CLIE launches new scholarship for students from forced migration backgrounds

The UCL Centre for Languages & International Education (CLIE) has launched its first scholarship to support talented UK-based students from forced migration backgrounds access higher education. 

The Bowman Scholarships will provide two students a full fee waiver to the Undergraduate Preparatory Certificate (UPC) - UCL’s International Foundation Year, from September 2021.

Following completion of the UPC, students will gain a qualification to enrol on an undergraduate degree at UCL or other top UK universities, and be prepared to excel in their future studies.

The scheme aims to give underrepresented groups living in the UK the opportunity to enter university, especially those whose studies have been interrupted due to their immigration status. Applicants will need to demonstrate that they do not have the qualifications to enter higher education directly, nor have the financial means to fund an undergraduate preparation course themselves.

Raphaëla Armbruster, Coordinator of UPC Admissions, said:

“The mission of the UPC since its inception has been to ensure participation of talented and ambitious international students to UCL and top-ranked universities in the UK. Through this scheme, we will support access to undergraduate studies for a wider group of international students, as well as recognise the impact of forced migration and mobility in students’ lives, expectations and prospects.”

The scholarship has been named in memory of an esteemed academic, Dr Peter Bowman, who sadly passed away last year. Peter is much missed as a colleague and lecturer who worked with international students throughout his 15-year career at UCL. He represented CLIE around the world on many admissions trips, inspiring the young international scholars he met to pursue their education at UCL.

For further information about the scholarship, including full eligibility criteria and how to apply, please visit the Bowman Scholarships website.