- How your education will benefit your community or society.
- Academic and personal achievements, including challenges you have overcome.
- Additional Information: Applicants will need to provide the following:
- Full name and university applicant ID (or UCAS number).
- Full home address.
- Programme of study and name of the current school/college.
- Confirmation of financial support from Student Finance (England, Wales, Northern Ireland) or SAAS (Scotland).
- A statement confirming this is your first undergraduate degree.
Applications should be submitted via the Cowrie Foundation Scholarship application form.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 2 May 2025.
Conclusion
The Cowrie Foundation Scholarship represents a significant opportunity for Black African and Caribbean heritage students who come from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds to access higher education. By providing both a tuition fee waiver and a generous maintenance stipend, the scholarship aims to ease the financial barriers to university study and empower students to reach their full potential.