Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Scholarships

The visit of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to the University of Exeter on 2 May 2012 will have a lasting legacy through new scholarships announced for overseas study.

The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Scholarships will grant five £2,000 scholarships each year.

The Scholarships will provide an opportunity for five exceptional University of Exeter students to study abroad - expanding their cultural, social and career horizons.

Studying abroad provides an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in another culture, building language skills and international ties, cultivating understanding and extending the international reputation of the University.  It also helps improve their employment prospects and fosters their potential to be the international leaders of the future within their chosen fields.

Funded by the Annual Fund, gifts from alumni and supporters, the Scholarships will support those students who may not otherwise be able to take advantage of these life-changing opportunities.  Priority will be given to students who show a commitment to being global leaders of the future, who demonstrate excellent academic performance and are committed to sharing their learning experiences with fellow students.

Susie Hills, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at the University of Exeter said: "The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Scholarships will allow these students to take advantage of a life-changing overseas study opportunity, one that may not otherwise be open to them due to their financial circumstances.

"The opening of the Forum by The Queen on 2 May was a very proud day for the University.  To make this historic occasion, we wanted to do something that would continue to benefit our students for years to come.  We would like to thank our alumni and friends, who contribute so generously to the Annual Fund and have made this possible."

The first scholarships will begin later in 2012 and have been established with £60,000 of initial funding.  The student would be required to write a report, video diary, blog or photograph album detailing how the bursary aided them to their study overseas.  This material will be available to the University to promote the availability and impact of the Scholarships.

Applications for the above scholarship are open to undergraduate students studying abroad in 2013/14 who meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be undertaking a full academic year of study abroad at an international partner university.  Students studying abroad via the Erasmus scheme are not eligible.
• You must be in receipt of the Access to Exeter Bursary.
• You must have achieved an average of 65% or better in first year assessments, if you are studying abroad in the second year of your degree; or 65% or better in first and second year assessments, if you are studying abroad in the third year of your degree.
• You must be willing, during your year abroad, to produce a report, video diary, blog, photo archive or other record to be shared with the student community at Exeter.