Applicants to the University of Aberdeen are reminded that the deadline for applications for bursaries is March, 31. In special circumstances, late applications will be considered.
The University of Aberdeen offers approximately 60 awards, which are split into two categories: Merit and Access. Merit bursaries are awarded to students who have achieved academic excellence, while Access bursaries are awarded to students who have overcome considerable financial and personal hardship and might find meeting the costs of University difficult.
Each bursary is worth £1,000 for every year of study and, unlike Student Loans, the money does not have to be repaid upon graduating or commencing employment.
Speaking as a recipient of the University's Prince of Wales bursary, Alison Gallie, (3rd Year Sociology and Womens' Studies) said: "Without the bursary, I don't think I would have been able to study at University. The awarding body takes into consideration what you have already done in life, as well as what you hope to achieve in the future and the scheme is a great way of encouraging students to realise their full potential. Being awarded the bursary has greatly improved my self-esteem and has been an excellent motivator for me in my course - if the University has had enough faith in me to award me this money, it makes me determined to succeed to give something back."
Deputy Director of Marketing, Clare Gadie commented: "For many students, it is extremely tough to meet the costs of higher education and our bursary scheme helps to ease the pressure. Approximately 80% of our Access bursars are the first in their family to have had the opportunity to study in Aberdeen, and we are delighted to offer them funding to help them to fulfil their academic potential. The amount a student is awarded varies depending on the length of their course of study, and can be anything from a total of £3,000 to £5,000. This can make a real difference to an individual's time at University, reducing their debt, especially as the bursary does not have to be repaid."