View all News

Themes: Culture and Participation

Exceptional disabled students sought for Masters Scholarships Programme

MSc student in a wheelchair in front of the workshop in the UCL building at Here East.
Msafiri - Snowdon Masters Scholar

Investing in inspirational disabled students the Snowdon Masters Scholarships are looking for brilliant graduates with the potential to become leaders of tomorrow. Funding up to £30,000 per student, successful candidates will receive £15,000 towards fees for a UK Masters course, and a £15,000 allowance while studying.

Snowdon Trust and Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub) are encouraging high achieving disabled students to apply. Successful candidates will join a unique network of disabled innovators,working together to inspire a new generation. Candidates must show a proven drive for success and the ability to create change, within and beyond their field of study.

Selection Criteria

Open to national and international students the scholarships are designed to identify and accelerate talented disabled scholars who have shown excellence academically, or demonstrated leadership through professional or extracurricular activities. The scholarship is available to students who have recently completed an undergraduate course, and those returning to study from the workplace or following a career break.

“The Snowdon Trust grants programme has always aimed to level the playing field for disabled students, but we launched the scholarship scheme to go a step further and boost the most high achieving students on their journey towards future leadership. The first Snowdon Scholars are already demonstrating themselves to be outstanding contributors to the programme.”

Helen Saelensminde, Chief Executive of the Snowdon Trust

Background

Snowdon Trust provides grants to physically disabled students and those with a sensory impairment studying in the UK. Established by the First Earl of Snowdon, who contracted polio as a child, the trust has gone on to support over 2,700 students through higher education.

Last year Snowdon Trustees awarded 11 scholarships, with studies ranging from Law and Archaeology, to Global Health and US Foreign Policy. These scholars join previous cohorts in the Disabled Leaders Network – a space for collaboration, engagement and debate, to accelerate the disabled leaders of tomorrow and encourage other disabled students to reach their potential. The network is a mechanism to drive success, providing long term opportunities for students that have been successful in securing Snowdon Scholarships.

The scholarship programme is delivered by Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), a research and practice centre driving disability innovation for a fairer world. Born out of the legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games the GDI Hub harnesses academic excellence, innovative practice and co-creation to tackle global challenges from a new perspective.Solutions-focused experts in Assistive Technology, Inclusive Design, and Culture and Participation, GDI Hub supports and delivers world-class Research, Teaching, Innovation, Programmes and Advocacy. Operational in 41 countries, it has reached 4 million people since its launch in 2016.

How to apply

Applications are now open for the 2021/2022 Snowdon Masters Scholarships. Find out more and apply online. All candidates are advised to read the supporting documents and guidance prior to completing an application. Applications will close at midday on Tuesday 6thApril.