For LGBTQ+ students in the UK, pursuing higher education can come with unique challenges. Discrimination, lack of support, and financial barriers are just a few of the obstacles they may face.
However, various scholarships are available specifically for LGBTQ+ students to help them overcome these challenges and unleash their full potential in academia. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 scholarships in the UK that aim to empower LGBTQ+ students, providing them with the support they need to thrive academically and personally.
Stonewall LGBTQ+ Scholarship Programme
- Criteria: The Stonewall LGBTQ+ Scholarship Programme offers financial support to LGBTQ+ students in the UK pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies in any field.
- Requirements: Applicants must identify as LGBTQ+ and demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and equality.
- How to Apply: Interested students should apply through the Stonewall website, following the application guidelines and deadlines provided for the scholarship programme.
- Application Link: Stonewall LGBTQ+ Scholarship Programme
The Rainbow Fund
- Criteria: The Rainbow Fund provides scholarships to LGBTQ+ students in the UK for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in any discipline.
- Requirements: Applicants must identify as LGBTQ+ and demonstrate financial need, academic merit, and involvement in LGBTQ+ activism or community service.
- How to Apply: Interested students should apply through the Rainbow Fund website, following the application procedures and deadlines specified for the scholarship.
- Application Link: The Rainbow Fund
The LGBT Foundation Scholarships
- Criteria: The LGBT Foundation offers scholarships to LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK pursuing higher education or vocational training.
- Requirements: Applicants must identify as LGBTQ+ and demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and a commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy or community involvement.
- How to Apply: Interested students should apply through the LGBT Foundation website, following the application guidelines and deadlines provided for the scholarship programme.
- Application Link: The LGBT Foundation Scholarships
The Manchester Pride Foundation Scholarships
- Criteria: The Manchester Pride Foundation provides scholarships to LGBTQ+ students in Greater Manchester for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in any field.
- Requirements: Applicants must identify as LGBTQ+ and demonstrate academic achievement, financial need, and involvement in LGBTQ+ activism or community initiatives.
- How to Apply: Interested students should apply through the Manchester Pride Foundation website, following the application procedures and deadlines specified for the scholarship programme.
- Application Link: The Manchester Pride Foundation Scholarships
The Out for Education Scholarships
- Criteria: The Out for Education Scholarships support LGBTQ+ students in London pursuing higher education at universities or colleges in the city.
- Requirements: Applicants must identify as LGBTQ+ and demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and a commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy or community engagement.
- How to Apply: Interested students should apply through the Out for Education website, following the application guidelines and deadlines provided for the scholarship programme.
- Application Link: The Out for Education Scholarships
The LGBTQ+ Student Support Fund
- Criteria: The LGBTQ+ Student Support Fund offers financial assistance to LGBTQ+ students in the UK facing financial hardship or emergency situations.
- Requirements: Applicants must identify as LGBTQ+ and provide evidence of financial need, such as a statement of income or unexpected expenses.
- How to Apply: Interested students should apply through their university or college’s LGBTQ+ student support services, following the application procedures and deadlines specified for the fund.
- Application Link: Applicants should contact their university or college’s LGBTQ+ student support services for information on applying to the fund.
The Proud Trust Scholarships
- Criteria: The Proud Trust provides scholarships to LGBTQ+ students in the UK for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in any field.
- Requirements: Applicants must identify as LGBTQ+ and demonstrate academic merit, financial need, and a commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion.
- How to Apply: Interested students should apply through The Proud Trust website, following the application guidelines and deadlines provided for the scholarship programme.
- Application Link: The Proud Trust Scholarships
The Gendered Intelligence Scholarships
- Criteria: Gendered Intelligence offers scholarships to transgender and non-binary students in the UK pursuing higher education or vocational training.
- Requirements: Applicants must identify as transgender or non-binary, demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and a commitment to transgender rights and advocacy.
- How to Apply: Interested students should apply through the Gendered Intelligence website, following the application procedures and deadlines specified for the scholarship programme.
- Application Link: The Gendered Intelligence Scholarships
The Queer Futures Scholarship Fund
- Criteria: The Queer Futures Scholarship Fund provides financial support to LGBTQ+ students in the UK for undergraduate or postgraduate studies in any discipline.
- Requirements: Applicants must identify as LGBTQ+ and demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and a commitment to LGBTQ+ activism or community building.
- How to Apply: Interested students should apply through the Queer Futures website, following the application guidelines and deadlines provided for the scholarship programme.
- Application Link: The Queer Futures Scholarship Fund
The Intercom Trust Educational Bursary
- Criteria: The Intercom Trust offers educational bursaries to LGBTQ+ students in the South West of England for further education or training.
- Requirements: Applicants must identify as LGBTQ+ and reside in the South West of England, demonstrate financial need, and provide evidence of enrollment or acceptance into an eligible education or training program.
- How to Apply: Interested students should apply through the Intercom Trust website, following the application procedures and deadlines specified for the educational bursary.
- Application Link: The Intercom Trust Educational Bursary
Conclusion: These scholarships represent invaluable opportunities for LGBTQ+ students in the UK to pursue higher education, achieve their academic goals, and contribute to LGBTQ+ advocacy and community empowerment.
By providing financial assistance, mentorship, and support, these scholarships aim to unleash the potential of LGBTQ+ students and create a more inclusive and equitable society. It’s essential for interested individuals to carefully review the eligibility criteria, requirements, and application deadlines for each scholarship and to take advantage of these opportunities to thrive academically and personally. Through dedication, perseverance, and pride in their identities, LGBTQ+ scholarship recipients can make a positive impact on their communities and inspire others to embrace their true selves.