University scholarships, bursaries and discounts
Citizens of Change Scholarship
In 1921, the first eleven Citizens of Change enrolled on our campus. Now, over one hundred years later, we honour their legacy with our unique Citizens of Change scholarships.
At Leicester, we are all Citizens of Change. Together we are working for a better future, guided by our values:
- Inclusive: We are diverse in our makeup and united in ambition. Our diversity is our strength and makes our community stronger.
- Inspiring: We are passionate about inspiring individuals to succeed and realise their ambitions. We challenge our community to think differently, to get involved, and to constantly embrace new ideas.
- Impactful: As Citizens of Change, we will generate new ideas which deliver impact and empower our community.
Through understanding, ambitious research, and our diverse and inclusive community of citizens, we are united in our ambition to pursue knowledge that has the power to transform and make our world a better place.
But what about you? How will you live and breathe our values when you join us as one of our newest Citizens of Change?
What's on offer?
- We’re offering 150 x £2,000 scholarships.
What do I need to do?
To be considered, we’d like to know, in 200 words or less, your response to the question:
- “How will you embody the values of a Citizen of Change as a student at the University of Leicester?”
You could choose to highlight one value or even all three. We're looking for how you approach the question, to learn how you will (or perhaps already are) hoping to embody the values and become a Citizen of Change.
Need some inspo?
To help inspire you, current student Josh has shared how he embodies the values of a Citizen of Change.
Josh, Media and Communications
As a student at the University of Leicester, I strive to make an impact on my community. I manage to achieve this by getting involved with student societies on campus. By organizing events for student societies and promoting inclusivity, I am able to make an impact on the lives of others. This way, I can give others an opportunity to engage in a hobby that otherwise might have been inaccessible to them.
This is especially important for developing an inclusive environment and minimising the differences between individuals of different backgrounds. It allows the hobby to transcend boundaries, and reduces negative stereotypes that may be associated with it. Future generations of students will therefore be able to reap the rewards of this effort, causing a lasting impact on the student body and individuals who engage in student societies. Being a Citizen of Change is more than an action; it’s a movement in which I consistently make an effort to ensure everybody benefits, and nobody is left out. That is how I embody the values of a Citizen of Change.
Scholarship and application information
Who is eligible?
Any UK student who has applied to the University of Leicester and who holds an offer to study with us on a full-time campus-based undergraduate course starting in September 2026, including foundation years. We will be prioritising applicants from Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Quintile 1 (Q1) backgrounds. Learn more about IMD.
Successful applicants will need to have made Leicester their firm choice, by their UCAS reply deadline, and meet the conditions of their offer.
How do I apply?
You apply online. Submit your answer of 200 words or less on the form below.
When can I apply?
You can submit your application from Monday 3 November 2025.
Applications will be reviewed in two phases:
- First submission deadline: 1 April 2026
- Applicants will be notified by 20 April 2026
- Approximately 100 awards will be allocated in this phase
- Second submission deadline: 14 May 2026
- Applicants will be notified by 28 May 2026
- Approximately 50 awards will be allocated in this phase
How will my submission be assessed?
Our panel will use the following criteria to score the submissions.
Understanding
Does the submission demonstrate understanding of the values and the role they play in being a Citizen of Change?
Vision
Does the submission show a clear thought process, that highlights how, as a University of Leicester student, the values will guide them to improve our future?
Communication
Does the submission meet the word limit of 200 words? Is the submissions clear and does it convey how the applicant will embody a Citizen of Change.
When will I hear if I am successful?
Our panel will be scoring your submissions based on the three main categories.
Applications will be reviewed in two phases and awarded in the same way:
- First submission deadline: 1 April 2026
- Applicants will be notified by 20 April 2026
- Approximately 100 awards will be allocated in this phase
- Second submission deadline: 14 May 2026
- Applicants will be notified by 28 May 2026
- Approximately 50 awards will be allocated in this phase
Terms and conditions
The Citizens of Change Scholarship can be awarded to students in receipt of other University of Leicester or other external scholarships and bursaries, for example, the University of Leicester Bursary.
Successful applicants will need to have made Leicester their firm choice, by their UCAS reply deadline, and have met the conditions of their offer.There are 150 x £2,000 scholarships available and awarded for the first year of study. Upon successful enrolment in September 2026, the award will be paid via Student Loan Account (SLA) the following February after enrolment. If payment via an SLA is not possible, an alternative payment mechanism will be agreed.
If you transfer to another course, suspend your studies, or withdraw before receiving the payment, you will not receive the scholarship.
I have a question about the Citizens of Change Scholarship
Please email study@le.ac.uk if you have any questions.