Study abroad scholarships: have you applied?

Bronagh Masterson
Thursday 11 March 2021
Ellie, Santander Scholarship recipient

For hundreds of years Scottish students have ventured abroad in search of new academic challenges. Perhaps one of the earliest examples of this by a St Andrews student is Andrew Melville, who went from his studies in St Andrews to the teachings of Ramus in Paris in 1564, returning to St Andrews many years later to become Principal of St Mary’s College. Studying abroad has changed a lot since then, but some of the fundamental reasons to go abroad remain the same: an interest in new academic challenges and the desire to experience another culture and to see more of the world.

A report by the Universities UK has even shown that there is a positive correlation between outward mobility and improved academic performance and employment outcomes.  The report demonstrated that graduates who were mobile during their degree were less likely to be unemployed (3.0% compared to 3.8% of non-mobile graduates) and more likely to have earned a first class or upper second class degree (91% compared to 80.3% for non-mobile graduates).

So lots of positives to take away from a study abroad experience!

However, the costs associated with study abroad can sometimes seem daunting.  Flights, transfers, in-country travel, accommodation, books and supplies, visas, meal plans… The costs can quickly add up!

A scholarship can be a great way to offset some of these costs and at St Andrews, we have a variety of scholarships to support students who wish to study abroad as part of their degree programme.  These include programme scholarships, such as the Robert Lincoln McNeil Scholarship which generously supports a Scottish student to study at the University of Pennsylvania each year and the Canadian Robert T Jones Jr. Scholarships which supports eight students to study at Queen’s and Western University, as well as broader University-managed scholarships, such as the Arts Abroad Scholarship and 600th Anniversary Scholarships.  For these latter two scholarships, amounts range from a couple of hundred to £12,000 which can really help to support a study abroad experience.

Hanna, Bobby Jones Scholarship recipient

The Global Office also works closely with Development to offer the Miss Moncrieff Travelling Scholarship which was generously donated to the University by Miss Marjorie Moncrieff.  Miss Moncrieff was Secretary to the Department of Zoology from 1954 to 1982 and has left a legacy to the University to fund travelling scholarships for undergraduate study abroad students in the Faculty of Science.  Each year, one Moncrieff Travelling Scholarship – First Abroad scholarship of £12,000 will be allocated to an eligible student who demonstrates both academic excellence and financial need. In addition to the First Abroad Scholarship, this fund also offers a range of award values to undergraduate students in the Faculty of Science undertaking Study Abroad programmes for credit. This includes both the St Andrews Abroad and School Abroad programmes. These scholarships will be awarded to students of academic excellence to whom Study Abroad would otherwise be unattainable.

Ronan, Moncrieff Travelling Scholarship – First Abroad recipient

Each academic year, we have over £100,000 worth of scholarships available to support study abroad students.  So why not think about applying for scholarships to support your study abroad experience?  If you have a place for either a School Abroad or St Andrews Abroad programme for 2021-22, the scholarships deadlines are fast approaching so don’t miss out on this great opportunity!   You can  now through MySaint.

Charlotte, Arts Abroad Scholarship recipient

To find out more about our scholarship portfolio, please visit the Study Abroad webpages.

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