Scholars and donors event celebrates the transformative impact of scholarship support

The event was a chance for some of the students who have received scholarships to meet the donors who have supported their journey. The evening was also an opportunity to thank the individuals and organisations who so generously give donations towards the University’s scholarship programmes. Together, they support the University’s access mission to remove barriers to higher education, ensuring that students around the world can study for a University of London programme, regardless of their financial circumstances.   
 

The University currently has 11 scholarship programmes funded entirely by philanthropic donations. These include the Váradi Scholarship Programme, made possible thanks to generous support from alumnus József Váradi, and the Convocation Trust Scholarship, which supports postgraduate students in the School of Advanced Study.  

The Convocation Trust is one of several donors who have made gifts in support of the University of London Scholars Programme, which provides financial assistance to 75 students every year across the University and its 17 federal members.  

As part of the programme, the University supports students who are care leavers or estranged from their families, providing them with free, year-round catered accommodation in our halls of residence. Thanks to a generous donation from the Unite Foundation and the Portal Trust in 2023, the University was able to expand its residential support from 9 to 14 fully-funded places each year.   

It was a pleasure to welcome Kate Brown, co-Director of the Unite Foundation, to the Scholars and Donors Reception and to hear her speak so passionately about the Foundation’s impact. During 2024-25, the Unite Foundation is supporting 248 care experienced and estranged students at over 30 universities through its national accommodation scholarship – including at the University of London. Research from Jisc has shown that having a secure home at university impacts student outcomes: Unite Foundation scholarship students progress from their first to second year at the same percentage as non-care leaver students. 

Guests also had the opportunity to hear inspiring speeches from two current students who are supported through the Convocation Trust Scholarship and the University of London Scholars Programme. 

During the evening, Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Thomson CBE thanked donors and spoke about the impact of scholarship support on the University’s mission:  

This vital support provides students in need the opportunity to improve lives, empowers communities around the world through education, and transforms society for the better. Our mission has never been more important, and we are immensely grateful for your support and your dedication to transforming society through education.

You can photos from the event on the University's Flickr page. 

For more information about supporting students through the University’s scholarships programme, please visit the website.