Bursary support for Summer School graduates

Published On Wed 19 Dec 2018 by Grant Hill

A group of University of Dundee students will each receive £100 bursaries to help towards the cost of their studies this week.

The bursaries, donated by Strachans Ltd, an Aberdeenshire-based distributor of food and catering goods to the offshore industry, are being awarded to ten students who earned their places at Dundee having completed the University’s Access Summer School course earlier this year. 

Stanley Morrice, chairman of Strachans, was made an honorary professor in the University’s School of Business last month. Strachans decided to fund the bursaries after Professor Morrice heard of the financial challenges faced by some students from widening access backgrounds. The number of bursaries on offer will be doubled to 20 next year.

Strachans Managing Director Stuart Donaldson said, “We realise how difficult it can be for some students who have to fund their own studies and believe that universities should be open to people from all walks of life. It is important that students do not miss out because of their financial situation so if we can make it a little bit easier for some of them through these bursaries then we are delighted to help.”

Access Summer School provides intensive preparation and alternative routes into degree courses for students whose true academic potential is often masked by circumstance. The programme has been cited nationally as an example of best practice, with more than 2,400 students having taken their place on degree courses at Dundee since the launch of the initiative in 1993.

Dr John Blicharski, Access and Participation Manager at the University, said, “We are very grateful for the support that Strachans has provided to our students. The barriers to accessing higher education are complex but for those who face financial challenges, £100 can make a huge difference towards the costs of being a student.

“Our students proved how much ability they have by successfully completing Access Summer School and these bursaries are a further boost for them as they seek to fulfil their potential across all our degree programmes.”

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Grant Hill
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University of Dundee
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Email: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk