Beacon Equity Trust 2021 Beacon Scholarships for African Undergraduate Students (UK)

Up to six new undergraduate Beacon Scholarships for University are offered each academic year, one to each Beacon Partner University. Candidates must be Nominated by their current School Head, and once they have an offer of admission, will be invited to apply for a Beacon Scholarship for University. They will then be evaluated by the Beacon Equity Trust for evidence of academic ability, leadership potential, being a ‘Change-maker’, and financial need.

• Table of Content
• About The Beacon Equity Trust
• Beacon Equity Trust Beacon Scholarships
• Aim and Benefits of Beacon Equity Trust Beacon Scholarships
• Requirements for Beacon Equity Trust Beacon Scholarships Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About The Beacon Equity Trust

The Beacon Equity Trust is an educational charity, founded in 2009, whose principal activity is to support the operation of The Beacon Scholarship. It is privately funded and presently operates in the UK and East Africa.

Beacon Equity Trust Beacon Scholarships

Aim and Benefits of Beacon Equity Trust Beacon Scholarships

 The award of a Beacon Scholarship is for up to two–thirds of tuition fees (including boarding where applicable, and excluding extras). The Beacon Equity Trust will pay one-third and the Beacon Partner School will pay one-third. Parents/Guardians/Sponsors are expected to cover additional costs such as the payment of any school deposits and levies, school clothes, transport and extras such as school excursions and extra-curricular activities (eg music lessons).

Requirements for Beacon Equity Trust Beacon Scholarships Qualification

Factors to be taken into account include:

• Capacity to study independently overseas (which necessarily involves consideration of the applicant’s competence in English)
• The applicant must be a national of, and ordinarily resident in Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda
• Financial need – see below
• The likely contribution of the candidate to other areas of university life
• Commitment to return to their home country within one month of degree completion and thereafter remain in their home country for at least two full years (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Beacon Equity Trust)
• Commitment to make a contribution to the development of their home country

Selection Criteria: Applications are then evaluated by the Beacon Equity Trust for evidence of leadership potential using the following criteria:

(a) Academic Excellence

Applicants must obtain an offer of a place in at least one university participating in The Beacon Scholarship for University programme. Grade requirements for entry into Beacon Partner Universities are high, and vary by course. Successful university entry is contingent on obtaining the required grades in the university offer. As a general guide, predicted or actual grades should be the minimum required for a candidate’s chosen course of study at their first choice university.

(b) Achievement in Sport, Music or Drama

An applicant must demonstrate that they are more than just an active participant in sport, music or drama, with some formal level of proficiency or accreditation.

(c) Social Influence and Communication

The applicant must have held a position of responsibility in their school, or failing that provide some evidence of confidence amongst peers. They will be expected to undergo an interview which will give an indication of their aptitude and personality traits, and to participate in practical assessment exercises to establish their ability to form and develop relationships among peers.

(d) Citizenship

An applicant must show through examples that they have helped those less fortunate than themselves, or have done work in the community, and are seen as role models. Unselfishness, kindness and concern for others are key criteria for The Beacon Scholarship and Scholars will be required to show continuing evidence of their efforts in these areas.

(e) ‘Change-maker’

Applicants will also need to demonstrate, with examples, that they are a ‘Change-maker’, i.e. that:

1. They have the capacity to ‘take people with them’ and
2. They are already making a difference now, not at some future point in time.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

In order for a candidate to qualify for The Beacon Scholarship for University, they and their Parents/Guardians/Sponsors must demonstrate financial need and undertake full and complete financial disclosure.

PLEASE NOTE: a Nomination is not a full application. Once a Nomination Form is received for a candidate there will be a review of their suitability for a Beacon Scholarship for University. If they are deemed to be suitable, candidates will then be invited to complete a full Application Form.

For more details, visit The Beacon Equity Trust website