Imagine not knowing whether you can continue your education due to financial strains or personal circumstances. That's the position some prospective Loughborough students are in - and that is where the Opportunity Scholarship programme – offering £3,000 per year for three years of study – can help.
Opportunity Scholarships are available to students who come from households with incomes under £30,000 per year, who receive free school meals, or are from areas of the UK where there is low participation in higher education.
The average household income of scholars who have joined in 2025-26 is less than £3,820 a year. This year, generous donations to Opportunity Scholarships are supporting 51 new students. They join more than 100 existing Opportunity Scholars.
However, only 1 in 3 of the students who are eligible for support are receiving a scholarship. With your help, more students can be supported on their journey to success.
Will you help the next generation of Loughborough students to have a life changing university experience?
The impact on students
Opportunity Scholarships are awarded to those that demonstrate academic potential and face significant barriers and have a huge impact on the student recipients. A scholarship enables many students like Joy and Matty to relax into student life and really enjoy their time at Loughborough.
Anonymous story
One scholar, who wishes to remain anonymous, is studying BSc Management after achieving A*AA at A-Level while living independently and working two jobs.
When I found out I was awarded this scholarship I felt grateful and reassured. For me, it meant more than just financial support but also a reminder that my circumstances don't define my future. This has given me a source of motivation to make the most of my time here, to work harder and to give back to the university community in whatever ways I can.”
Joy's story
A scholarship has helped Joy to settle into university life, pursue passions for basketball and the gym, and afford greater costs heading into second year.
Being able to commit to university without having to worry about finances has been such a great help. I’ve been able to do what I love the most and it has really shaped my university experience, especially this second year. This will forever be a motivation to never stop what I want to pursue.”
Matty's story
Whilst he was growing up, Matty’s father developed terminal cancer and his mum became his carer, leaving Matty and his family without any financial backing.
His dream of studying at Loughborough to become an engineer was in doubt.
Thanks to a scholarship, he is now the first in his family to attend university. He finds himself in a position to inspire his younger relatives, who see a different pathway available to them.
In ten years, I can now see myself with a mortgage, being independent and working as a Chartered Engineer – none of this could have been possible without a scholarship. Growing up and seeing your parents struggle for money is hard. Now I know I hopefully won’t be in the same situation in the future.”
Since the programme launched in 2013, over 400 students have benefited from an Opportunity Scholarship with thanks to generous donors.
With your help, more students can benefit.
Thank you
It is thanks to the generous support of donors to the University that we are able to support students who otherwise may not be able to attend university.
Gifts at all levels make a huge difference. Whether it’s by equipping our students with skills for the workplace and beyond, or by enabling them to have an amazing student experience, gifts to Access to Education programmes at Loughborough are opening doors to success.
