Cowrie Foundation Scholarship September 2025 entry

The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation, in partnership with the University of Surrey is offering two full scholarships to support Black British undergraduates from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

About

The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation (CSF), in partnership with the University of Surrey, is offering two full scholarships to support Black British undergraduate students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation wants to empower over 100 financially disadvantaged Black British students through UK universities in the next decade. This will be achieved by funding their fees and living expenses in partnership with universities, donors and businesses, supported by mentors and a full mentorship programme.

Find out more about The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation.

This scholarship is a fee-waiver, meaning the successful applicants tuition fees will be covered and £8,000 will be provided each academic year to support with maintenance for up to three-years of study. Applicants must be a UK/Home student.

“Without the financial support of the Cowrie Foundation Scholarship I would never have been able to afford things essential for my course such a laptop. I’d encourage anyone to apply for this lifechanging scholarship” Monica, current Cowrie Foundation scholar.

Eligibility criteria

We welcome applications from UK/Home students considering coming to the University of Surrey for September 2025. To apply for this scholarship, you must meet all the following criteria to be considered:

Identify as belonging to one of the following ethnic groups:
- Black or Black British – Caribbean
- Black or Black British – African
- Mixed – White and Black Caribbean
- Mixed – White and Black African
- Other Black background.
Have a household income of £25,000 per annum or less.
Have made an application to Student Finance (England, Wales or Northern Ireland) or the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for tuition fee support and a maintenance loan.
Have received confirmation that you'll be in receipt of full financial support for the 2025/26 academic year. Please ensure you have given consent to share the information with the University, as this information will be used to determine eligibility.

How to apply

Apply via the online form.

Complete the online form to apply by the deadline which is the 1st May 2025

Application Process

Once you have completed your application, make sure you have also started the process of applying to the University of Surrey. Ideally, you will have already started this process, but for support on this please contact our admissions team: admissions@surrey.ac.uk.

The University of Surrey typically receives a large number of applications to our scholarships. All applications are reviewed by using an unbiased weighting system, applications will then be shortlisted and revised before awarding occurs. The shortlist will also be shared with the Cowrie Scholarship Foundation.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications in the Autumn 2025. Please do not contact the Cowrie Foundation directly for updates.

The University of Surrey will prioritise scholarship for applicants who meet the greatest number of criteria, particularly household income. We will also consider the area you live in (using POLAR4 data to determine areas with low levels of progression to higher education). Your goals for the future and any challenges you have faced during your education journey will also be taken into account.