Reach Oxford INFORMATION PACK 2009/10. Scholarships for Students from Low Income Countries

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1 Scholarships for Students from Low Income Countries INFORMATION PACK 2009/10 An Oxford University Student Union project run in partnership with Student Funding Services Oxford University Student Union

2 The Scheme Reach Oxford was created by Oxford University Student Union (OUSU) in 1990 to give highly able students from low income countries the opportunity to benefit from an Oxford education. Originally called the Oxford Student Scholarship, Reach Oxford is a life-changing experience for the students involved, allowing those who would otherwise be denied any higher education to join Oxford s academic community and enjoy one of the world s best. Reach Oxford is run in partnership with the University s Student Funding Services. During the academic year , four colleges accepted applicants to the scheme Exeter, Lincoln, St Hilda s and St John s. Benefits of the Scholarship For the Student The ability to access world class higher education when any access would otherwise be impossible; An excellent opportunity to live in a different cultural environment while enjoying the diversity of cultural interaction offered by Oxford s international student body; The opportunity to enjoy this challenging experience from the uniquely supportive environment of a College setting. For Colleges A committed student Reach Oxford Scholars have gained a reputation in host Colleges for hard work, dedication and academic flair; The chance to offer a life changing opportunity to a young person from a developing country, providing a supportive and stimulating environment in which they can develop both academically and socially; The expansion and enrichment of the College s community of international students. For JCRs The knowledge that student levies are being used for direct and lasting benefit; The ability to enrich the community of junior members; Publicly demonstrating the JCR s commitment to sharing the excellent educational and social opportunities offered by Oxford with those otherwise unable to benefit from them. Oxford University Student Union 2

3 Students Accounts Muhammed Hasan (2004) Magdalen, Mathematics Having obtained really good academic results, the prospects of me benefiting from a quality university education seemed rather grim. My parents would have trouble affording good local education, and more so if I were to go abroad. There were only a handful of local universities offering Mathematics as a field of study at undergraduate level, and even their standard was not up to the mark. It was at this point that the scholarship came as a lifesaver. I now feel more Not only did I get to interact and study under some of the leading equipped than ever minds in Mathematics but Oxford came to me as a life changing with the tools to experience. Through various events and Oxford life in general, I got contribute towards to appreciate various cultures, ideas and values. It was also a great the opportunity for me to contribute to this rich and energetic growth and cosmopolitan atmosphere and create awareness of my Pakistani development of my heritage. The most valuable lesson that Oxford has taught me is that country cultural differences are not obstacles in cooperation and understanding. Cultural diversity should rather be treated as an inspiring factor. Moreover, I have had the opportunity to have lots of fun, share ideas, widen perspectives and make lasting friendships. I now feel more equipped than ever with the tools to contribute towards the growth and development of my country and the well being of the less fortunate throughout the world. Nauman Shah (2003) Exeter, Engineering Science The scholarship has provided me with numerous opportunities in all walks of life. It has allowed me to pursue my studies at one of the leading universities of the world. Coming from a developing country, where income levels are low, it was impossible for my family to finance my education at Oxford. Universities in my country do not offer the broad based education in engineering as is provided by the Engineering Science course at Oxford. The engineering course also involves a great amount of independent research work, which provides an invaluable experience for research-oriented careers. The scholarship has provided me with an opportunity to experience life in a different country, meeting students from all parts of the globe, and understanding their cultures and traditions. Coming from a developing country it was impossible for my family to finance my education at Oxford. Quality education is a right of every individual, and by providing a Scholarship, a college can play a vital role in maintaining a truly global profile of its student population, based entirely on need and merit. A degree from Oxford opens the door to success in life, and the [Reach Oxford] Scholarship is the key to that door, for numerous international students. Oxford University Student Union 3

4 A College s Perspective Dr Andrew Boothroyd, Tutor for Admissions, Oriel College Scholars help make the educational environment vibrant and stimulating Oriel College, in common with all Oxford Colleges, aims to admit the most academically gifted students, whatever their background or whichever country they come from. Participating in the scholarship scheme enables the College to admit a student who has the academic potential to succeed, but would otherwise be prevented from pursuing a degree course at Oxford for financial reasons. The [Reach Oxford] Scholars contribute an extra international dimension to the already diverse undergraduate student body in the College, which helps make the educational environment vibrant and stimulating. Selection of Scholars How are the Scholars chosen? Criteria are: academic ability, financial need and social commitment. Candidates must also show that for financial or political reasons, or due to a lack of facilities, they cannot obtain an education in their own country. What s the selection process? All applicants must apply to the University through UCAS and be successful in being offered a place for undergraduate study before they can apply for the Reach Oxford Scholarship. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Candidates with an offer of a place for undergraduate study may access the Reach Oxford application form from January After the closing date for applications in February 2009, a short-list of applicants to the scheme is created by a Panel consisting of, among others, the OUSU President, an academic and a student representative from one of the current participating colleges. A copy of each short-listed applicant s Reach Oxford application form, UCAS form and a summary from the selection panel is sent to participating colleges. Rejection letters are sent to those applicants not short-listed. Scholars will be allocated to colleges on a first come, first serve basis. Those that remain on the short-list after all participating colleges have chosen their scholar will be sent a rejection letter. Should an applicant have been admitted to a college that does not participate in the scheme, we will seek that college s approval to release him/her to a participating college. Arrangements would then be made to transfer the student to the college that has chosen them, though colleges should note that this will be additional to their quota. Oxford University Student Union 4

5 Funding How are the scholarships funded? The scholarships are funded through a partnership between the College, their Common Room and the University. University Fees: College Fees: Maintenance: Flight: The University waives 60% of its fee (so long as the Common Room involved meets at least 50% of the Scholar s maintenance costs) Participating colleges waive their fee and pay the remaining 40% of the University fee Paid by Junior Members through an optional levy on battels. Student Funding Services estimates annual living costs for a non-eu undergraduate to be just under 9,000 for 9 months (term-time plus the Christmas and Easter vacations). For a college with 400 undergraduates, this would work out at a 7.50 levy per undergraduate per term, if the JCR were to cover all the maintenance costs. The JCR must cover at least 50% of maintenance costs. Flights to and from the UK at the beginning and end of a Scholar s course are usually paid for by the College or JCR. Oxford University Student Union 5

6 Contacts Oxford University Student Union Lewis Iwu President, Oxford University Student Union Thomas Hull House, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford OX1 2DH Tel: (2) Student Funding Services Helen Bagshaw Student Funding Administrator, Student Funding Services University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JD Tel: (2) Oxford University Student Union 6