The Cowrie Foundation Scholarship 2026 at Imperial College London provides full financial support to outstanding undergraduate students from underrepresented Black heritage backgrounds. The scholarship removes financial barriers by covering tuition fees and providing a generous living stipend.
Imperial College London offers this scholarship in partnership with the Cowrie Foundation to promote diversity, inclusion, and equal access to higher education.
About the Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
The scholarship supports students who plan to pursue a full-time undergraduate degree at Imperial College London.
The university offers:
- Two scholarships annually
- One open across multiple faculties (Engineering, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Business School)
- One specifically reserved for students in the Faculty of Natural Sciences
The scholarship targets students from Black African, Black Caribbean, or mixed Black heritage backgrounds who demonstrate both academic potential and financial need.
Why Choose The Cowrie Foundation Scholarship?
This scholarship allows students to study at a world-leading university with complete financial security.
At Imperial College London, students gain:
- Access to cutting-edge laboratories and research facilities
- Strong global reputation in STEM, medicine, and business
- Industry connections and career opportunities
The scholarship ensures that talented students from underrepresented communities can fully focus on academic success without financial stress.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Host University: Imperial College London
- Scholarship Name: Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
- Study Level: Undergraduate
- Funding Type: Fully funded
- Coverage Includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- £10,000 annual maintenance grant
- Number of Awards: 2 scholarships annually
- Duration: Full duration of undergraduate program (3–4 years typical)
- Eligible Applicants: Home students from specific Black heritage backgrounds
- Application Method: UCAS + scholarship application form + financial assessment
- Application Deadline: 29 May 2026
- Selection Basis: Academic merit, financial need, and personal statement
Scholarship Benefits
The Cowrie Foundation Scholarship provides:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the entire degree
- Annual £10,000 living stipend
- Financial support integrated with other bursaries (if applicable)
- Opportunity to study at a globally top-ranked university
- Reduced financial burden and improved academic focus
- Support for long-term academic and professional success
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Hold an offer of admission to an undergraduate program at Imperial College London
- Have Home fee status
- Be from one of the following backgrounds:
- Black African
- Black Caribbean
- Mixed (White and Black African/Caribbean or similar backgrounds)
- Demonstrate financial need with a household income below £35,000 per year
- Complete a means-tested Student Finance England (SFE) application
- Be starting a new undergraduate program in 2026/27
- Not a continuing student
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare:
- UCAS application for the chosen undergraduate course
- Academic transcripts or predicted grades
- Personal statement
- Scholarship application form (Cowrie Foundation form)
- Student Finance England (SFE) financial assessment
- Consent to share household income data
- Any additional supporting documents requested by Imperial
Application Process & Timeline
Follow these steps to apply:
- Apply for an undergraduate degree at Imperial College London via UCAS.
- Secure an offer of admission before the deadline.
- Apply for Student Finance England (SFE) and complete means testing.
- Ensure your household income is verified (below £35,000).
- Complete and submit the Cowrie Foundation Scholarship application form.
- Demonstrate how the scholarship will support your academic and personal development.
- Imperial reviews applications based on merit and financial need.
- Selected candidates receive scholarship confirmation.
