de Freitas Scholarship

Thanks to the generosity of alumnus Roger de Freitas (Politics, 1971), we are delighted to be able to offer up to two scholarships, each worth £30,000 to support black British students studying one of the following programmes, within the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on the Penryn campus in Cornwall, commencing September 2026.

• MSc Marine Environment Management
• MSc Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation

The scholarship will be paid as a full fee discount, with the remainder of the £30,000 being paid as a cash stipend to support the successful student with their travel and living expenses whilst studying at the University of Exeter.

To be eligible for a de Freitas Scholarship, applicants must:

1. Have one of the following categories of ethnicity:

• African or African British
• Caribbean or Caribbean British
• Any other Black background
• White or White British and Black African or Black African British
• White or White British and Black Caribbean or Black Caribbean British
• Any other mixed or multiple ethnic background (to include Black British, Black African, Black Caribbean or any other Black background).

2. Have a confirmed place for entry to the University of Exeter for either the MSc Marine Environmental Management or MSc Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation degree, and due to commence study in October 2026

3. Be a UK student and have been assessed for fee status as 'home'.
 

How to apply

Once you have received an offer, you may apply for the scholarship via our online application form. You will be asked to answer the following questions.

1) In up to 300 words, state your career ambitions and demonstrate, using specific examples, how your studies, work, and extra curricular activities have progressed you towards them.

2) In up to 300 words, make your case for this scholarship and the impact it will have on your studies, future plans, and contribution to the University.

The deadline for applications is the 30th June 2026 and all applicants will be notified of the outcome no later than 20th July 2026.

By applying for this scholarship, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. By submitting an application, you consent to the University of Exeter sharing relevant personal information (such as your name, programme of study, and contact details) with the donor (Roger de Freitas) and members of the scholarship selection panel for the purposes of assessment, administration, and post-award engagement.
2. Scholarship awards are conditional upon successful registration at the University of Exeter for one of the eligible programmes starting in September 2026.
3. Scholarships are only available to applicants confirmed as eligible for home fee status.
4. The scholarship is not available for MRes, PGDip, or online programmes.
5. If you defer your offer, the scholarship will be withdrawn and cannot be carried forward to future years.
6. You may not receive more than one scholarship from the University of Exeter. If you are eligible for multiple awards, you will be granted the scholarship with the highest value.
7. It is your responsibility to inform the University if you are in receipt of any external funding prior to enrolment. Please email a copy of your award letter to Admissions at pg-ad@exeter.ac.uk.
8. The University reserves the right not to award all scholarships if suitable candidates are not identified.
9. The scholarship will be paid as a tuition fee discount, with any remaining balance of the £30,000 provided as a cash stipend, where applicable.
10. If you withdraw or interrupt your studies after enrolment, the University’s Student Finance Regulations will apply regarding any repayment or other financial requirements. See: University of Exeter Student Finance Regulations
11. You may be invited to provide a photograph and a written or video profile for use in promotional materials related to the scholarship and/or study at the University of Exeter.
12. You may also be asked to attend events or participate in internal and external communications activities related to your award.
13. Participation in publicity activities is encouraged but not compulsory
14. By accepting the scholarship, you agree that the University may contact you after graduation to seek updates on how the scholarship has influenced your career or academic journey.
15. The University reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. Any changes will be communicated to applicants promptly.

Summary