1. Do I qualify for a Scholarship Funding Award? Applicants must:
- You must be resident in Gibraltar.
- Attained the age of 18 by the 1st September of the year of Award.
- Applicants for awards must have been ordinarily resident in Gibraltar for a continuous period of five years at the time the application for the award is made.
- Applicants are attending a school in Gibraltar or in the United Kingdom, or have attended such a school.
- Applicants are expected to have attained a minimum of two ‘A’ level or equivalent grades by 1st September of the year of Award.
- Be eligible for home fees within the UK*
*Individuals who are not eligible for home fee status can be found eligible for a mandatory scholarship if they meet all other criteria. However, in such cases funding awarded will be capped at the relevant home fee status.
2. Can I apply for a Scholarship Funding Award for more than 3 years?
The Mandatory Scholarship funding award, typically granted by HMGoG to students upon successful completion of their A Levels, is designed to support young people with the completion of their undergraduate degree course (Level 6). However, there are some undergraduate degree courses (e.g. Dentistry and Medical Degrees) that are longer than 3 years in duration and these will be eligible for funding. Undergraduate courses in Scotland have a duration of 4 years, these courses will also be funded.
3. Can I apply for a Scholarship Funding Award for a 4-year Integrated Master’s Course?
The Mandatory Scholarship funding award, typically granted by HMGoG to students upon successful completion of their A Levels, is designed to support young people with the completion of their undergraduate course (Level 6). An integrated Master’s course awards a postgraduate qualification (Level 7) and you will have to apply for funding for the 4th year of studies upon successfully completing your third year.
4. Will I receive funding if I study at a University outside of the UK?
Yes. However, your maintenance and travel grant will be capped at the Outer London rates. For 2022 these rates were £6100 for maintenance and £1041 for flights. Tuition fees will also be capped. In 2022 this was for £9250 per annum. Students are advised to bear this in mind when considering universities in other countries as any costs additional to the maximum capped figures will have to be met by the student.
5. How do I decide on my Insurance Offer?
The conditions of your insurance offer must be considerably lower than the conditions of your first choice. In making your choices for your UCAS application you must consider courses at undergraduate level which have entry requirements which you can meet. Your aim is to secure a place in an undergraduate course. However, if you are unable to meet the entry requirements for courses at undergraduate level, you can apply for Foundation Degree courses (see Q 8 & Q 9 below).
Once I get my results in August…
6. If I do not meet the conditions of my firm offer and the university makes me an offer for a foundation degree course should I accept this?
No. If you do not meet the conditions of your firm offer you should accept your insurance offer if this offer is for an undergraduate degree course.
7. What if I do not meet the conditions of my firm choice or my insurance offer?
You will need to apply through clearing and try to secure a place on an undergraduate course.
8. What if I am only offered a place on a foundation degree course?
You will need to submit an application which will be considered by the Scholarship Team at the DoE. Your Headteacher/Principal will be asked to state whether this pathway is in your best interests personally and/or academically. Please note that your application may not be successful.
9. What are the entry requirements to apply for a Scholarship Funding Award for a Foundation Degree?
You must have achieved a minimum of two E grades, or equivalent, in two Level 3/A Level subjects.
10. What is a scholarship?
A scholarship is financial support awarded to students during their time at university pursing a foundation course or an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
11. What does a scholarship consist of? What am I entitled to?
A scholarship consists of a maintenance grant, travel allowance (flights and rail) and payment of tuition fees paid directly to the university each academic year.
The Scholarship grant covers maintenance and the University’s tuition fees. If your chosen university is not within the UK, HMGoG will cap costs as per UK rates.
12. What is a maintenance grant?
A maintenance grant is an assistive grant afforded to each student to help with living expenses incurred whilst studying in the UK. This is paid in three equal instalments at the beginning of each term (e.g. September, December and March).
13. What are the different types of Scholarships?
Schools Award
Open to applicants who will start a course within two years of completing their Level 3 qualifications.
Discretionary Award
Open to applicants who will start a course outside of Gibraltar or at the University of Gibraltar after two years of completing their Level 3 and who do not qualify for a Schools Award ie. second chance learners.
Distance Learning Award
Open to applicants who will start an online course, after two years of completing their Level 3.
Continuation of Awards
Open to applicants who are current Scholarship Award holders in order to continue to receive funding for their current award, upon successful completion of the current academic year.