Turning potential into opportunity

The feeling of someone really believing in you? That belief is exactly what our scholars feel when they're awarded a scholarship to study at Essex. Opportunity backed by genuine support. 

For students like Kristina, a scholarship can change a life 

“It’s given me the chance to make a real difference in the marine world, something my younger self always dreamed of. Balancing two jobs alongside a full-time degree as a mature student was my biggest challenge. There were times I wasn’t sure I’d be able to manage financially or complete my studies." 

“Winning this scholarship has lifted a huge weight — it will ease the financial pressure and have a lasting positive impact on my mental wellbeing. Essex has always been my home, so studying here feels deeply personal. My research focuses on protecting this very coastline, knowing I can make a difference locally means the world to me. It’s not just about changing the world, it’s about protecting my world, my home, Essex.”

Barriers to education shouldn't still exist, but they do

That's why we're supporting students from every background through hundreds of scholarships and bursaries each year. It's our commitment to invest in students whose potential would otherwise be missed. And our community are invited to be part of that journey.

Believe in someone’s potential and make a gift to the Essex Futures scholarships appeal.

A gift of £10 can make a huge difference, both to someone’s personal future but also the impact they want to make with their Essex degree.

Kristina, who’s studying for a PhD in Biological Sciences and received a Sustainable Transitions Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme scholarship. said: 

“My ultimate goal is to inspire global adoption of nature-based solutions for coastal protection and to provide the scientific evidence needed to support their success. I want to show that working with nature isn’t just possible, it’s essential.”

Your support matters

At Essex:

• 4 in 10 undergraduates come from households earning under £25,000*
• More than 1 in 3 are the first in their family to attend university*
• Over half identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic

By donating £10 today, you can help break down barriers and show another student that someone believes in them. Thank you for supporting Essex students.

*Home students, based on data from 2024-2025