34 bursaries awarded to local students

£34,000 has been awarded for the 2023/2024 academic year, as part of the Local Student Bursary Scheme. Launched in 2018 to reach local learners who most need additional support to succeed in their educational pursuits, more than 140 bursaries have been awarded in the last four years. These important funds have been raised thanks to generous individual donors and sponsors passionate about underpinning the success of current students.

Recipient and BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing Practice student, Nela Mabbutt, says: "As a single mother and student nurse, this bursary will make a significant difference in my life, and I'm sincerely thankful to the generous donors who have made this support possible.

"I am truly touched by the kindness and generosity of the alumni, staff, and friends who have contributed to the Local Student Bursary Scheme. Their support serves as a source of motivation and reassurance, reminding me that I am part of a caring community that believes in the value of education and the potential of its students."

Students from Southampton and the surrounding area are invited to apply for the bursary, as well as those who have attended a partner college, and the scheme is set to continue awarding more funds to learners with the support of donors in the years to come. Solent's Pro Vice-Chancellor Students and Governance, Jim Irving, says:

"As a university deeply rooted in its home city, Solent is proud to champion local students who have chosen us as their place of study. This scheme aims to boost their success by providing financial support at a pivotal stage of their academic journey.

"Supporting students from the Southampton city region through the bursary scheme is just one of the commitments we have made to work with our communities to build a fairer and more sustainable future for Southampton and our region." 

Solent's graduate community plays an important role in the Local Student Bursary Scheme, paying it forward by contributing towards the initiative and empowering the next generation of undergraduates in their studies. In 2021, the University received a generous £125,000 donation from a local family in their alumni community, which gave the scheme a five-year boost.

With more donations from Southampton, the Isle of Wight and Portsmouth's generous communities, Solent University can continue to award bursaries to incoming and existing students. If you would like to positively impact a student living locally by donating to the fund, you can do so here. Your donation will directly contribute to the scheme and impact a student in the 2024/2025 academic year. 

Elena Andrei, recipient and BSc (Hons) Accountancy and Finance student, says: "This support will enhance my educational experience, create opportunities, and enhance valuable resources. Receiving this will allow me to focus on my studies and pursue my passion."

Established to offer financial stability, the Local Student Bursary Scheme is just one of many funds Solent University offers to students. Find out more about scholarships, grants and bursaries here.