Stormzy’s Merky Foundation, in partnership with HSBC UK, has been providing financial support to UK Black students at the University of Cambridge, benefiting 32 students so far. The scholarship program initially started with two students annually but expanded in 2021. Starting in autumn 2023, the program will offer scholarships to at least 10 Black students.
In addition to the Cambridge scholarship, there are ongoing scholarship opportunities in various countries across Europe, the United States, and Canada. Some of these opportunities include the Humber College Entrance Scholarships in Canada, Australian Government Research Scholarships and Research Training Program for international students in Australia, and the Commonwealth Professional Fellowships in the UK.
The Stormzy Scholarship is designed to assist UK Black students pursuing their first undergraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. Eligible students must belong to specific ethnic categories, have confirmed admission to Cambridge for the October 2023 intake, and be assessed as ‘home’ students in terms of fee status. They must also have applied for and received financial support from Student Finance in the form of tuition fee and maintenance loans.
The scholarship provides a non-repayable award covering tuition fees and a maintenance grant, significantly reducing the need for recipients to take out loans. Each student awarded the scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year will receive £20,000. This financial support will be available for the full duration of the undergraduate course, which typically spans three or four years.
To apply for the Stormzy Scholarship, interested students must complete the online application by 3rd September 2023 (11.59 pm). The application form will be accessible from 17th August 2023. For any inquiries regarding the scholarship, applicants can reach out to ugscholarships@admin.cam.ac.uk.
