Will you help open the door for Leeds students?

Thanks to the gift of a scholarship, students like Charlie can follow their dreams.Alumni and supporters, like you, help hundreds of students to take up their place at Leeds, with the gift of a scholarship.You can help them overcome financial barriers and give them access to essential lifestyle, wellbeing and careers support. You can help them to make the most of their Leeds experience. The support you give today, could change the course of their future.

"The time I've spent in Leeds has been one of the happiest periods of my life."

Charlie Williams who graduated this year with an MA in Political Communication, credits the support he received at University as giving him the freedom to break away from a troubled past.

“During my A-levels we were made homeless and forced into temporary emergency accommodation. I couldn't afford a computer either so it was really difficult."We were in extreme poverty and always had to rely on financial top-ups. The question of whether to heat or eat was genuinely a daily choice."

Despite the challenges, Charlie thrived in his studies, driven by the ambition to become a journalist. He secured his first full-time job writing for local newspapers after studying at the University of Essex. Charlie had dreams of for further study, and saved from his wages to help fund a postgraduate course. Two years on, he enrolled on an MA in Political Communications at Leeds.

"Only four universities offer this course, and part of the reason I chose Leeds was because of the Masters scholarships. They are available to students from less privileged backgrounds.“It is entirely due to the generosity of the donors who supported me. I can now look forward to a life that I was never allowed as a child. Through donors’ financial support, money is now no longer a barrier to people like me studying. If I ever come into money I would like to do the same for someone else.  “Thanks to this support, I am freed, my chains shattered, and I am liberated." 

How your help can support a student

• Making Leeds accessible for all: Your gifts will help make a Leeds degree an option for students who may otherwise miss out. This includes those from low-income households or who are estranged from their families
• Helping students make the most of Leeds: With your support, students can build their skills and confidence. They can access societies, course events, internships and opportunities to travel
• Providing a sense of community: Through the University Plus Programme, students can meet others with similar experiences. They can build their own support networks to help adjust to university life.

Thank you

Your generous gift today will help a student to start their university journey on a level playing field, opening up opportunities they may have never imagined, with support they need to help them thrive.

Please will you give today?

Do you have a question? Please don't hesitate to contact us at give@leeds.ac.uk