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. 

Applications are now open once again for the life changing scholarship. In partnership with Birmingham City University each year Millennium Point Trust fund an undergraduate degree at BCU.

There are over 20 courses to choose from included in the scholarship. Applications are now open, with the deadline on Friday 17^th March 2023, meaning plenty of time to complete the form.

Hatem impressed judges last year and secured Scholarship victory

Hatem was currently studying an Extended Diploma in IT (Network and Security) at Solihull College and had ambitions to study Computer Science at university. Information of the Millennium Point Scholarship landed in Hatem’s inbox, where he knew straight away, he had nothing to lose by applying.

In Hatem’s application he made it clear how much winning the Scholarship would mean to him, his great passion for computers and his mission to use computing and technology to better lives. The Millennium Point Charitable Trust team were hugely impressed with Hatem’s application and selected him along with four other finalists.

All the finalises attended an assessment day at Millennium Point, where they each presented to a panel of five judges, Hatem impressed the panel the most and was selected as the lucky winner of last year’s Scholarship, which has already helped launch the careers of seven outstanding STEM students. Hatem’s degree in Computer Science at Birmingham City University (BCU) started in September 2022.

Applying is easy and simple

The competition is open to you if you are 18 by, and looking to start an undergraduate degree in September 2023 and within the West Midlands Combined Authority, who are looking to start a qualifying degree in September 2023.

Read the application from carefully and start to answer each question. Think about why you want to study your chosen degree and what you want to do in the future. Also discuss any personal attributes and skills that could help you be the next winner of the Scholarship.

It’s a two-stage application, with the final stage being an assessment day. If you make it to the final, you will be invited to participate in developmental workshops. These will focus on supporting our personal development and professionalism in both interview and presentation skills.

We’re here to help you every step of the way

We want everyone to have the best chance of success when applying for our Scholarship scheme, and sometimes bigging yourself up can be a little daunting. That’s why we have created a helpful guide to aid you through your application. Keep an eye out on our social media for any new blogs, videos or resources that can help further.

You can always contact our friendly Trust team for any other enquiries you may have.

Unlock your student’s future by getting your school involved

Get your school involved and spread the word about the Scholarship. Tell parents, young people, teachers, and colleagues. The bigger it gets, the more impact we can make together.

We have created a Teacher’s Portal with assets and information that can help you provide students information on how to apply.

Are you a business wanting to get involved? Visit our Business Portal here.  We’re always looking out to collaborate with businesses and professionals on the MP Trust Scholarship.

Why do we do this?

At Millennium Point we believe that STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is important for the future of the region. Now, more than ever young people need our support and encouragement for them to unlock their potential. The scholarship is just one of the ways we can provide support to help them achieve people’s goals.

Apply today to start your Scholarship journey

Applications are now open with the deadline on Friday 17^th March 2023, apply now and see what you can achieve!