How company scholarships could be a better option than university for you – from mentorship to living expenses

WANT to go to university but don’t think you can afford it? Then consider applying for a company scholarship.

Offered by firms keen to hire graduates, the grants cover your fees and, in many cases, living expenses too.

Some add in mentorship, work experience and, of course, a job afterwards if you make the grade.

University scholarships are relatively new to the UK — they have a long tradition in the US — and are used by leading firms to find top new talent.

This week is the National Scholarship Week, with awards on offer from companies including and .

When the Week launched in 2023, there was £300,000 worth of funding available. This year there are 100 scholarships worth £1.1million.

The week is backed by student finance specialist Blackbullion, whose research shows more than three-quarters of students are stressed about finances, with an average £365 monthly gap between what they need and what they have.

Official statistics show that around 40,000 students quit their courses each year, with many blaming worries.

Blackbullion CEO Vivi Friedgut explains: “A world-class knowledge economy doesn’t happen by accident, it’s built on access, opportunity and bold solutions which ensure students can thrive and drive the UK forward.

“National Scholarships Week is breaking down financial barriers for students nationwide.”;

For the first time this year, there is a scholarship open specifically to white working-class boys.

Statistics show just 13.7 per cent of white boys on progress to higher education, against 16.1 per cent of mixed ethnicity boys and 22.2 per cent of white girls in the same position.

The scholarship is being provided by talent management software firm TalentMapper, whose working-class founders Martin Mason and Carl Tucker struggled to pay their own way through university.

•  See business.blackbullion.com/national-scholarships-week-2025.

‘Scheme gave me money… and freedom'

GROWING up in a community where higher education wasn’t a common path, Rayane Ourari was worried about accumulating student debt.

Just before his A-levels, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour and lost vision in one eye.

However, he has been awarded a Nationwide Building Society Scholarship covering maintenance support, mentorship and two internships to study maths and statistics at a top university.

Rayane, 19, from Bromley, , said: “So many people assume that if you’re smart, you’ll just figure it out, but that’s not how it works.

“There are students who are just as talented as the top candidates, but they don’t have the financial backing or the networks to get their foot in the door.

“I always wanted to aim high, and now I have the chance to do that.

“The scholarship didn’t just give me money, it gave me freedom.

“Now, I can think about the future instead of worrying about day to day expenses.

“Scholarships are not just handing out money, they’re investing in people.”;

Get shoe in door

BREAKING into the competitive fashion industry is a shoe-in with a new scheme at foot-wear firm Kurt Geiger.

Its Business by Design Academy is a fully funded career incubator for wannabe young creatives.

The digital course is open to students across the UK and offers weekly masterclasses, mentoring and seven weeks’ paid work experience.

Kurt Geiger CEO Neil Clifford said: “Retail is the largest private sector employer in the UK, yet often overlooked as a rewarding, creative career.”;

Around 30 per cent of previous graduates have secured roles with the firm and this year the scheme has expanded from 33 to 50 places.

Apply at kurtgeiger.com/business-by-design

Jobspot

NURSERY chain Bright Horizons is recruiting for childcare apprentices. For more details, check out careers.brighthorizons.com

CARE specialist Salutem has 178 vacancies including roles for support workers, deputy managers and managers. Learn more at vacancies. salutemcareers.co.uk/v