About the fund
Thanks to the generous philanthropic support given by Santander Universities and alumni and friends of the university, a fund per annum exists to help eligible undergraduate students (see the Eligibility tab for details) take advantage of opportunities overseas, such as work placements, volunteering or studying abroad. Enabling students to access such opportunities will have a range of benefits – enhancing life experiences, building a global network of contacts, broadening horizons and increasing intercultural competence, as well as gaining a competitive edge with regards future careers.
This funding stream is now Closed.
Purpose of the Grants
The grants seek to encourage and enable eligible students to take up appropriate opportunities overseas, recognising that without such financial support, such opportunities may be restricted for various reasons. The fund will provide modest non-repayable grants (of up to a maximum of £1,250) to contribute towards travel and subsistence costs for students undertaking overseas work experience, study or volunteering related to their course and future career aspirations. The grants are intended to be used during the summer recess or alternatively during the following academic year.
Eligibility
Any first or second year undergraduate University of Brighton student can apply to the fund. However, priority will be given to students from a Widening Participation background. For clarity, for this application Widening Participation criteria includes:
- Minority Ethnic
- Care leavers
- Children from military families
- Estranged students
- Forced migrants / Refugees
- Mature students (over the age of 21 in the first year of study)
- Students in receipt of a bursary
- Students in receipt of a maximum means-tested element of the NHS bursary
- Students with a disability
- Young carers.
Please note evidence of the above criteria may be sought to confirm eligibility either directly from applicants or via student records.
The deadline for this round was 1 March 2020. Late submissions will not be considered.
The application
Applicants should apply on the Santander online application form and include the following detail:
- Contact details
- An outline of the international experience being proposed, including the length of time to be spent overseas and what will be gained
- A budget for the experience
- A personal statement indicating why the application should be funded and how the impact of the international experience will be measured
In addition, a short supporting statement is required from a staff member at the university – this can be a personal tutor, course leader or other member of staff offering forms of student support/engagement (e.g. Careers, student volunteering, Sport Brighton, Students’ Union, etc.)
In advance of nominating a member of staff to provide this supporting statement, the individual must be informed of the plans outlined in the application so constructive and relevant information can be provided.
The Selection
The final selection will be made by a panel comprised of university staff, both academic and professional services, and a representative from the Students’ Union.
Should you require any advice regarding your application prior to its submission, please contact santander@brighton.ac.uk.
The panel members will be looking for applicants to communicate effectively how the international experience will add value to their academic studies, enhance their employability and be of interest to employers and clients, helping them achieve their immediate and longer-term career plans or future plans.
Please note – this is a competitive process and submitting an application does not mean an award is guaranteed. Each application will be judged on the basis of the information presented within the application.
Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application no later than 1 month after the closing date.
Term and Conditions
Applications submitted without the necessary approval from academic or professional services staff will only be accepted if the approval is received before the published deadline.
These grants are subject to availability of funds and details given here are subject to change at any time.
The decision of the selection panel is final.
Each successful applicant will be required to provide a brief summary report of the activities carried out under the auspices of the grant within a month of its completion.
Successful applicants will not be eligible to apply for a further grant the following year (e.g. a successful applicant from 2019 will not be able to apply for further funding until 2021).