At the University of the West of Scotland, we are committed to ensuring that every talented student has the freedom to pursue higher education, regardless of their financial circumstances.

The WEST Scholarship Programme (Widening Education and Supporting Talent) is designed to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, empowering them to choose a university education and progress throughout their degree to graduation 

Through this program, we aim to provide crucial support to students from areas of multiple deprivation, care-experienced backgrounds, and other disadvantaged groups, empowering them to pursue higher education without financial constraints.  

 

Supporting our next generation of talent

At the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), we are proud to be a global leader in widening participation, currently ranked 16th in the world for widening access and reducing inequalities (THE Impact Rankings 2024). We have the largest intake of

students from SIMD20 (Scottish Index of Multiple Depravation), which means that 30% of our students come from the 20% most deprived postcodes in Scotland.

Did you know, our average student is 26 years old and 40% of our students are the first in their family to attend university? This means our students often have added financial pressures from housing, care responsibilities and the cost of living. Through dedicated support, outreach initiatives, and inclusive learning pathways, we continually provide an accessible and supportive environment where all students have the opportunity to thrive. 

“I thought I was going drop out at first. Now getting a WEST Scholarship has changed my whole outlook on university. It's been absolutely life changing. I wouldn't be the same person without it. I am so grateful for the opportunity and the financial support.”
Brian, Business and Marketing Student

Meaningful Impact

Scholarships not only cover costs such as learning resources, equipment and travel, but provide students with the financial freedom to enjoy social activities, participate in clubs and societies and say yes to the life-changing opportunities they will experience at UWS.

Our scholarship selection process is designed to support students who will benefit the most. We prioritise those facing significant challenges, including care-experienced students, those estranged from their families, and individuals with caring responsibilities, ensuring they have the opportunity to succeed at university. 

In 2025/26 you have helped provide 49 WEST Scholarships.

 

Support a WEST Scholarship

A WEST Scholarship is valued at £5,000 and provides essential support for a student throughout their four years at University of the West of Scotland.

You can make your gift in a variety of ways:

  • Upfront: A one-time payment of £5,000
  • Annually: £1,250 at the start of each academic year
  • Monthly: Convenient monthly instalments

If you are eligible for Gift Aid, you have two options for enhancing your donation. You may choose to add Gift Aid separately, with the additional funds supporting the wider WEST Scholarship Programme.

Alternatively, you can incorporate Gift Aid into your total donation amount. If you’d like assistance with this, we’d be glad to arrange a discussion to help set up a payment plan that best suits you.

"UWS played a key role in shaping our careers, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunities it provided us. After successful careers in telecommunications, database systems design, and the travel industry, we wanted to give back to the place where it all started. Supporting current students is our way of helping the next generation achieve their ambitions, just as we were able to."
George & Lynne Glasgow, UWS Alumni

Donate now

Last updated: 09/04/2026