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Scholarship information and University and Secondary School rankings

The Beacon Scholarship Program

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Scholarship Overview

  • The Beacon Scholarship is a leadership development program that nurtures ethical changemakers who can effect positive social change.
  • This program targets young people with leadership potential who demonstrate financial need, providing them with access to high-quality education, offering leadership training and mentoring, and creating a vertical pathway for transition into leadership positions.

Host School(s)

Beacon partner universities in the UK, which are:

  • University of Bristol
  • Cardiff University
  • London School of Economics
  • University of Cambridge
  • Imperial College London
  • University of Surrey

Field(s) of Study

  • Any 3-4 year undergraduate degree, excluding Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Sciences.

What does the scholarship cover?

  • Two-thirds of the total of:
    • Tuition fees
    • Maintenance costs
    • An annual fixed allowance for compulsory surcharges
    • One return economy airfare to the Scholar’s home country only. 

NOTE:

  • The Beacon Scholarship is aimed at Parents/Guardians/Sponsors who can demonstrate financial need but are able to fund at least one-third of total costs.

How many scholarships are given?

  • 6 scholarships

Which countries are targeted?

  • Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia.

Am I Eligible to Apply?

To qualify for this scholarship, you must:

  • Have obtained an offer of a place in at least one university participating in The Beacon Scholarship for University program.
  • Have satisfied the grade requirements for entry into a course at a Beacon Partner University
  • Demonstrate some formal level of proficiency in sport, music, or drama
  • Have held a position of responsibility in your school, or have evidence of confidence amongst peers. (This will be determined via an interview and a practical assessment.)
  • Show that you have helped the less fortunate or have done work in the local community.
  • Be recognized as a role model in your community
  • Be able to demonstrate that you are a ‘Changemaker’ and that you can make a difference in your community.
  • Be able to study independently overseas
  • Be a national of and resident in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, or Zambia
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Intend to return to your home country in a leadership position after gaining international experience in your chosen field of study
  • Be ready to commit to participating actively in university life
  • Be ready to contribute to the development of your home country.

How Do I Apply – Next Steps

  • You must first register and download a Nomination Form which must be completed by the Head of your current secondary school. This Nomination Form requires an endorsement that you have strong academic and leadership potential, are a changemaker, and have the capability for successful completion of an undergraduate program of study at a world-class university.
  • Once you have received an offer for entry into a Beacon Partner University, you will be invited to complete a full Beacon Scholarship Application Form and Financial Disclosure Form.
  • Applications will then be evaluated by the Beacon Equity Trust for evidence of leadership potential.
  • All shortlisted candidates will then be required to attend an interview and a full-day leadership assessment.

Selection Criteria

  1. Exceptional academic ability
  2. Excellence in sport, music, or drama
  3. Outstanding interpersonal skills
  4. Role-model citizenship
  5. Be a ‘Changemaker’

Closing Date

  • 31 January 2022 (Nominations)
  • 15 February 2022 (Applications)

How do I get more information?

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