Are you an international student who dreams of studying a creative subject at one of the world’s leading arts and design universities? Do you want to benefit from the academic excellence, cultural diversity, and creative innovation that UAL offers? If so, you may be eligible for the UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award, a prestigious scholarship that covers the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses for a full-time taught master’s course at UAL.
The UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award is one of the most generous scholarships available for international students who want to pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK. It is aimed at supporting talented and motivated students from low-income countries who have the potential to make a positive impact in their home countries and beyond. The scholarship is open to applicants who hold an offer to study a full-time taught master’s course at one of UAL’s Colleges and Institutes starting in 2024/25. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and personal statement.
In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award, including:
- What are the benefits of the scholarship?
- Who is eligible for the scholarship?
- How to apply for the scholarship?
- What are the selection criteria and process?
- What are the terms and conditions of the scholarship?
- What are some tips and advice for writing a successful personal statement?
- What are some frequently asked questions about the scholarship?
By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award and how to apply for it. You will also learn how to write a compelling personal statement that showcases your achievements, goals, and values. So, let’s get started!
Benefits of the UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and Accommodation Award
The UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award is a full scholarship that covers the following costs for the duration of your master’s course:
- Tuition fees: The scholarship will pay for the full cost of your tuition fees, regardless of the course or college you choose. This means you don’t have to worry about paying any fees to UAL or any other institution.
- Accommodation: The scholarship will provide you with a place to stay at one of UAL’s halls of residence, which are located across London and offer a range of facilities and services. You will have your own room with a private bathroom and access to a shared kitchen and common areas. You will also have the opportunity to meet and interact with other students from different backgrounds and disciplines.
- Living expenses: The scholarship will also give you a living allowance of £15,000 per year, which you can use to cover your other expenses such as travel, materials, food, and entertainment. This will help you enjoy your life in London and make the most of your studies. In addition to these financial benefits, the UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award also offers you the following advantages:
- Academic excellence: UAL is ranked second in the world for art and design by the QS World University Rankings 2023, and has a reputation for producing some of the most influential and innovative artists, designers, and creative professionals in the world. By studying at UAL, you will have access to world-class facilities, resources, and teaching staff, as well as a diverse and vibrant student community. You will also have the chance to participate in exhibitions, events, and collaborations that will enhance your skills and portfolio.
- Cultural diversity: UAL is home to more than 18,000 students from over 130 countries, making it one of the most international and multicultural universities in the world. By studying at UAL, you will be exposed to different cultures, perspectives, and experiences, which will enrich your learning and personal development. You will also have the opportunity to explore London, one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the world, and discover its history, culture, and attractions.
- Creative innovation: UAL is at the forefront of creative innovation, research, and enterprise, and supports its students to develop their ideas and projects. By studying at UAL, you will be encouraged to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively, and to challenge the status quo. You will also have the opportunity to engage with industry partners, networks, and organisations that will help you advance your career and make a positive impact in your field.
Eligibility Criteria UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and Accommodation Award
To be eligible for the UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must hold an offer to study a full-time taught master’s course at one of UAL’s Colleges and Institutes starting in 2024/25. Your course must offer either a Grad Dip, M ARCH, MA, MFA, MBA, MRes or MSc qualification. Your course must be delivered full-time in person in London. Online and low residency courses are not eligible.
- You are not eligible to apply if you already hold a UK postgraduate taught qualification (or one at an equivalent level) from studies undertaken in the UK or abroad.
- You must be ordinarily resident in one of the low income economy countries detailed in the list of qualifying countries (see below). The list excludes the following developed countries: Canada, China, Japan, UK, USA, and the European Union/EEA member states. If your country is not on the list you may be eligible for other funding options, such as the UAL International Postgraduate £7,000 Scholarship. Evidence such as a copy of your immigration documents, ID card or formal proof of your address must be included as part of your application.
- Or you are an asylum seeker in the UK at the point at which you make your scholarship application. If you need help with accessing this application, please contact Student Funding.
- Your annual household income must be £25,000 or less (or the equivalent exchange value in a qualifying country’s currency) at the point of application. For an up-to-date currency conversion, visit Oanda Trade Currency Exchange.
- You must provide a personal statement as part of your scholarship application which responds to the following questions (maximum 350 words per question):
- Describe how receiving a postgraduate scholarship would make a difference to you.
- Tell us how you intend to use the qualification you will be gaining to support your future plans.
- Describe how you would address challenges in your home country.
- Tell us how you would uphold the values of social justice and environmental stewardship.
- You must also provide supporting evidence of your financial situation, such as bank statements, payslips, tax returns, or other official documents that show your income and expenses. You may also need to provide evidence of your academic achievements, such as transcripts, certificates, or portfolios.
How to Apply for UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and Accommodation Award
How to apply in four (4) steps
To apply for the UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1:
Apply for a master’s course at UAL. You can find out more about the courses, entry requirements, and application process on the UAL website. You need to apply for your course by 31 January 2024 to be considered for the scholarship.
Step 2:
Receive an offer from UAL. Once you have submitted your course application, you will receive a confirmation email from UAL. You will then be contacted by the relevant College or Institute with a decision on your application. If you are offered a place, you will need to accept it by 31 March 2024 to be eligible for the scholarship.
Step 3:
Apply for the scholarship online. You will need to complete an online application form and upload your personal statement and supporting documents. You can access the online application form on the UAL website. You need to apply for the scholarship by 30 April 2024 to be considered for the scholarship.
Step 4:
Wait for the outcome of your scholarship application. You will be notified of the outcome of your scholarship application by email by the end of June 2024. If you are successful, you will receive a scholarship offer letter with the details of the award and the terms and conditions. You will need to accept the scholarship offer by the deadline specified in the letter to secure your place.
Selection Criteria and Process
The UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award is a competitive and merit-based scholarship that is awarded to up to 4 applicants each year. The selection criteria and process are as follows:
Criteria:
The scholarship applications are assessed by a panel of UAL staff and external experts, who consider the following aspects of each application:
- Academic merit: The panel will review your academic qualifications, achievements, and potential, as well as your portfolio or work samples (if applicable). They will look for evidence of your academic excellence, creativity, and originality.
- Financial need: The panel will review your financial situation and circumstances, as well as your supporting documents. They will look for evidence of your financial hardship, challenges, and barriers to accessing higher education.
- Personal statement: The panel will review your personal statement and responses to the questions. They will look for evidence of your motivation, goals, values, and impact. They will look for evidence of your passion, commitment, and suitability for the scholarship.
Process:
The scholarship selection process consists of the following stages:
- Shortlisting: The panel wills shortlist the eligible and complete applications based on the criteria. The shortlisted applicants will be invited to an online interview with the panel.
- Interviewing: The panel will conduct online interviews with the shortlisted applicants via Skype or Zoom. The interviews will last for about 30 minutes and will cover the following topics:
- Your academic background and achievements
- Your motivation and goals for studying at UAL
- Your financial situation and challenges
- Your personal statement and responses to the questions
- Your questions and concerns about the scholarship and studying at UAL
- Finalising: The panel will select the final recipients of the scholarship based on the interview performance and the overall quality of the application. The panel will also select a reserve list of applicants who may be offered the scholarship if any of the recipients decline or withdraw from the scholarship.
Terms and Conditions
The UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award is subject to the following terms and conditions:
- You must accept the scholarship offer by the deadline specified in the offer letter. If you fail to do so, the scholarship will be withdrawn and offered to another applicant.
- You must enrol on your master’s course by the start date specified in the offer letter. If you defer or delay your enrolment, the scholarship will be withdrawn and offered to another applicant.
- You must maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance throughout your course. If you fail to do so, the scholarship may be suspended or terminated.
- You must abide by the UAL Student Regulations and Code of Conduct. If you breach any of the regulations or code, the scholarship may be suspended or terminated.
- You must inform the UAL Student Funding Team of any changes in your circumstances that may affect your eligibility or entitlement to the scholarship. This includes changes in your financial situation, immigration status, course enrolment, or personal details.
- You must participate in any monitoring, evaluation, or reporting activities that UAL may require as part of the scholarship programme. This may include providing feedback, testimonials, or case studies about your experience and achievements.
- You must acknowledge the support of the UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award in any publications, presentations, or exhibitions that result from your studies at UAL.
- You must agree to act as an ambassador for UAL and the scholarship programme, and to support any promotional or outreach activities that UAL may organise or request. This may include attending events, mentoring prospective students, or sharing your story on social media.
Tips and Advice for Writing a Successful Personal Statement
Your personal statement is one of the most important parts of your scholarship application, as it gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality, achievements, goals, and values. It also allows you to demonstrate your suitability and potential for the scholarship and the course you have chosen. Here are some tips and advice for writing a successful personal statement:
Plan ahead:
Before you start writing, make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to say and how you want to structure your statement. You can use the questions provided in the application form as a guide, but you can also add your own points or examples. You can also do some research on UAL, the course, and the scholarship, and think about how they align with your interests and aspirations.
Be specific:
Use specific examples and evidence to support your claims and arguments. Avoid vague or generic statements that could apply to anyone or any situation. For example, instead of saying “I have always been passionate about art and design”, you could say “I have been involved in various art and design projects and competitions since I was a child, such as …”. This will show the panel that you have concrete achievements and experiences that demonstrate your passion and skills.
Be personal:
Use your own voice and tone to express your thoughts and feelings. Avoid copying or paraphrasing other sources or statements, as this may result in plagiarism or lack of originality. You can also use anecdotes or stories to illustrate your points or to show your personality. For example, you could share a challenge or a success that you faced or achieved in your academic, professional, or personal life, and how it shaped your goals or values.
Be concise:
Keep your statement within the word limit of 350 words per question. This will help you focus on the most relevant and important information and avoid unnecessary or irrelevant details. You can also use bullet points or numbered lists to organise your points or examples, and to make your statement easier to read and scan. You can also use transitional words or phrases to create a smooth flow and connection between your paragraphs or sentences.
Be honest:
Be truthful and realistic about your situation, circumstances, and expectations. Do not exaggerate or lie about your achievements, qualifications, or financial need, as this may result in disqualification or withdrawal of the scholarship. You can also acknowledge your weaknesses or challenges, but show how you have overcome them or learned from them. This will show the panel that you are self-aware and resilient.
Be positive:
Use a positive and confident tone to convey your enthusiasm and motivation for the scholarship and the course. Avoid using negative or pessimistic words or phrases that may undermine your credibility or potential. You can also highlight your strengths and achievements, but avoid being arrogant or boastful. You can also show your gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity and the support that the scholarship offers.
List of Qualifying Countries
The UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award is open to applicants who are ordinarily resident in one of the low income economy countries detailed in the list below. The list is based on the World Bank’s classification of countries by income level as of July 2023.
The list excludes the following developed countries: Canada, China, Japan, UK, USA, and the European Union/EEA member states. If your country is not on the list you may be eligible for other funding options, such as the UAL International Postgraduate £7,000 Scholarship.
- The list of qualifying countries is as follows:
- Afghanistan
- Angola
- Bangladesh
- Benin
- Bhutan
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Comoros
- Congo, Dem. Rep.
- Congo, Rep.
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Djibouti
- Egypt, Arab Rep.
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Gambia, The
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Haiti
- India
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Korea, Dem. People’s Rep.
- Kyrgyz Republic
- Lao PDR
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Micronesia, Fed. Sts.
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Nicaragua
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Principe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Solomon Islands
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sri Lanka
- Sudan
- Swaziland
- Syrian Arab Republic
- Tajikistan
- Tanzania
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Uzbekistan
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
- West Bank and Gaza
- Yemen, Rep.
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Afghanistan
These countries are eligible for the scholarship because they are classified as low income economies by the World Bank, which means they have a gross national income (GNI) per capita of less than $1,035. These countries face many challenges in accessing higher education, such as poverty, conflict, inequality, discrimination, and lack of resources and opportunities. The scholarship can help them overcome these challenges by providing them with financial support, academic excellence, cultural diversity, and creative innovation. The scholarship can also help them develop their skills and knowledge, and contribute to their home countries and the global community.
FAQS
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award:
How many scholarships are available and how long do they last?
There are up to 4 scholarships available each year, and they last for the duration of your master’s course, which is usually one year or two years depending on the course.
Can I apply for the scholarship if I have already started my master’s course at UAL or if I have already accepted another scholarship or funding source?
No, you can only apply for the scholarship if you have not yet started your master’s course at UAL and if you have not already accepted another scholarship or funding source. You must also hold an offer to study a full-time taught master’s course at UAL starting in 2024/25.
Can I apply for the scholarship if I am applying for more than one master’s course at UAL or if I have received more than one offer from UAL?
Yes, you can apply for the scholarship if you are applying for more than one master’s course at UAL or if you have received more than one offer from UAL. However, you can only apply for the scholarship once, and you must specify which course you are applying for in your scholarship application. If you are successful, you must accept the scholarship offer for the course you have specified in your application.
Can I change my course or college after I have received the scholarship offer or after I have enrolled on my course?
No, you cannot change your course or college after you have received the scholarship offer or after you have enrolled on your course. If you do so, the scholarship will be withdrawn and offered to another applicant.
What happens if I fail or withdraw from my course or if I suspend or defer my studies?
If you fail or withdraw from your course or if you suspend or defer your studies, the scholarship will be terminated and you may be required to repay some or all of the scholarship funds that you have received. You must inform the UAL Student Funding Team of any changes in your course enrolment or academic progress as soon as possible.
How will I receive the scholarship funds and how can I use them?
The scholarship funds will be paid directly to UAL to cover your tuition fees and accommodation costs. You will not receive any cash payments from the scholarship. The living allowance will be paid to you in installments by bank transfer to your UK bank account. You can use the living allowance to cover your other expenses such as travel, materials, food, and entertainment.
Do I need to pay any taxes or fees on the scholarship funds?
The scholarship funds are exempt from UK income tax and national insurance. However, you may need to pay taxes or fees in your home country or in other countries where you have income or assets. You are responsible for checking and complying with the tax laws and regulations of the relevant countries and authorities.
Do I need to apply for a visa or a student loan to study at UAL?
Yes, you will need to apply for a visa and a student loan to study at UAL. The scholarship does not cover the cost of your visa application or your student loan repayments. You will need to apply for a Student visa (formerly Tier 4 visa) to study in the UK, and you will need to meet the visa requirements and conditions. You will also need to apply for a student loan to cover the remaining cost of your studies, such as the immigration health surcharge, the course deposit, or any additional fees or charges. You can find out more about the visa and student loan application process on the UAL website.
Conclusion
The UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award is a fantastic opportunity for international students who want to study a creative subject at one of the world’s leading arts and design universities. It is a full scholarship that covers the cost of tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses for a full-time taught master’s course at UAL. It is also a chance to benefit from the academic excellence, cultural diversity, and creative innovation that UAL offers.
To apply for the scholarship, you need to have an offer to study a master’s course at UAL, and you need to follow a step-by-step application process. Make sure to plan ahead, be specific in your personal statement, and adhere to the eligibility criteria.
Remember, the scholarship not only provides financial support but also opens doors to academic excellence, cultural diversity, and creative innovation at UAL. By following the guidelines and tips provided in this article, you can maximize your chances of securing this prestigious scholarship.
Whether you’re passionate about art, design, architecture, or any other creative field, the UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award can be a life-changing opportunity. Embrace the chance to study at one of the top-ranked universities globally, surrounded by a vibrant and diverse community of fellow students.
Best of luck in your application for the UAL International Postgraduate £50,000 Scholarship and accommodation award. May this opportunity be the catalyst for your academic and creative aspirations, leading to a future filled with accomplishments and positive impact. Your journey to excellence begins here!
Nash Delgado