Call for Scholarship Applications
“I am delighted that the Foundation is offering scholarships that will help unlock the potential of talented individuals, and provide them the opportunity to become leaders of the future. These scholarships will help give those from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to excel and create a better tomorrow for us all.” –Asif Aziz, Chair of Trustees
Application Overview
The Scholarships Programme offers 100% tuition fee Masters scholarships to support British Muslims to study at UK universities. The scholarships are aimed at those who wish to advance in their careers and bring positive change to their communities and beyond. We invite applications from people who are dedicated to:
- Effective Advocacy and Enhancing Public Perception – facilitating better representation and contribution of Muslims to civil society to combat Islamophobia and positively transform perceptions of British Muslims
- Community Service and Social Development – raising the aspirations and standards within British Muslim communities
The aim is to support emerging leaders who have a high level of commitment to the community as well as the aspirations to lead and inspire in their respective field. Furthermore, we are looking for candidates who are highly driven and dedicated to reaching their goals and want to create a positive impact within the UK.
Applications are now open for 2021/22. Please note that the first cycle of applications will close on 31st March.
Eligible Universities and courses
We shall be collaborating exclusively with our Preferred Partners, and as a consequence scholarships will be offered only to candidates studying Masters degrees at the institutions listed below.
- Aston University (excluding: College of Business and Social Sciences courses)
- City, University of London, Department of Journalism
- Coventry University, Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations
- Goldsmiths, University of London (excluding: MRes, MPhil and MFAs)
- Soas, University of London
- University of Birmingham (must hold 2:1 or 1st at the UG degree level)
- University of Essex
- University of St Andrews (excluding: MRes, MPhil, MFAs)
- University of Sussex (excluding: Online courses, Institute of Development Studies courses)
Subject Areas
Scholarships will only be awarded to individuals with career aspirations in the following disciplines:
- Law – Candidates who hold high aspirations to excel in the legal profession and especially those who wish to become judges.
- Media & Journalism – Candidates driven to ensure better representation in the media
- Policy – Candidates with a passion for influencing public policy in the UK, to ensure that it is equitable and responsive to the needs of minority communities, especially Muslim communities (excluding health policy)
For the 2021/2022 academic year, we will not be funding courses within the discipline of natural or health sciences, engineering or mathematics.
Criteria
Applicants should meet all of the following requirements:
- Be eligible for Home fees status at the University;
- Be active within a Muslim community and demonstrate intimate knowledge of issues affecting British Muslim communities
- Be able to demonstrate long-term commitment to community/societal development within Britain;
- Demonstrate that they require financial assistance in order to undertake a Masters degree
Application Process
Applications are submitted online, via our scholarships applications portal. The application form includes questions about financial means, a vision statement of no more than 1,000 words and the names of two referees.
Short-listed applicants will be invited for a 30 minute interview to explore questions around:
- challenges facing British Muslims;
- vision and hopes for change;
- personal qualities needed to succeed;
- means test – financial barriers faced (student debt, financial commitments).
Means Testing
You will have to demonstrate that you would not be able to self-fund your course. The Foundation will apply the following test, using information you supply, social indicators and available data, to determine your financial means:
- A list of the secondary school(s) you attended, which acts as an important social indicator
- The amount of your student debt (this will have to be evidenced with appropriate documentation)
- Information relating to your financial circumstances on the application form, including caring responsibilities, dependents and existing commitments
- We shall utilise existing government data, such as the Office for Students’ (OfS) POLAR place-generated data, which provides information on general trends on access to Higher Education and participation rates by postcode, indicating rates of social mobility and deprivation
The assessment will include some or all of the means testing criteria above, variously weighted, and will contribute to the panel’s final decision on the candidate.
Support
Successful applicants will be supported through:
1. Scholarships Plus – The Scholarships Plus programme will offer training days and career mentors that further increase the chances of the scholars starting successful careers.
2. Aziz Scholars Association (ASA) – The ASA comprises of current scholars and alumni. It enables the scholars to synergise as well as coordinate induction and training days.
Key dates
The assessment and awards process will be carried out over two cycles:
|
Cycle |
Application dates |
Interview dates |
Award dates |
|
1 |
11th Jan – 31st March |
Feb – April |
Mid May |
|
2 |
1st April – 16th July |
May – July |
Mid August |
The earliest start for courses we can consider is June 2021. If your course starts between June – August 2021, you must apply during cycle 1, otherwise we will not be able to consider your application. For courses starting from September 2021, you may apply in either cycle.
Institutional Schemes (apply directly to these institutions)
In addition to our preferred partners, we currently have the following institutional partners, each offering one scholarship. Scholarship applications must be made DIRECTLY to these institutions. For more information on the application process and criteria, please see the webpages below:
