Partnership offers scholarship opportunities for British Muslim students

Northumbria University, Newcastle, has announced a partnership with the Aziz Foundation to provide scholarships for Masters’ students from British Muslim communities. The move is part of the University’s commitment to widening participation and promoting fair access to higher education for students from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.

Established as a family charity in 2015, the AzizFoundation is inspired by the values and teaching of Islam to support the most disadvantaged communities. It has now named Northumbria as a preferred partner and is offering 100% tuition fee Masters’ scholarships to Muslims lacking the financial means to complete a post graduate degree at the University.

Dr Zain Sardar, Programme Manager at the Aziz Foundation said: “We are delighted to partner with Northumbria University – a forward looking inclusive institution that is taking the necessary steps to diversify its student cohorts at the post graduate level. We are certainly impressed by the range of initiatives and interventions run by the University in support of marginalised students.”

Professor Graham Wynn, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) at Northumbria, added: “Northumbria University is committed to providing fair access to enriching and empowering higher educational experience for students from all backgrounds. We are very proud to work with the Aziz Foundation to support up to nine British Muslim students each year to pursue their educational goals and build a strong platform for success in their future careers and life ambitions.”

“Social mobility and fair access to higher education is integral part of our approach to student recruitment and providing opportunities for motivated students regardless of background.”

In January 2022 Northumbria launched its Higher Education Without Barriers campaign to enable talented students from all backgrounds to access higher education. Supported by businesses, charitable trusts, and alumni, the campaign has raised over £2m and benefited more than 800 students in outreach, scholarships, hardship, well-being, and enterprise.

For more information about the Aziz Foundation scholarships, contact sue.vout@northumbria.ac.uk. Applications are made directly to the AzizFoundation, with applications opening in the New Year.

Information for Applicants:

The Aziz Foundation Scholarship is open to British Muslims who wish to study a Postgraduate course at Northumbria University commencing in September 2023. It covers the full cost of the Postgraduate tuition fee for one year. The scholarship is called the ‘Aziz Foundation Scholarship’, with the successful applicants known as ‘Aziz Scholars’.

To apply applicants must:

Be a UK/Home applicant (Home includes UK students and those eligible to pay home fees)

Apply to study a Postgraduate course commencing in September 2023 at Northumbria University’s Newcastle Upon Tyne campus

Demonstrate active engagement in British Muslim communities and a long-term commitment to community/societal development

Be a self-funded student or supported via a research grant

Meet the terms and conditions of both the Foundation and the University and accept your offer

Important information:

The scholarship will cover the full cost of the tuition fees only for the equivalent of a one-year, full-time Masters degree

Students selected will not be eligible for other Northumbria Scholarships

If you are selected and are a Northumbria Alumni, you will not be eligible for the Alumni Discount