Black Student Support

Creating opportunity: how scholarship support helps black students thrive at Leicester

Behind every scholarship is a belief in potential.

This Black History Month, we are celebrating the impact that donor-funded scholarships have for Black students at the University of Leicester, helping talented individuals access opportunities, overcome financial barriers and make the most of their university experience.

For many students, receiving a scholarship is about far more than financial support alone. It can provide reassurance, confidence and the freedom to focus on academic and personal development. It can create opportunities that might otherwise feel out of reach, from work placements and research projects to extra-curricular activities and professional networking experiences.

At Leicester, the generosity of alumni, friends and supporters enables students from a wide range of backgrounds to thrive. By investing in education, our donor community is helping to ensure that the next generation of graduates can pursue their ambitions and contribute to their communities, professions and wider society. This support reflects a shared belief that talent is everywhere, and that every student deserves the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

“I have enjoyed taking part in university societies and social events, which helped me settle into university life and build friendships with students from different backgrounds. Overall, university has given me the opportunity to develop academically, socially, and personally, while gaining new experiences and confidence for the future.

Receiving the Economics Award has meant a great deal to me. It has not only provided valuable financial support, but it has also given me reassurance and motivation to continue working hard towards my academic goals. Studying Economics can be demanding, and the award has helped reduce some of the financial pressure associated with university life, allowing me to focus more on my studies and fully engage with the opportunities available to me.”
Lanre Adagun, Economics BSc, Year 2

The impact of scholarship support extends well beyond tuition fees and living costs.

Many students balance academic commitments alongside part-time employment and other responsibilities. Financial support can ease those pressures, allowing students to dedicate more time to their studies, professional development and the wider university experience.

Scholarships can also help students seize opportunities that enhance their confidence and future prospects. From attending conferences and networking events to participating in student societies, leadership programmes and volunteering activities, these experiences can play a crucial role in shaping a student's journey.

Just as importantly, scholarships send a powerful message to recipients: that others believe in their ability to succeed. That sense of encouragement can have a lasting impact. Students frequently speak about the confidence that donor support provides, knowing that alumni and supporters they may never meet have chosen to invest in their future. It creates a connection between generations of Leicester students, united by a shared commitment to learning, achievement and positive change.

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is also an opportunity to recognise the diverse contributions that Black students make to our University community. Through their academic achievements, leadership, creativity and service, they enrich campus life and help shape Leicester's future.

Scholarship support helps ensure that these students can continue to pursue their ambitions and make the most of every opportunity available to them.
We thank the alumni and supporters whose generosity continues to change lives through scholarship funding. Their support is helping talented students from all demographics achieve their ambitions, contribute to their communities and become the leaders, innovators and changemakers of the future.

Every scholarship tells a story of possibility. Together, those stories form a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when opportunity and potential meet.