The Physics & Astronomy Opportunity Scholarship

The Physics & Astronomy Opportunity Scholarship is a long-term initiative aimed at attracting students from a broader range of backgrounds to tackle the lack of Black representation in Physics & Astronomy at UCL. The scholarships are open to UK-domiciled students with home fee status who identify as Black pursuing an undergraduate degree at UCL. The scholarship covers students' full maintenance loans for the duration of their degree, made possible by a generous legacy from a former UCL student. The scholarship provides an annual allowance to cover living and study expenses equivalent to the full maintenance loan offered by the UK government for full-time students living in London. All Opportunity scholars will also receive ongoing academic and career support during their study. The Department of Physics and Astronomy is committed to improving the representation and progression of Black, Asian and minority ethnic students, with this scholarship serving as an additional tool in their outreach programme. Candidates must be UK domiciled with home fee status or be a forced migrant as defined by UCL, have not completed a degree previously, hold an offer of admission to study on one of Physics & Astronomy's undergraduate degree programmes, identify as Black or Black British, and come from a lower socio-economic background based on household income. A maximum of two scholarships are available to students starting in September 2026.