At UK Study Connect, we are dedicated to guiding international students through every step of their UK academic journey. Our mission is to provide comprehensive information about educational opportunities, including prestigious scholarships that can transform academic aspirations into reality.
Today, we’re excited to present a detailed guide to one of the most significant funding opportunities for international students from developing countries: the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships at the University of Leeds for 2025.
About UK Study Connect
At UK Study Connect, we pride ourselves on being your reliable partner in navigating the complexities of higher education in the United Kingdom. Our comprehensive suite of services includes expert guidance on selecting the right university that aligns with your academic and career aspirations. We assist you in exploring a wide range of courses, helping you make informed choices that suit your interests and goals.
Additionally, we provide tailored support for scholarship applications, ensuring you can access the financial resources available to help fund your education. Our team is well-versed in the various scholarships offered by universities and external organisations, and we guide you through the application process to maximise your chances of success.
We also recognise the unique challenges that international students face when studying abroad. To ease your transition to life in the UK, we offer various student support services, including orientation sessions, cultural integration programs, and academic advising. Our commitment is to make your educational journey in the UK seamless and rewarding, empowering you to achieve your academic and personal ambitions.
Understanding the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships
The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships are a distinguished collaboration between the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust and the University of Leeds.
Established to promote educational opportunities for deserving students, these prestigious awards exemplify the Ferguson family’s deep-rooted commitment to furthering education, fostering international friendships, and advancing global development initiatives.
The scholarships support exceptional individuals from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to pursue their academic goals and contribute to their communities. Through these awards, the Ferguson family aims to empower students to succeed in their studies and become influential leaders in addressing global challenges.
This partnership enhances the educational landscape at the University of Leeds, strengthens international ties, and encourages cultural exchange among scholars worldwide.
The Legacy Behind the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships
The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust was established to honour the legacy of two generations of the Ferguson family. This charitable organisation aims to support a wide range of causes and initiatives that reflect Allan and Nesta Ferguson’s values and aspirations.
Through its various programs and contributions, the trust promotes education, advances social welfare, and supports community projects, ensuring that the family’s commitment to philanthropy continues to make a positive impact on society for years to come.
Their vision encompasses three primary objectives:
- Promoting international education
- Fostering cross-cultural understanding
- Supporting global peace and development initiatives
Scholarship Overview for 2025
What’s on Offer?
The University of Leeds is excited to announce the availability of two fully funded scholarships for the 2025 academic year under the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships. These prestigious awards cover all essential expenses and support students in their academic journeys.
Each scholarship is designed to alleviate financial burdens and provide a comprehensive package that includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other necessary costs. This allows recipients to focus entirely on their studies and enrich their university experience.
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Annual maintenance allowance of £16,664
- Return economy travel costs
- Additional allowances for other expenses
Duration and Start Date
The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships provide financial support for students pursuing one-year taught Master’s programs. The academic year will begin in September 2025, offering a valuable opportunity for individuals seeking to advance their education and enhance their career prospects.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality and Residence Requirements
Successful candidates for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships must:
- Be citizens of developing countries listed in the International Development Association’s Borrowing Countries
- Maintain permanent residence in their home country
- Have no previous study experience exceeding one year in developed nations
Academic Requirements
Applicants for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships should:
- Hold or expect to achieve by September 2025 a first degree equivalent to a UK Upper Second Class Honours or higher
- Be in their final year of undergraduate study or have already graduated
- Demonstrate financial need and inability to self-fund UK studies
Language Proficiency
For non-native English speakers, applicants for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships should meet the following requirements:
- Must meet the University’s English language requirements
- Should possess valid test results (no older than two years by September 2025)
- Must achieve these requirements by 3 February 2025
Eligible Schools and Programmes
The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships support studies related to economic, social, or technological development across various schools:
- Earth and Environment
- Electronic and Electrical Engineering
- Biological Sciences
- Geography
- History
- Law
- Languages, Cultures and Societies
- Medicine
- Media and Communication
- Performance and Cultural Industries
- Physics and Astronomy
- Politics and International Studies
- Philosophy, Religion and History of Science
- Transport Studies
- Leeds University Business School (excluding MBA programmes)
Application Process for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships
Stage One: Programme Application
- Select an eligible taught Masters programme
- Submit a complete application to the University of Leeds
- Obtain your Student Application Number
- Note: Applications without a valid Student Application Number will not be considered
Stage Two: Scholarship Application
- Access the online scholarship application form
- Complete all required sections
- Submit before the deadline: 3 February 2025, 5 pm GMT
Selection Process
The selection for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships follows a two-tier system follows:
- Individual Schools shortlist candidates
- The University’s Scholarship Selection Panel makes final decisions
Timeline for the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships
- Initial notifications: Within 4 weeks of application deadline
- Final decisions: Within 10 weeks of the application deadline
Commitment Requirements
Successful scholars of the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships must:
- Begin their studies in September 2025
- Return to their home country upon completion
- Contribute to their nation’s development
- Use the knowledge gained for societal benefit
Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Leeds wholeheartedly invites and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds. This includes, but is not limited to, applicants from various ethnicities, genders, age groups, socioeconomic statuses, and those with disabilities.
The university values the unique perspectives and experiences that a diverse student body brings to the university community and strives to create an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and respected. These diverse include specifically include:
- Black and Asian candidates
- Minority ethnic community members
- LGBT+ individuals
- People with disabilities
Each application will be thoroughly assessed based exclusively on the applicant’s qualifications, skills, and overall potential. We prioritize merit and capability above all else in our evaluation process.
Why Choose the University of Leeds?
The University of Leeds is recognised as one of the UK’s leading universities, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and research innovation. It offers various programmes across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, engineering, and business.
With a vibrant campus community and state-of-the-art facilities, students benefit from a rich educational experience that fosters personal and professional growth. The university also emphasises collaboration with industry, providing students with valuable internships and practical learning opportunities. Here are some of the key factors that set the University of Leeds apart:
- World-class research facilities
- Expert faculty
- Diverse student community
- Comprehensive support services
- Beautiful campus in a vibrant city
Tips for a Strong Application
UK Stdy Connect recommends that a strong application should have the following attributes:
- Starting your application early
- Carefully reviewing eligibility criteria
- Gathering all required documents
- Writing a compelling personal statement
- Highlighting relevant experience
- Demonstrating clear development goals
Looking Ahead: After the Scholarship
The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Scholarships recipients join a distinguished network of international scholars. This opportunity not only funds your education but also:
- Opens doors to global networking
- Provides valuable UK study experience
- Creates pathways for international cooperation
- Supports your country’s development goals
Conclusion
The Allan and Nesta Ferguson University of Leeds Scholarships provide an invaluable opportunity beyond financial assistance; they play a pivotal role in promoting global education and fostering international development.
At UK Study Connect, we recognise the significance of these scholarships and encourage all eligible candidates to embrace this transformative chance to further their academic and professional aspirations.
The application deadline is 3 February 2025, at 5 PM GMT. To enhance your chances of submitting a successful application, it is essential to begin your preparations early. This will allow you to gather all necessary documents, seek recommendations, and refine your personal statement effectively.
If you require additional support or advice regarding your application process or have any questions about studying in the UK, our dedicated team at UK Study Connect is here to assist you.
These scholarships represent the collaborative efforts of the University of Leeds and the Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust, both committed to enriching the landscape of international education and fostering mutual understanding among diverse cultures.
We are excited to be a part of your journey and look forward to assisting you in achieving your academic goals in the UK, empowering you to make a significant impact in your chosen field. Explore our Scholarships Page to find a variety of scholarship opportunities and grant resources tailored for international students looking to study at universities in the UK. Whether you are currently enrolled or planning future studies, there are numerous options available to help make your academic journey more affordable.
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