Higher education is a powerful tool for personal growth, innovation, and to progress in life. Yet, for many students, the cost of tuition, living expenses, and essential resources can be a significant barrier. This is where philanthropic support of scholarships, bursaries, and prizes makes a life-changing difference, bringing hope during increasingly challenging times.

Generous contributions from our donors do more than ease financial burdens - they open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach. These awards enable students to focus on their studies, participate in extracurricular activities, and pursue their aspirations without the constant worry of financial strain.

To understand the real impact of these gifts, we asked students to share their stories. Below, they speak about how these awards have not only helped them academically but also instilled a sense of encouragement, belonging, and hope for the future.

Danqing, MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation

My time as a postgraduate student at Lancaster University was unforgettable, I met professional and kind tutors, enthusiastic staff, and interesting friends. I learned a lot from the Entrepreneurship and Innovation programme, but the most valuable thing about my experience is that it allowed me to accept my imperfections and reflect effectively. For example, as a non-native English-speaking international student, I didn't fully understand the logic and norms of writing my first essay, which resulted in a poor grade. However, I gradually got over my loss and sought help from my tutor and went to the LUMS Writing Zone every week for advice, so that my essay marks got higher and higher, averaging 70+ in the later stages of the programme.

The University has been incredibly supportive whenever I have needed help, giving me confidence to face the challenges of the future. I have registered my own company in China and I’m now working to develop my start-up. I am hugely thankful for this prize, it has inspired me a lot and encouraged me to work at my start-up.

Sophia, BSc Marketing (Study Abroad)

I have thoroughly enjoyed my course at Lancaster University. The diverse curriculum and supportive faculty have provided a stimulating and enriching academic environment. The opportunity to engage in challenging coursework, collaborate with talented peers, and participate in the study abroad programme has been incredibly rewarding. Lancaster's commitment to academic excellence and its vibrant campus life have significantly contributed to my personal and professional growth.

In the future I plan to move to America to pursue a career with a marketing agency. My experience studying abroad in the United States exposed me to the dynamic and fast-paced world of American marketing. I am eager to gain more experience and have opportunities to showcase the skills and knowledge I have gained at Lancaster University. In the long term, I aspire to take on leadership roles and eventually establish my own marketing consultancy business. This ambition was partly inspired by my thorough enjoyment of the consultancy project during my final year at university.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the donors for their generous support. Winning the 'George Long Prize for Best Academic Performance' is an incredible honour. Their commitment to recognising and encouraging academic excellence is truly inspiring. This award has not only provided financial assistance but also motivated me to strive for even greater achievements in my future endeavours. Thank you for believing in students like me and making a meaningful difference in our academic journeys.

Ken, BSc Economics

I studied BSc Economics and found the experience incredibly rewarding. The quality of teaching was exceptional, with outstanding lecturers who were not only knowledgeable but also deeply invested in their students’ success. Their attention to detail and willingness to provide guidance made a significant impact on my learning.

I plan to enter the finance sector, with a specific interest in asset management, consulting, or sales and trading. I have previously completed internships at firms such as JP Morgan and Jefferies, in roles ranging from investment banking to real estate consultancy. These experiences have given me a strong foundation and I leveraged the knowledge and skills I acquired during my university course in these. I will carry these forth into my future careers.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the donors for their generous support. As a bursary holder, the financial assistance is especially impactful. This will aid in my journey to take on more opportunities to create further value for the communities around me. The award means a lot as my hard work and contributions for my university community has been recognised. Many thanks once again.

Sam, MBChB Medicine and Surgery

As a mature student from a low socio-economic background, the financial burden of completing a degree has always been in the back of my mind whilst studying. The Mature Student Scholarship has helped to relieve some of those worries, allowing me to fully focus on my studies and gain more enjoyment from my time at university.

The money enabled me to reduce my hours at my part-time job which afforded me more time to study. This led to me finishing in the top decile by exam grade and will now mean I graduate with honours as a result. I fully believe this would not have been possible without the Mature Student Scholarship.

Scholarships like this are imperative to enable people to complete their respective courses. I hope in the future I can contribute towards a scholarship for others and pay forward the awards that I have received. Thank you so much for providing this scholarship, it has helped me immensely.