University of Leicester Economics Skylark Scholarship and Economics Award

The University of Leicester, supported by Rialto Metals Ltd, is excited to announce the Economics Skylark Scholarship and Economics Award for the academic year 2025/2026. These awards are designed to support students from Black African, Caribbean, and mixed Black heritage backgrounds who are beginning their undergraduate studies in Economics.

The University of Leicester was founded in 1921 as a living memorial to those who lost their lives in the First World War, with the vision of creating an institution of learning that would benefit future generations. It gained full university status in 1957 and has since developed into a leading research and teaching institution in the UK. Known for its discoveries such as the invention of DNA fingerprinting, Leicester has built a reputation for innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence.

Table of Briefs

Background

The Economics Skylark Scholarship and Economics Award were established through the generous support of Rialto Metals Ltd, in partnership with the University of Leicester. These awards were created to promote greater access to higher education for students from Black African, Caribbean, and mixed Black heritage backgrounds, particularly those facing socio-economic challenges.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Belong to one of the following ethnic backgrounds:

  • Black African

  • Black Caribbean

  • Any other Black, Black British, or Caribbean background

  • Mixed or multiple ethnic groups including White and Black African, White and Black Caribbean, or any other background including Black heritage.

• Hold an offer from the University of Leicester to start your first undergraduate Economics degree in September 2025. Eligible courses:

  • Economics BSc

  • Business Economics BSc

  • Economics and Accounting BSc

  • Economics and Data Analysis BSc

  • Financial Economics and Banking BSc

• Be studying full-time, on campus.

• Be classified as a Home student for fee purposes.

• Have been permanently resident in the UK for the past three years in:

  • A low-participation area in higher education (POLAR 4, Quintile 1), or

  • A socio-economically deprived area (IMD Decile 1–2).

• Have a household income of £30,000 or below, confirmed via the Student Loans Company or alternative evidence if requested.

Benefits

• Economics Skylark Scholarship:

  • Value: Up to £12,000 over three years (£4,000 per year).

  • Payment: Paid in February of Years 1, 2, and 3.

• Economics Award:

  • Value: £2,000 one-time.

  • Payment: Paid in February 2026 first year only.

The awarding panel will prioritise the Economics Skylark Scholarship for the applicant who best meets the eligibility requirements, with the Economics Award granted to the next eligible candidate.

Application Process

1. Online Application – Complete the scholarship application form through the University of Leicester’s portal.

2. Personal Statement (max 350 words) –Applicants must address the following points:

   • How the scholarship/award will impact your university experience.

   • Barriers you have faced or overcome in your education.

   • Your ambitions during university and beyond.

   • Achievements academic or personal you are most proud of.

3. Deadline – Submit the application before 11:59 PM BST on Sunday, 6 October 2025.

4. Notification – Results will be communicated by mid-November 2025.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: 6 October 2025.

Conclusion

The Economics Skylark Scholarship and Economics Award are valuable opportunities for students of Black African, Caribbean, or mixed Black heritage from disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to study Economics at the University of Leicester. Beyond financial support, these awards recognise resilience, ambition, and the potential to make a difference in both academia and future careers

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