The University of Surrey is excited to announce the Sam and John Dawson Scholarships, a prestigious award designed to support care-experienced students beginning their undergraduate studies in STEM subjects. Offering up to £60,000 in funding, this scholarship aims to remove financial barriers and provide life-changing opportunities for deserving students.
The University of Surrey, located in Guildford, was officially established in 1966, but its origins go back to the Battersea Polytechnic Institute founded in 1891. The institution grew in reputation for its strong focus on science, engineering, and technology before moving to Guildford to become a full university. Today, Surrey is recognised for its world-class teaching, pioneering research, and strong links with industry, especially through its renowned Professional Training Year that gives students valuable real-world experience.
Table of Briefs
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Sam and John Dawson Scholarship |
| University | University of Surrey |
| Funding Amount | Up to £60,000 £15,000/year for 3 years + £15,000 for PTY |
| Eligible Students | First-year undergraduate UK/Home students |
| Focus Area | STEM subjects |
| Special Requirement | Care-experienced background |
| Number of Awards | 2 scholarships available |
| Application Deadline | 5 October 2025 |
| Contact Email | bursariesandscholarships@surrey.ac.uk |
Background
The Sam and John Dawson Scholarship was created to support students from care-experienced backgrounds in their academic and personal growth. By offering financial stability, the scholarship ensures students can thrive in demanding STEM fields while also gaining valuable industry experience through the University of Surrey’s Professional Training Year (PTY).
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Be a Home/UK first-year undergraduate student at the University of Surrey.
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Be studying a STEM course see full eligible course list below.
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Be from a care-experienced background, which includes:
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Living with foster carers under local authority care.
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Living in residential care children’s home.
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Being looked after at home under a supervision order.
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Living in kinship care with relatives/friends, officially or informally.
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Eligible STEM Courses
The scholarship covers a wide range of STEM subjects, including:
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Engineering: Chemical, Petroleum, Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Electronic, Biomedical.
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Sciences: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Physics (and specialisations), Food Science, Microbiology, Nutrition, Veterinary Biosciences.
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Mathematics & Computing: Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Economics & Mathematics, Internet & Computer Engineering.
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Health & Life Sciences: Biomedical Science, Sport & Exercise Science, Nutrition & Dietetics, Psychology.
Benefits
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Award Value: £15,000 per year for 3 years of academic study.
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Additional Support: £15,000 for a Professional Training Year if undertaken.
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Number of Awards: Two students will be awarded the scholarship.
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Conditions: The award cannot be combined with other University of Surrey bursaries.
Application Process
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Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the care-experienced and course requirements.
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Prepare Documents: Gather evidence of care experience and academic details.
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Complete Online Application: Fill out the University of Surrey’s online application form for the Sam and John Dawson Scholarship.
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Submit Before Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 5 October 2025.
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Outcome Notification: Applicants will be informed of the decision during the first semester.
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 5 October 2025.
Conclusion
The Sam and John Dawson Scholarship is more than just financial aid it is a pathway to success for care-experienced students who aspire to make their mark in STEM fields. By easing financial pressures and offering additional support for professional training, the scholarship empowers students to focus on both their academic achievements and career development.