Sir Steve Smith Scholars Fund

Sir Steve Smith Scholars Fund

In 2020, a scholarship means more than ever

University costs are at an all-time high with the average cost of an undergraduate degree now over £50,000.

For students from disadvantaged backgrounds university is getting harder to reach. Talented students from poorer households are far less likely to take the financial risk of going to university if their families have been hit with job losses and are facing hardship. Their talents could go unnurtured, and our country could potentially lose great leaders to be.

COVID-19 is increasing the pressure and in the short team, there may be fewer part time jobs that many students depend on for income. In the longer term, students could enter the jobs market with far higher competition and will need to stand out.

We hope you can see how important scholarships continue to be for a new generation of Exeter scholars. Zain Ahmad is a current BMBS Medicine Student and the first member of his family to attend University thanks to a Scholarship from Exeter.

2020 marks 65 years since the Royal Charter was issued to the University and looking to the next 65 years the Sir Steve Smith Scholars Fund could enable up to 130 students to attend Exeter who otherwise could not. Your support could mean more students could receive a life-changing scholarship here at Exeter, now and in the future.

Will you become a founding member of the Sir Steve’s Scholar’s Fund?

We are always overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of our alumni who give their support towards much needed scholarships every year. Any amount you can give, large or small, makes all the difference. Thank you.