Are you a UK student with a care-experienced background looking for financial support to study at university? The Battersea Scholarship 2026/2027 offers a valuable opportunity to receive up to £16,000 in total funding while pursuing your undergraduate degree at the University of Surrey.
This scholarship is designed to support students who have faced challenges in their upbringing, helping them access quality education and achieve their academic and career goals without financial burden.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Battersea Scholarship, including eligibility criteria, benefits, application steps, and expert tips to increase your chances of success.
Battersea Scholarship 2026/2027 – Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Battersea Scholarship |
| Host Institution | University of Surrey |
| Study Level | Undergraduate |
| Eligible Applicants | UK (Home) Students |
| Scholarship Value | £12,000 (£4,000/year for 3 years) |
| Additional Benefit | £4,000 extra for Professional Training Year |
| Total Funding | Up to £16,000 |
| Duration | Up to 3–4 years |
| Application Deadline | 5 October 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Number of Awards | 1 |
| Eligible Courses | All undergraduate programs |
About the Battersea Scholarship
The Battersea Scholarship is a targeted financial aid program aimed at supporting one undergraduate student annually at the University of Surrey.
The scholarship provides:
- £4,000 per academic year for up to three years
- An additional £4,000 if the student undertakes a Professional Training Year
This brings the total potential funding to £16,000, making it a substantial support package for eligible students.
A donor funds the award, and terms may be subject to change before final allocation.
Scholarship Benefits
Here’s what you stand to gain from the Battersea Scholarship:
1. Generous Financial Support: Receive up to £16,000 to cover tuition fees, living expenses, books, and other study-related costs.
2. Reduced Financial Pressure: The yearly grant of £4,000 helps ease the financial burden, allowing you to focus on academic success.
3. Support During Professional Training: Students who opt for a Professional Training Year (industry placement) receive an extra £4,000, helping them gain real-world experience without financial stress.
4. Access to Quality Education: Study at a top UK institution, the University of Surrey, known for its strong teaching, employability focus, and industry connections.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Battersea Scholarship 2026/2027, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
1. Residency Status
- Must be classified as a UK (Home) student
2. Academic Level
- Must be a first-year undergraduate student
- Must be starting studies in September 2026
- Students enrolled in a Foundation Year are NOT eligible
3. Course Eligibility
- Open to students studying any undergraduate degree at the University of Surrey
4. Care-Experienced Background
Applicants must have a verified history of being in care, such as:
- Time spent in local authority care
- Living in a residential children’s home
- Being looked after at home under a supervision order
- Living with relatives under kinship care
Important:
You will be required to provide supporting documentation or a referee contact to verify your care history during the application process.
How to Apply for the Battersea Scholarship
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
- Step 1: Secure Admission: Apply and gain admission to an undergraduate program at the University of Surrey for September 2026.
- Step 2: Complete the Application Form: Fill out the official Battersea Scholarship online application form.
- Step 3: Provide Supporting Evidence: Submit documents or contact details that verify your care-experienced background.
- Step 4: Submit Before Deadline: Ensure your application is submitted before 5 October 2026 (5:00 PM UK time)
Step 5: Await Feedback
- The review process may take up to one month after the deadline
- You may be contacted for additional information during evaluation
Application Deadline
- Deadline: Monday, 5 October 2026
- Time: 5:00 PM (UK time)
Late applications are typically not accepted, so it’s important to apply early.
Contact Information
If you have questions about the scholarship, you can contact the university directly:
- Email: donorrelations@surrey.ac.uk
Expert Tips to Increase Your Chances
Although only one student is selected, you can stand out by following these tips:
- Tell Your Story Clearly: Explain your background, challenges, and how they have shaped your academic journey.
- Demonstrate Academic Commitment: Highlight your achievements, goals, and dedication to your chosen field.
- Be Honest and Accurate: Ensure all information provided is truthful and backed by verifiable documents.
- Apply Early: Avoid last-minute submissions to prevent errors or missing documents.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for the Battersea Scholarship?
Only UK (Home) students with a care-experienced background starting undergraduate studies in September 2026 at the University of Surrey.
2. Can international students apply?
No, this scholarship is not open to international students.
3. How much is the Battersea Scholarship worth?
The scholarship is worth:
- £12,000 total (£4,000 per year for 3 years)
- + £4,000 extra if you take a Professional Training Year
Total: Up to £16,000
4. Is the scholarship renewable every year?
Yes, it is awarded annually for up to three years, provided you continue to meet academic and eligibility requirements.
5. Do I need to submit proof of care experience?
Yes. You must provide official documentation or a verified contact person who can confirm your care background.
6. When will I know the outcome of my application?
You should hear back within one month after the application deadline.
7. Can foundation year students apply?
No, students enrolled in a Foundation Year are not eligible for this scholarship.
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