Royal Holloway University of London is excited to announce the Elaine Etherton Scholarship 2026, a prestigious undergraduate award designed to support high-achieving UK students with financial need. This scholarship offers valuable financial assistance to help eligible students pursue selected undergraduate degrees while recognising academic excellence and potential.
Royal Holloway University of London was founded in 1886 by Victorian entrepreneur Thomas Holloway as a women’s college and became part of the University of London in 1900. It later became fully co-educational and has grown into a leading research-led university, known for its strong academic tradition and its iconic Founder’s Building in Egham, Surrey.
Table of Briefs
| Scholarship Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Elaine Etherton Scholarship 2026 |
| Provider | Royal Holloway, University of London |
| Degree Level | Undergraduate |
| Fee Status | Home (UK) |
| Award Value | £3,500 per year |
| Duration | Up to 3 years |
| Total Value | £10,500 |
| Number of Awards | One |
| Application Deadline | 9 April 2026 |
Background
The Elaine Etherton Scholarship was established by Royal Holloway, University of London to support academically outstanding UK students from lower-income households who may face financial barriers to higher education. Named in recognition of Elaine Etherton’s commitment to widening access and academic excellence, the scholarship reflects the university’s mission to ensure that talented students can pursue their undergraduate studies regardless of financial circumstances.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Elaine Etherton Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
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Hold an offer to study an undergraduate degree at Royal Holloway in one of the following departments:
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English
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History
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Biological Sciences
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Earth Sciences
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Geography
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Psychology
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Physics
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Have Home (UK) fee status
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Achieved, or be expected to achieve, AAA at A-Level or equivalent, such as:
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Distinction, Distinction, Distinction in a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma
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Have a household income of less than £25,000, verified by the Student Loans Company (SLC)
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Have applied for, or intend to apply for, Student Finance
Benefits
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Award Amount: £3,500 per year
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Duration: Paid annually for up to three years, subject to satisfactory academic progress
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Purpose: To support living and study costs while completing an undergraduate degree
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Selection Basis: Academic merit, clarity of goals, and financial need
This scholarship is non-repayable, making it an excellent source of financial support for eligible students.
Application Process
The application process is completed online through Royal Holloway’s applicant portal.
Steps to Apply:
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Secure an offer for an eligible undergraduate degree at Royal Holloway.
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Apply for, or confirm intention to apply for, Student Finance.
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Access the scholarship application portal.
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Submit your application along with a scholarship statement maximum 400 words.
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Ensure all declarations are completed before submission.
Important: Applications exceeding the word limit will be automatically rejected.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 9 April 2026.
Conclusion
The Elaine Etherton Scholarship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for academically strong UK students facing financial challenges. A well-structured, honest, and focused application can make a significant difference. Take time to reflect on your journey, ambitions, and how this scholarship will help you succeed at Royal Holloway and beyond.