logo-image
institution banner
University College London - UCL

Bowman Scholarships

Supports students at risk

The Bowman Scholarship was set up in 2019 at the CLIE as part of UCL’s commitment to support students from forced migration backgrounds into outstanding higher education institutions. The Scholarship is designed to support each year two UK-based students from forced migration backgrounds who are in financial need and do not have the academic qualifications to enter a UCL undergraduate degree directly. The Bowman Scholarship provides funding for the full course fees for UCL's International Foundation Year, the Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) on either the Sciences and Engineering (UPCSE) or the Humanities and Social Sciences (UPCH) pathway.

Overview

University College London - UCL
London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Full-time
English
Classics & Ancient History, Anthropology, Medicine Related Studies, History & Archaeology, Architecture, Art & Design, Engineering - Chemical, Engineering - General, Business & Management Studies, Economics & Econometrics, Communication, Film & Media Studies, Biology (Human), Computer Science, Education, Geography (Human), International Relations/Studies/Affairs, Law / Legal Studies, Linguistics, Health/Healthcare, Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Philosophy, Psychology, Russian, Sociology, Sports-related Subjects, Urban Planning, Statistics & Operational Research

Detailed Information

Qualifications
To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria: be a forced migrant as defined by UCL be living or able to live in the Greater London area and to support yourself for your accommodation and essential living costs for the duration of the academic year (September 2026 – July 2027) be in financial need as assessed by UCL (i.e. with a household income below £42,875) not have qualifications to apply directly to undergraduate degrees at UCL (e.g. A-levels) not have completed undergraduate study in any other country have selected a UCL undergraduate degree to apply to excluding Fine Art BA/BFA, Engineering and Architectural Design MEng and Medicine MBBS.
Procedure
You apply to the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education (CLIE). You do not apply via UCAS. There is no application fee for the Bowman Scholarship. On the online application form, you will need to select ‘the Bowman Scholarship’ response to the question "Are you applying or do you intend to apply for a scholarship that will cover the fee?". Then you will not be requested to pay any application fee. You can start your application and complete it later if you do not have all the documents ready right away. Please make sure you read the Application Guidance Notes before your start your application. If you are not sure you meet the eligibility criteria, or have any question on filling in the application form, please email the Bowman Scholarship Admissions Team. Bowman Scholarship application 1. Fill in your application form online You will have to apply online using the online application form (not via UCAS). You will have to have already researched and selected which UCL undergraduate degree you wish to apply to during the UPC, and which two optional subjects you want to take on the UPC. Please refer to our optional subjects selection guide to make sure you choose the correct subjects. You must choose one UCL undergraduate degree only. You must prepare several documents which you will upload: proof of your immigration status proof of your current address a personal statement (you can find advice on what we expect to be included on the how to apply page). If available, please also provide: Your past or current school or university transcript(s). Documents relating to any other studies you’ve completed (i.e. online courses, short courses), in which subjects and for how long. Documents relating to any employment, volunteering, or participation activities you feel is relevant to your application or that has been important to you. A reference from a teacher or education professional (they can use our reference template). Your most recent English language qualification, however if you are not able to have one, you can still apply to the scholarship and we will invite you to an academic English assessment at a later stage. 2. Take the entrance test(s) After you have sent your application, if it is assessed as suitable, you will be invited to take one or two entrance tests. We will let you know by email the dates when you will be invited to take the entrance tests. Each test lasts one hour. We will invite you to come to the Centre for Languages and International Education at UCL to take the tests in person. If you’re not able to do so, we will offer you to take these tests online. You will not be offered to take the tests a second time so make sure to prepare for your tests carefully. You can find advice and practice tests on the UPC website. We will mark your entrance tests and, if you are successful, we will send you an invitation for an interview. If possible, we will invite you to come for the interview in person, otherwise, we will schedule it online. If you are applying to the UPCH and do not intend to take Mathematics, you will be sent a text – the Critical Thinking task – to read and study before the interview. You will have to prepare with it and you will be asked about it during the interview. 3. Have an interview If successful in the tests, you will be invited for an interview. In the interview, we’ll assess your suitability for the course: For UPCH applicants, you’ll have received by email a Critical Thinking task to prepare before the interview. The admissions tutor interviewing you will ask you questions based on the text – or text and images – you'll have studied. For both UPCSE and UPCH applicants, the second part of the interview will be a chance for us to know you better and we’ll ask you questions on your past or current studies and interests; your degree aim and your personal statement. You may be invited to a second interview with the Bowman Scholarship Coordinator. This will be a confidential discussion where we may discuss any questions relating to your application, additional financial needs as well as health and wellbeing. 4. English assessment (if required) If you don’t have an English language qualification, or are not able to provide one, we will invite you to take an academic English assessment with one of our specialist tutors. This test is done online and will consists of writing and speaking tasks. Following the interview and English assessment (if required), we will inform you whether you have been shortlisted for the Scholarship. The Bowman Scholarship Selection Panel The Bowman Scholarship Selection Panel will then meet to assess your application, and consider your academic and personal achievements, future academic plans and financial situation. You will be informed of the final result by 26 June 2026. Additional eligibility criteria You will need to show that you meet the additional eligibility criteria on your accommodation plans and financial situation by 24 July 2026. We will ask you to submit: Proof of housing in the Greater London area (e.g. tenancy agreement, signed declaration of host or sponsor, confirmation from UCL Student Housing) for the academic year of the UPC (September 2026 – July 2027). Proof of personal financial support for your living costs equivalent of approx. £3,000 and if applicable, for accommodation costs of approx. £8,000. This can be either be proof of available funds and/or proof of sponsorship or bursary. Accepting the scholarship If you receive the offer of a Bowman Scholarship, we will send you a confirmation form to complete and send back to us to officially accept. You will then be enrolled as a UCL student and get prepared to start your studies in September 2026.
Academic Transfer
Accepts transfer credit.
desktop computer
Freedom Degree help students continue their education outside their home country
logo-image

Find opportunities that are right for you to continue your education outside your home country.

Privacy Policy

Connect With Us

© 2025 Freedom Degree

Freedom Degree, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. © 2025  |  Powered by Strapi