Millennium Point wins Most Versatile Venue (Up to 1,000 theatre style) at the Conference & Events 2023 awards. This is the first national award to be won by Millennium Point and we’re absolutely ecstatic of what we have achieved.
On Friday 30th June the awards were held in the stunning Old Billingsgate building in London. The day consisted of an array of venues and events being recognised for their excellence in the industry.

Nominated alongside outstanding venues
Organisations nominated for most versatile venue (up to 1,000 theatre style) were –
- etc.venues 133 Houndsditch
- Green and Fortune, Kings Place Events
- Hampden Park
- London Borough of Lambeth, Lambeth Town Hall
- Ministry Venues – Elephant & Castle
- RSA House
- Science Museum
It was an honour to be nominated amongst other amazing venues around the UK.
From hosting COVID vaccination centres to international sports teams, major art installations to charity events, we are proud of what’s been achieved
Over the past couple of years we have reinvested into our building to expand our venue spaces that align with our client demands. Driven by our passionate and highly skilled team we continue with out of the box ideas that make events truly stand out.
The versatility of our venue and flexibility of our team and services means that a client can host a breakfast talk in the morning, a conference in the afternoon and a formal dinner in the evening all in one place.
In the last 12 months alone, we have hosted the likes of Gaia by Luke Jerram, Kenya House during the Commonwealth Games, IFS Connect and VSFighting to name a few.
We have also launched our own MP Presents events to utilise our 354-seater Auditorium screen when not in use by our clients and to show off the capabilities of one of the biggest screens in Birmingham.
Rebecca Delmore, Commercial Director said ‘We are thrilled to have won the Most Versatile Venue Award. This award reflects all of the hard work the team have put into adapting our building to serve a wider variety of events. We strive to provide the best experience for our clients and it is fantastic to be recognised for this.’
Comments from the judges at the Conference & Events Awards 2023 included statements such as ‘Impressive, versatile space’ & ‘Exceptional flexibility and strong client feedback makes this entry very strong’.
Keep up to date with Millennium Point
With the rest of 2023 to go, we’re excited to see what happens next! Keep up to date with the latest through our blogs and what’s on.
Scholarship funds are a great way to help support students throughout their university journey by offering financial help.
If you’re interested in creating your own scholarship fund, then look no further as we delve into how to create a scholarship in these 4 simple steps.
What is a scholarship fund?
Scholarship funds are a charitable grant that helps students cover the costs of their education. Those who receive scholarships tend to use them to cover the costs of textbooks and tuition fees.
Step 1: How are you going to fund your scholarship?
One of the first steps you’ll need to take when creating a scholarship fund is deciding how much money you want to contribute and whether you will solely fund it or if you want to accept donations.
If you create a scholarship fund on your own, it’s likely that you’ll incur extra costs on top of paying the scholarship money to the winner.
Other costs could include:
- Paying for an attorney.
- Paying for a tax expert.
- Creating and setting up a website to gain applications.
- Paying for advertising.
If you decide to go down the route of accepting funding from donors then using an online platform is an easy way to get people to donate. Having an online platform will help create an authoritative and trustworthy figure for your fund, allowing donors to find out information and make donations in the same place.
Money can also be raised through fundraising activities like:
- Auctions or selling old items.
- Raffles.
- Bake sales.
- Game nights or pub quizzes.
- A crowdfunding campaign.
Step 2: Decide who you want to help
When creating a scholarship fund, it’s important to identify the audience you are trying to help. You may want to help as many people as possible, but you need to be realistic about who you can help most and how far the money in your fund can go.
When creating your audience you need to ensure it’s broad enough to not be discriminatory and to attract as many people as possible to the scholarship you’re offering.
Your audience could include:
- Those from low income families.
- Those looking to study STEAM-related subjects (like Millennium Point offers).
- Those with disabilities.
- Those with merit based achievements such as sports, music or the arts.
Step 3: How do you plan to advertise your scholarship?
It’s extremely important to advertise your scholarship as it will allow it to reach as many people as possible, while helping you gain applications from people that meet your criteria.
Creating a website to showcase your scholarship, as well as allowing people to donate to your fund or apply to the scholarship is a great way to advertise it. You could also use social media to advertise the run up to applications opening or closing dates. This is a great way to advertise, as you’re more likely to reach your intended audience, as younger people, typically students, are using social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to look for things.
Step 4: Decide how you will review applications
Once you’ve completed the previous steps, it’s time to wait for the deadline to pass and start reviewing applications.
If you gained a small amount of applications, you may be able to go through them all yourself, however if you received a large sum of applications you may need to hire people to help you sift through them.
How can Millennium Point help those looking for a scholarship?
Here at Millennium Point, our Charitable Trust has created a STEAM scholarship for those looking to study courses in Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
To be eligible for the scholarship you will need to:
- Live in the West Midlands Combined Authority area.
- Be 18 by September 2024 and be looking at starting an undergraduate degree at Birmingham City University in the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built environment.
- Your chosen course is listed on our website under the ‘What Courses are Included’ section.
Keep up to date on our Scholarship page to see when applications open!
STEAM education is an important part of a school’s curriculum and has a huge impact on the way that children learn and develop.
This blog will explore everything you need to know about STEAM education and learning, to help raise awareness of its importance and encourage others to implement it.
What is STEAM?
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering and maths. However, rather than teaching the subjects separately, STEAM education uses a combined approach to encourage and better equip students to consider careers within the industry.
Why is STEAM important?
STEAM is important in teaching children the skills that are essential to their development.
With the constant improvements and new developments in technology, it is becoming more important for children to learn skills such as computer programming and computational thinking as well as media literacy.
Furthermore, STEAM encourages children to ask questions and solve real world problems, helping to prepare them for later education and adult life.
Benefits of STEAM
STEAM education has many benefits for children, such as:
Encourages creativity
STEAM education encourages creativity and innovation, allowing new technologies, solutions and ideas to emerge.

The teaching of STEAM not only helps children’s development and learning but also helps the population and planet to develop as well.
Builds resilience
The teaching of STEAM allows students to experiment and experience failure. Due to this, children become resilient through learning to get back up and try again.
Promotes teamwork
STEAM education doesn’t split children apart because of their varying education levels. Instead, it encourages children of all levels to work together to learn and develop new skills, while building a community that’s willing to learn new things.
Encourages use of technology
STEAM teaches the power of technology and innovation, helping children learn various technologies. This will also promote adaptability, allowing children to take on challenges head on rather than hesitating or worrying about changes.
Impacts of early STEAM education
Early STEAM education helps children build various important skills that they may otherwise miss if they weren’t taught it.
Benefits of early STEAM education include:
Hands on experience
It would be a mistake to think that STEAM education only focuses on equations and complex experiments. It also focuses on hands-on experiences, providing a gateway into subjects like maths and science.

Early STEAM teaching could include things like making paper aeroplanes or building a rocket out of recycled materials. This helps to embed creative, problem solving and ideation skills, allowing children to further develop throughout education.
Memory retention
Teaching STEAM at an early age can help children improve their memory retention. STEAM education has a typical retention rate of 80-90% whereas traditional education only has a 5% retention rate.
Building children’s memory retention as early as possible gives them a great headstart when it comes to learning and developing throughout their education.
Language development
STEAM education can help children’s language development. This will help increase vocabulary and help improve children’s conversational skills, while helping them learn a new subject.
Collaborative education
Many STEAM activities involve collaborative learning, encouraging children to work as a team and develop conversational and explanatory skills.
Prepares them for higher education
All of the skills children learn in early STEAM education prepares them with skills needed for higher education.
Instilling curiosity and creativity will also encourage children to study STEAM subjects in further education and develop future careers.
How can parents implement STEAM in early childhood?
STEAM education can be easily implemented into a child’s daily routine. This can be done through:
- Going on a nature walk – This engages the senses and can promote conversations relating to science and biology.
- Teaching them how to cook or bake – This incorporates STEAM through using measurements and chemical reactions.
- Playing games – Whether these are online or in real life, playing games can introduce children to things like engineering and maths.
- Reading – Reading together can help improve reading and writing skills, while helping children learn about new topics.

How to implement STEAM into the school curriculum
STEAM education is essential for children’s learning and development, which is why it needs to be implemented into schools’ curriculum more often. Stem education can be taught in a variety of ways, such as:
Project based learning
This involves children working on a project for a specific period of time where they can learn new skills and apply their knowledge to solve a problem. Teachers should allow children to take full control of the project, which could involve building a model bridge or designing an app.
Inquiry based learning
Inquiry based learning encourages students to ask as many questions as they like relating to the subject they’re learning. This helps them develop critical thinking, questioning and problem solving skills.
This is another student led learning practice that involves teachers prompting reflection and curiosity.
How to engage students in STEAM
Currently, STEAM industries have a small number of graduates, however a lack of diversity is an even bigger issue for the industry.
So how can we engage more students in STEAM to help reduce the diversity gap and increase the number of STEAM graduates?
Diversity and inclusion
Research shows that after GCSEs only 35% of female students decide to carry on studying STEAM subjects, with only 25% of females carrying on with it after university.
To encourage more females to study STEAM subjects we could:
- Improve job satisfaction – More should be done to highlight the impact STEAM related careers have on the planet and society.
- Showcase more role models within the industry – This will help to encourage girls to pursue a career in STEAM as they’ll see more people like them working in the industry.
To learn more about the gender gap in STEAM and what can be done to help close it, read our blog.
Tips for teachers
Introducing STEAM focussed lessons into the curriculum can be slightly daunting. That’s why we’ve written a few tips to help those teaching STEAM lessons.

- Ask questions – It’s okay to ask questions. It can even encourage your students to start discussions and ask questions back.
- Include hands-on lessons – This helps students retain information more.
- Use experiments – This helps to improve retention, as well as encouraging students to collaborate with each other.
- Ask your students for feedback – This will help you understand whether the lessons were beneficial for students, as well as knowing where to improve or other things you could include in your lessons.
What is Millennium Point doing to support STEAM education?
The STEAM round table was created by The Millennium Point Charitable Trust to bring together STEAM industries, primary and secondary education, further education and not-for-profits in STEAM sectors.
The working group aims:
- To provide a platform for support and communication to facilitate the sharing of ideas and cross-collaboration for the development of STEAM projects.
- To shape the future of STEAM learning, starting in the West Midlands by making affirmative action that creates positive change in STEAM education and industry.
- To reverse current negative STEAM trends by bridging the skills gap and ensuring every child has an opportunity to develop a career in STEAM.
- To increase home grown STEAM talent by creating a legacy that will nurture local and national talent that will allow the UK to be a major competitor on the global stage.
Get in touch with our Trust Team today to see how you can get involved in supporting the growth of STEAM education.
Scholarships often include interview stages to allow the scholarship body to get to know you further. Due to this, it’s important to prepare for any questions that may be asked. This will help you be as successful as possible.
This blog will explore commonly asked interview questions and provide you with possible answers.
1. Tell us about yourself
This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about you as a person, as well as allowing you to establish why you deserve the scholarship over anyone else. You can start off with general information about yourself, but should use specifics later on, such as talking about your skillset and any experience that sets you apart.
Example answer: I’m really interested in the way in which things work, which is why I have chosen to undertake a degree in engineering. I’ve already undertaken work experience at a local car garage learning the basics of engineering, which helped me develop problem solving and organisational skills.
2. Why did you choose this scholarship?
Your response should highlight your passion for your degree and how the scholarship will help with your future.
Example answer: I chose this scholarship because it will help me achieve my future academic and career goals. The scholarship will support me throughout my degree enabling me to develop a career in engineering where I can focus on creating innovative solutions that will help people in the future.
3. Why do you deserve this scholarship?
Use this as an opportunity to be honest about your intentions within your degree, scholarship and future career. This is also another chance to let the interviewer get to know you more.
Example answer: I’m particularly interested in cyber security and with technology constantly being improved and cyber attacks being more likely, it’s urgent that new cyber crime solutions are found. This scholarship will not only help me through my university journey financially but will help me find new ways to protect people.
4. What has been your greatest achievement?
Talk about a significant achievement or project you’ve worked on and why it’s important to you.
Example answer: Last year I worked on a fundraising project that helped raise money for those affected by homelessness. This resonated with me, as I want to try and make as big of an impact as possible on people’s lives, whether this is within my degree or outside of it.

Other questions could include:
- How did you decide to undertake your degree?
- What’s your greatest strength and weakness?
- Tell me about a skill you have recently learnt
- How would you describe yourself?
- What motivates you?
How to answer interview questions
As the saying goes, by failing to prepare you prepare to fail. Answering interview question can be fairly easy once you’ve completed the following steps:
Always practice!
Practising your interview answers can go a long way. For example, it can help you feel more confident during your interview, allowing you to make the best possible first impression.
However, you don’t want to memorise your answers as this will feel unnatural and will appear obvious to the interviewer.
Do your research
Researching the scholarship body to understand their values and goals is extremely important as it will allow you to tailor your answers. Taking note of eligibility criteria will also allow you to highlight areas you apply to, demonstrating why you’re a great candidate.
Consider using the STAR method
Using the STAR method allows you to cover all areas, helping you give the best possible answers.
The STAR method stands for:
- Situation – what was the problem or occurrence?
- Task – what was your role in the situation?
- Action – what steps did you take to resolve or improve the situation?
- Result – what impact did your action have on the situation?
Millennium Point Charitable Trust’s scholarship
Our Charitable Trust has partnered with Birmingham City University to provide a fully funded undergraduate degree at their Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.

Your scholarship application is the first point of contact you have with the scholarship body. The decision on whether you progress to the next level is solely based on your application, making it imperative that you write the best application possible.
To help ensure success, we’ve put together 5 tips to help you write a great scholarship application.
Check you’re eligible
Before writing your application, you want to make sure you’re actually eligible, as you don’t want to waste time applying to scholarships you’re not eligible for.
Eligibility criteria will also give you an idea of the goals the scholarship is trying to meet and the value they want to provide. They also give you a good idea on whether you’re likely to receive the scholarship and what information you should include in your application.
To learn more about what you can do before writing your application, read our blog.

Write an introduction
Including an opening paragraph in your application will allow you to showcase why you should receive the scholarship you’re applying to.
Your introduction should include information about you, such as:
- Why you’re interested in the scholarship.
- What you intend to do if you receive the scholarship.
- How you’ll use your degree in the future.
When describing yourself you should discuss your educational background and your passion behind your chosen degree.
Outline your academic interests and academic goals
Due to scholarships being an investment in students’ futures, it is important to give the board the opportunity to understand how the scholarship will help you in the present and the future, as they like to understand the impact it will have on your goals.
Furthermore, scholarships are often awarded to financially support students through their academic journey, highlighting the need for you to demonstrate the passion you have for your degree as well as your future academic goals.
When writing your application you basically want to highlight why you should be awarded the scholarship over anyone else. Discussing what you plan to do post education can help cement your passion for your academic subject to the scholarship board, increasing your chances of being successful.
Proofread your application
It’s so important to proofread your application before your submission, whether this is completed by you, someone else or both. Getting a second pair of eyes on your application is always beneficial as it will help you pick out any mistakes or areas of improvements you can make.
This will help to strengthen your application and increase your chances of receiving the scholarship.x

Scholarship application template
[Full Name]
[Phone number] [Email address]
Dear [Scholarship review committee]
I’m applying to this scholarship because [include details about how the scholarship offering body aligns with your views and goals] [You can also talk about your current educational experience, for example are you currently studying a degree or are you planning on studying a degree in the future]
During my education and/or work experience I gained skills such as… through undertaking tasks like… [Discuss significant academic or personal achievements that have given you skills that relate to the scholarship you’re applying to]
I have a passion for [degree name] as it has impacts on… The scholarship will help me achieve goals like… [solidify your motivations for applying and passions for your degree to]
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Full name]
[Signature]
Millennium Point Charitable Trust’s Scholarship
If you’re looking to study a STEAM subject at university, you could benefit from our scholarship. We have partnered with Birmingham City University to offer one person a fully funded university undergraduate degree every year.

Due to university being so expensive, scholarships are a great way to support students through their university journey. The financial aid scholarships provide to students can also open the door to higher education for those in underrepresented and underprivileged positions.
Many people dismiss applying to scholarships, as they don’t think that they’ll be eligible, however you could be surprised as they can be awarded for various reasons.
Here are 5 tips to help you nail your scholarship application.
What is a scholarship
Scholarships are usually provided by universities or third parties who offer financial aid for students to help them accelerate their career. One of the major benefits of this is that students don’t need to pay the money back, relieving them of some of the financial burdens that come along with university.
Read our complete guide to scholarships to learn more.

Types of scholarship
As stated previously, there are various types of scholarships that you may be eligible for, making it important for you to do your research.
Types of scholarships can include:
- Academic Excellence Scholarships – Some universities offer money for achieving certain A-level grades to help support students further.
- Musical Scholarships – offered for those with musical talents.
- Personal circumstances – This can be based on where you live, where you go to school and what your parents do.
- Financial need – offers money for those who are in financial need and may not be able to attend university without it.
- Sporting achievement – Usually offered to those with high achievements in sport to help universities attract the best talent.
To learn more, read our complete guide to scholarships blog.
Shop around
Instead of applying to any and every scholarship out there, it’s best to look around first to find a few that apply to you best. You may be surprised at how many scholarships you’re eligible for and therefore you want to keep your options open, by collating the best scholarships for you before applying to any.
Application processes can be lengthy and you don’t want to waste your time applying to ones you don’t want or have slim chances of getting due to your eligibility.
Looking around allows you to find the scholarships that suit you best, giving you the opportunity to put your best effort into the application process, showing that you want to win rather than rushing through multiple applications and not giving sufficient answers.
Check eligibility criteria
Checking the eligibility criteria of a scholarship before applying is extremely important as you don’t want to waste valuable time on applications you definitely won’t be successful in.
Furthermore, checking eligibility criteria will allow you to apply for scholarships that will provide real value to you and provide you with the support you need.
What are the timelines?
Keeping on top of scholarship deadlines is key to being successful in the application process. Scholarships can also have multiple deadlines, such as application and interview deadlines that you need to keep an eye on.

Furthermore, understanding deadlines allows you to plan a head for any documents or information you may need to provide in the future.
Understanding deadlines also allows you to spend as much time as you need filling out your application without the need to rush, helping you to write a winning submission.
Tailor your application
Tailoring your application to the scholarship you’re applying to will have a significant impact on whether you’re successful or not. Taking the time to tailor your application will show the attention to detail and effort you have put in, highlighting that you want and deserve to win the scholarship.
Being honest about why you’re applying to the scholarship, why you’re interested in your course and what you want to do with your degree in the future will help your application stand out.
Ask for help
It never hurts to ask for help. Getting your friends, parents or teachers to proofread your application or asking for tips on how to tailor it will help you put your best foot forward.
You could also reach out to previous scholars on LinkedIn for advice or feedback as they’ve experienced the process before.
The great thing about asking for help is that people might point out things you may not have previously considered, helping you to boost your application even further.
The Millennium Point Charitable Trust’s scholarship
Here at Millennium Point, our Charitable Trust offers a scholarship for STEAM students every year. The scholarship is partnered with Birmingham City University, where students can receive a fully funded undergraduate degree in Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.

The application deadline for our scholarship program has been extended until Thursday 23rd March 2023, giving students extra time to get their applications in for a life-changing opportunity.
Now in it’s ninth year, one lucky undergraduate gets complete funding for their degree, from a choice of over 20 courses at the faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Birmingham City University.
Interested in applying but unsure what course to pick? Our recent blog outlines the best courses to choose based on what path you’re looking to take with your career.

Who can apply?
In order to apply you must live in the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and your chosen course must be listed in the ‘What Courses are Included’ section on our application page.
Applying is easy and simple
Applications are straight forward and can be done by visiting our dedicated application page. If you need any help please visit our frequently asked questions page or speak to one of our friendly Trust team.
What did previous winners experience
Previous winners of our scholarship have experienced life-changing moments after applying, enjoying positive steps with their development and kickstarting a career in their chosen field. Our 2017 winner Sagal studied Civil Engineering, graduating with a first class honours degree and landing a role with Jacobs as a Graduate Geotechnical Engineer.

The 2021 winner Asima Adnan from Dudley, is currently in her second year of studying for a degree in Planning at BCU. She commented: “Winning the scholarship was a wonderful surprise. It allowed me as a single mom to concentrate on building myself as a strong academic individual rather than to worry about how to financially pay back for what I have achieved. Millennium Point has given me the financial and emotional support I need to continue progressing into achieving my degree.”

Our charitable trust funds future talent in the region
Commercial activity that takes place in our building is funded back into the Millennium Point Charitable Trust, enabling the charity to donate, invest and facilitate more than £3.25m to STEAM related organisations, projects and initiatives in the West Midlands, during 2022.
There’s just over two weeks remaining to grab the opportunity of a lifetime, and apply for the 2023 Millennium Point Trust Scholarship and help is at hand for any students in need of support to complete their application.
Submissions close on March 23rd for the chance to win a fully paid-for degree in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths). The programme, now in its ninth year, offers one lucky undergraduate complete funding for their degree, from a choice of over 20 courses at the faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment at Birmingham City University (BCU). The scholarship is the flagship initiative from the Millennium Point Charitable Trust and is fully funded by the charity.
A shortlist of candidates will be invited to present to a panel of judges at an Assessment Day, with the winner announced a few weeks later.
The Millennium Point Trust team is on hand to help any students looking to apply – simply email [email protected].
We asked our previous winners for tips
We have also enlisted the assistance of former scholarship winners, who have been through the process and know a few ‘tricks of the trade’.
Ryan Dowell, who won the scholarship in 2018, graduated with a first-class honours degree in Civil Engineering, in 2021. He is currently working in Dublin, on the graduate programme at Ireland’s leading builder and contractor John Sisk and Son. Ryan has already worked on the landmark Fibonacci Square project for Meta, and is now working on 4 Park Place, in the heart of the Irish capital.

Ryan commented: “The scholarship was a key point in my development – before this point I had not delivered a presentation to a large group. I can confidently say that the experience helped build my confidence when speaking to people who I do not know. The location and people I have met have also made the choice to attend BCU one of the best I made.”
Ryan’s top tips for applicants:
- Make sure you are open and honest when you are writing your application. Show who you truly are and what this opportunity will mean to you.
- When choosing your topic – first and foremost – elect for a topic that you find interesting. Having a specific topic, you are passionate about will motivate you to find those little bits of information that will elevate your presentation.
- Keep your presentation simple, adding in some key terms and jargon is all well and good but you will be relying on remembering your words. Having a streamlined and simple presentation will help you in remembering and delivering a cohesive and collected presentation.
- Practise several times until you can remember your key overarching points well.
Asima Adnan from Dudley, the 2021 Scholarship winner, is currently in her second year of studying for a degree in Planning at BCU. She commented: “Winning the scholarship was a wonderful surprise. It allowed me as a single mom to concentrate on building myself as a strong academic individual rather than to worry about how to financially pay back for what I have achieved. Millennium Point has given me the financial and emotional support I need to continue progressing into achieving my degree.”

Applications are only being accepted from students in the West Midlands region, who cannot already be studying for an undergraduate degree. Submissions are particularly being encouraged from traditionally marginalised groups in the field of STEAM.
All of the commercial activity that takes place in the Millennium Point building feeds back into the Millennium Point Charitable Trust, enabling the charity to donate, invest and facilitate more than £3.25m to STEAM related organisations, projects and initiatives in the West Midlands, during 2022.
For more information, visit www.millenniumpoint.org.uk/scholarship
Bursaries and scholarships are both great ways to support students financially while they’re at university, however bursaries and scholarships are often confused as being the same thing.
Both scholarships and bursaries are given out to help students financially without the need for them to pay them back.
This blog will explore the difference between a scholarship and a bursary and how you can make the most of them.
What’s a scholarship?
Scholarships usually come from independent third parties and universities to help students accelerate their education by offering financial aid. They often place focus on academic excellence.
Eligibility may include:
- Academic achievements.
- Personal circumstances, such as where you live or religious background.
- Musical achievements.
- Sporting achievements.

What’s a bursary?
Bursaries are usually offered to those with financial needs to help cover education costs or one off payments to help with living costs.
Criteria students need to meet to receive a bursary:
- They are a home or EU student.
- Their income is less than £25,000.
- They’re household income is between £25,001 – £42,611.
- They have a disability or long term health condition where Disability Living Allowance (DLA) isn’t available.
- They’re working or studying away from their university.
- They have previously been in care.
- They’re a carer for an adult or child.
- They’re living in a hostel or student accommodation.
Despite this criteria, some bursaries may not be available to:
- Part time students.
- Postgraduate students.
- NHS sponsored or funded students.
- Students on placement years, years abroad or sandwich years.
- Students who are paying reduced tuition fees.
Tips on applying for a scholarship or bursary
Applying for a scholarship or bursary can be very stressful, as you want to get everything right. But with these 7 tips, you’ll find applying for a scholarship or bursary easier than ever.
Consider your chances
When applying for a scholarship or bursary it’s important to consider your chances. For example, if your parents earn a high income you’re unlikely to receive a bursary. However you may be eligible for scholarships relating to academic or musical achievements.
You should also look at the value of the award and how many are available, to help you understand how likely you are to receive it.
Check if you need to apply and whether there’s a deadline
Scholarships often require you to fill out an application to see whether you’re eligible and a good fit for the award. However bursaries tend to be automatically awarded as a result of personal circumstances or grade achievements.
If you need to fill out an application for an award, then you’re likely to need to have a place confirmed at a university. Due to this you should keep an eye on application deadlines to ensure you apply on time and give yourself the best possible chance.

Look at key dates and when you may be successful
When you’re applying to a scholarship you should look at the eligibility, how to apply and when you’re meant to hear if you’re successful.
In terms of bursaries depending on income or personal circumstances, you’re likely to know whether you’re eligible for a bursary when you get your student finance assessment.
Share your information with student finance
When you apply for your student loan you should tick the box that allows student finance to share your information with universities. This allows them to judge whether you’re eligible for any scholarships or bursaries.
Look out for other opportunities
You can keep an eye out for any new scholarships or bursaries when you visit university open days or interviews. Clearing is also a great time to look out for scholarships or bursaries as some universities may make increases to fill application places.
Take pride in your application
When completing an application it’s important that you take the time and effort to fill it out properly. You should check for any errors and ensure you answer all questions honestly and accurately.
Furthermore, if you’re having difficulty answering or understanding any questions in the application, there’s no harm in contacting the university or provider for help.
Be realistic
When applying or thinking about applying for a bursary or grant you should consider whether you want to attend a university because you like it or because you like the award they offer. If it’s the latter, it isn’t wise to attend a university you’re not interested in and you should consider other options.
Types of scholarship or bursary
Scholarships are usually awarded for merit based and talent based achievements, whereas bursaries are usually awarded on a need basis.
Types of scholarships
- Musical scholarships
- Sport scholarships
- Personal circumstance scholarships
- Vocational scholarships (offered by businesses)
Types of bursary
- Bursaries based on grade achievements
- Personal circumstance bursaries, such as those with difficult backgrounds or live in a low income household.
Benefits
Scholarships tend to offer an automatic reduction or cover entire tuition fees and can also offer discounts alongside annual, term-wise or one-off payments for living costs.
Whereas bursaries offer money to cover education costs or one off payments to help with living costs.
Despite scholarships and bursaries offering awards for different reasons they have a number of similar benefits, such as:
- Reduced financial burden.
- Ability to focus on education without worrying about income.
- They show that you’re hard working and determined.
- They highlight that you’re accomplished and make your CV stand out.
Millennium Point’s scholarship
Millennium Point Trust has partnered with Birmingham City University to offer a scholarship where one undergraduate degree is paid for each year.
With over 20 courses included in the scholarship there’s lots to choose from. However the application deadline closes on the 17th March 2023. To apply for the scholarship, visit our website today.

How to apply
You’re eligible to apply to the scholarship if you’re 18 and planning on starting university by September 2023. You must be within the West Midlands Combined Authority and looking to start a degree included within the scholarship list.
Eligible degree courses include:
Engineering
- Automotive Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
Built environment
- Architectural Technology
- Building Surveying
- Construction Management
- Quantity Surveying
- Real Estate
Digital Technology
- Digital Media Computing
- Digital Film Production
- Visual Effects
- Music Technology
- Sound Engineering and Production
Computing
- Business Information Technology
- Computer Games Technology
- Computer Networks and Security
- Computer Science
- Digital Forensics
- Computing and Information Technology
- Cyber Security
- Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence
The application has two stages with the second stage being an assessment day where you’ll participate in developmental workshops.
For further advice on applying for a scholarship, read our helpful guide here.
Going to university can be really expensive and it can be really hard to fund your university experience. However, scholarships are a great way to help students by supporting them financially.
If you’re a student and looking for extra financial support during your university years, you may have assumed that you’re not eligible for a scholarship, however you may be surprised at the types of scholarships some organisations offer.
This blog will explore everything you need to know about scholarships and how you can apply.
What is a scholarship?
Scholarships are a form of financial aid given to students to help accelerate their education. They usually come from independent third parties and universities and students don’t need to pay them back.
Who can apply for a scholarship?
There are various reasons why you may be able to apply for a scholarship, including:
- If you’ve done well in your exams or other academic work.
- If you have an extracurricular talent such as a musical instrument or sport.
- If you’re the first person in your family to go to university.
- If you’re in financial need.
- If you have a disability.
Types of scholarships you can apply for
It’s often assumed that scholarships are only for typically academic subjects, however this isn’t true. Scholarships are available for a variety of reasons and subjects.

Here are some examples of the types of scholarships available:
- Academic Excellence Scholarships – Some universities offer money for achieving certain A-level grades to help support students further.
- Musical Scholarships – offered for those with musical talents.
- Personal circumstances – This can be based on where you live, where you go to school and what your parents do.
- Financial need – offers money for those who are in financial need and may not be able to attend university without it.
- Sporting achievement – Usually offered to those with high achievements in sport to help universities attract the best talent.
Scholarships at Millennium Point
Millennium Point has partnered with Birmingham City University to give a fully funded Undergraduate degree at their Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
Visit our website to apply for the 2023/2024 applications today.

Key dates
- Application open date update – 9th January 2023
- Scholarship Application deadline – 17th March 2023
- Assessment day at Millennium Point – To be confirmed
What courses are included?
Multiple courses are included in our scholarship partnership with Birmingham City University, such as:
- Engineering
- Built Environment
- Digital Technology
- Computing
Are you eligible?
To be eligible for our scholarship you’ll need to meet the following criteria:
- You live in the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) of the United Kingdom.
- You will be 18 and looking to start an undergraduate degree in September 2023.
- Your course is included in our list.
- You don’t already have an undergraduate or above qualification.
- You’re not currently studying an undergraduate or above qualification.
- You meet the entry requirements for your chosen course – you can find this out on the BCU website.
How can you apply for the scholarship?
You are currently able to apply for the scholarship through our online application form. The form will consist of a few questions about you and why you think you should be chosen for our scholarship in partnership with Birmingham City University.
The application process has two stages, with the final stage being an assessment day and the chosen candidate getting their university tuition paid for in the form of a grant.
Visit our website today to learn more about the application process and whether you’re eligible.