Scholarship opportunities for under-represented students
Each year, a number of UK higher education institutions offer scholarships for geographical study for under-represented candidates. This page is periodically updated to reflect current opportunities. We welcome the submission of any additional opportunities for inclusion on this page - please contact rhed@rgs.org with suggestions.
Undergraduate scholarships
University of Cambridge
The Department of Geography has launched a programme of support and financial assistance for black British students intending to read for the Cambridge Geographical Tripos.
Esri UK and Akama Fund
Esri UK has partnered with the Akama Fund to create a new scholarship programme for Black and mixed Black heritage students. Designed to support 60 higher education students, in disciplines related to the geospatial industry, the Geospatial Student Accelerator scheme will make awards totalling £30,000 in the first year.
Cowrie Scholarship Foundation
The Cowrie Scholarship Foundation was set up to allow economically disadvantaged Black students to attend UK universities. It aims to fund 100 students over the next decade.
Open University
The Open Futures Scholarship for Black Students provide the opportunity for new, UK-resident students who identify as Black to study for free.
Postgraduate scholarships
University of Birmingham
The 125th Anniversary Scholarships for Black British Researchers funds up to 10 talented Black students who want to pursue a postgraduate research degree.
Keele University
Keele University’s Leverhulme-funded Sustainable Rural Futures Programme (SURF) will train a new generation of interdisciplinary rural researchers to tackle contemporary rural challenges. This initiative seeks to decolonise how rural issues are framed and understood.
We have an opportunity for applicants of black heritage to apply for a fully funded 5 year scholarship to study for a Masters degree in a relevant subject and for 4 years of postgraduate research.
The Leverhulme Trust
The Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships scheme (LDS) provides funding specifically for Black students and those from low-income households.
University of Southampton
The University of Southampton has created a dedicated scholarship to help talented UK-domiciled Black and mixed-Black heritage students fund their PhD study at Southampton.
- Undergraduates
Dreading the map
A resource about the Dreading the map artistic installation.
- About the RGS-IBG
Rethinking the history of early Everest expeditions
In the 1920s, the Royal Geographical Society became involved in a series of efforts to climb Mount Everest. This resource delves into some of the forgotten stories of members of the expeditions.
- Postgraduates
Supervising Black geography PhD researchers in the UK
This report by Victoria Ogoegbunam Okoye summarises research on the supervision of Black Geography PhD students in UK universities.