University of Aberdeen Cowrie Foundation Scholarship 2025/26 (Fully Funded)
The University of Aberdeen, in partnership with the Cowrie Scholarship Foundation (CSF), is offering fully funded undergraduate scholarships for the academic year 2025/26. This opportunity is aimed at Black British students from low-income backgrounds who have demonstrated academic potential and a commitment to personal growth and social impact.
The Cowrie Foundation is working with UK universities to support over 100 students within the next 10 years, with a focus on addressing inequality in higher education access.
Scholarship Coverage
Students awarded the Cowrie Foundation Scholarship will receive:
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Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of their undergraduate program at the University of Aberdeen
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Annual maintenance stipend of up to £8,000 to support living expenses
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Support throughout the entire degree program (typically 3 or more years), subject to satisfactory academic progress
This comprehensive financial support removes economic barriers and allows students to focus on academic success, campus life, and future career development.
Available Fields of Study
All undergraduate programs offered by the University of Aberdeen are eligible under this scholarship. Students can apply to any subject area for their first undergraduate degree.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Cowrie Foundation Scholarship 2025/26, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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Ethnic Background: Must identify as belonging to one of the following:
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Black or Black British – Caribbean
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Black or Black British – African
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Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
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Mixed – White and Black African
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Other Black background
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Admission Status: Must have firmly accepted an offer to study a full-time undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen for the 2025/26 academic year.
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Residency: Must be classified as a ‘Home’ or ‘Rest of UK’ fee-paying student.
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Household Income: Total household income must be £25,000 or less per year.
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Student Finance: Must apply for full income-assessed student finance from your regional funding body (e.g., Student Finance England, SAAS, Student Finance Wales, or Northern Ireland) and consent to share this information with the University of Aberdeen.
How to Apply
Application Deadline: 31 July 2025
To apply for the Cowrie Foundation Scholarship, follow these steps:
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Submit the Official Application Form provided by the Cowrie Foundation.
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Provide Financial Evidence from your student finance body, confirming your assessed household income.
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Write a Personal Statement (maximum 700 words) that addresses the following:
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How this scholarship would support your educational journey
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Your academic and professional goals
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How your education will benefit your community or wider society
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Your most meaningful academic or personal achievements
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Applications will be evaluated based on merit, financial need, and alignment with the Cowrie Foundation’s mission to promote racial equality in higher education.
Why Choose the University of Aberdeen?
Established in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. Located in the heart of Scotland, it offers:
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A wide range of undergraduate courses
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World-class research and teaching facilities
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A diverse, inclusive, and supportive student community
Scholarship recipients benefit not only from financial aid but also from mentorship and inclusion in a dynamic learning environment committed to student success.
Learn more about the university: www.abdn.ac.uk
Final Thoughts
The Cowrie Foundation Scholarship at the University of Aberdeen is more than just a financial award — it’s a powerful initiative to drive positive change in the UK education system. If you’re a talented Black British student from a low-income background, this could be your opportunity to study at a top-tier UK university without financial stress.
Apply before 31 July 2025 and take the first step toward a transformative academic journey.
FAQs – Cowrie Foundation Scholarship 2025/26
Q1. Who can apply for this scholarship?
Black British students with a household income of £25,000 or less who have accepted an offer to study at the University of Aberdeen in 2025/26.
Q2. What costs are covered under the scholarship?
The scholarship covers full tuition fees and provides a maintenance grant of up to £8,000 per year.
Q3. How many scholarships are available?
Two scholarships are available for the 2025/26 academic year at the University of Aberdeen.
Q4. Is this scholarship available for postgraduate study?
No, this scholarship is only available for first-time undergraduate students.
Q5. When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is 31 July 2025.
Q6. Can international students apply?
No. The scholarship is open only to domestic (Home or Rest of UK) students who identify as Black British.
Q7. How do I know if I am assessed as a ‘home’ student?
You must be classified by the university as a Home or Rest of UK student for tuition fee purposes. This is usually based on residency status and legal right to live in the UK.
