Applying for a university scholarship

Eligibility

Open to candidates aged 18-21 years old looking to start undergraduate studies who are nationals of and ordinarily resident in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia or South Africa. Candidates must first be nominated by their current school head.

Application process

1. Nomination
   School heads nominate eligible candidates.
2. Application
   Candidates receive an application form and must obtain an offer from a Beacon Partner University.
3. Evaluation
   The Beacon Equity Trust assesses candidates for academic ability, leadership potential, Changemaker qualities, and financial need.

Key requirements

• Proven record of academic excellence
  Grades should be in the top 10% of the year group, and predicted at least AAA at A-Level or 36-38 points in IB.
• Achievement in sports, music, or drama
  Certification of outstanding achievement.
• Social influence and communication skills
  Have held positions of responsibility, demonstrating confidence and leadership.
• Citizenship
  Tangible evidence of community service and involvement
• English proficiency
  Able to converse fluently and write proficiently in English.
• Financial need
  Can demonstrate financial disdvantage within the scholarship eligibility threshhold.
• Potential to contribute fully to university life
  Keen to get involved in societies, clubs and other activities, and galvanise others.
• Intention to return home to a leadership role
  Ambitious to change policies and processes in home country, and contribute to its development.
• Changemaker qualities
  Can demonstrate the capacity to initiate change and to lead, inspire, and take others with them.

Financial requirements

• Income limit
  Gross Household Income (GHI) should be below US$100k per annum.
• Family contribution
  Parents/sponsors must cover maintenance costs which include living costs such as accommodation and subsistence, compulsory government surcharges, and airfares to and from their home country. These maintenance costs are typically around £15k (US$20k) annually.
• Education Fund
  A bank account must be set up with a minimum balance of first year maintenance costs £15k (US$20k).

Timeline

1. Registration
   Candidates register on The Beacon Changemakers website and download Nomination and Eligibility Forms.
2. Nomination and Eligibility confirmation
   School Heads submit Nomination Form. Candidates submit Eligibility Form when they have received their first offer from a Beacon Partner University.
3. Application
   Suitable and eligible candidates receive an Application Form.
4. First Shortlist
   Beacon reviews applications and shortlists candidates for interview and assessment.
5. Interviews and Assessments
   Shortlisted candidates assessed by Beacon with individual interview and group assessment.
6. Final Shortlist
   Beacon compiles final shortlist of candidates.
7. Financial Disclosure
   Parents/sponsors of candidates on the final shortlist are sent financial disclosure forms for completion.
8. Recommendation
   Once Financial Disclosure is completed, Beacon recommends candidates to University Partners.
9. Decision
   Beacon recommendations accepted by University Partners.
10. Beacon Award
    Award Letter, conditional on final grades, sent to candidates and their parents/sponsors.
11. Acceptance
    Award Acceptance Form completed by scholars and their parents/sponsors.
12. Mentorship
    Away and Home Country Mentor assigned to Beacon Scholars.

Process Timeline – University Scholarship

Please note
Up to six new scholarships are available each academic year.
Nominations and Applications received after the Closing Date will be considered for the next academic year.
Check for availability of Scholarship places at Beacon Partner Universities before registering. 

Register to Access Nomination & Eligibility Forms

NOMINATIONS AND APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR 2025 entry.