Supporting a student scholarship

On this page:

• Alumni-funded scholarships
• Your YSJ scholarship

Alumni-funded scholarships

Your donations go towards supporting students facing significant barriers to study, allowing them access to education.

In 2022/23 academic year, you supported 9 scholarships:

• 6 Enabling Education
• 3 Welcome Back to Education

Eligibility is determined by application, information from York St John student records and through a scholarship panel. If you are a student interested in applying for a scholarship, please go to Funding opportunities - alumni-funded scholarships.

Why do we need you?

Nearly 80% of our students come from backgrounds underrepresented in Higher Education.

They may have spent time in care, have a physical or mental disability, or be a mature student with other demands on their time. This should not restrict their access to education.

With your help we can open the door to higher education, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be a part of the university experience.

Returning to education in the middle of a global pandemic at nearly 50 years old and struggling with disability, debt and the benefits system, may seem to some foolish. However, as the first year marches towards its end and 12 months after the start of the first lockdown I find I made the right decision. At Christmas I had almost given up. I had a 12 year old laptop that wouldn't run the course software, using Teams to learn online when Teams wouldn't really work. The DWP was taking part of my student finance and the DSA forced lots of equipment I didn't want or need which I had to part fund with money I didn't have. I just could not see how I could continue with my studies.

Then the team at YSJ stepped in starting with my head of course, and guiding me through to welfare who made me aware of the student support and alumni-funded scholarship. Slowly the tide turned. The aspire scheme and student funding helped me get an iPad. With this scholarship I can now get a up to date computer and for me that is a huge step forward. In the past three months I have gone from can we pay the rent if I stay at uni, to I can get the tools I need to work harder. So, thank you to everyone who makes this scheme possible, you have given me a chance and the tools, I won't waste it. I am already planning for a masters.

3rd year student, Product Design BA

To maintain the level of support our scholarships provide, we need to raise at least £18,000 per year. Due to the generous donations of our alumni community and a local charitable trust, last year we were able to support 12 students but we would love to support more. 

Any and all contributions are vital and can be made in the following ways:

• Online via JustGiving
• By standing order: Support Us - Standing Order Form (PDF, 79.1 kB)
• By leaving a gift in your will to York St John University

Ways to donate

Our scholarship recipients are so grateful for the generous donations our supporters provide. You can hear more from them on our Alumination blog.

Your YSJ scholarship

Support our students of the future by creating your own group YSJ scholarship, paving the way for students following in your footsteps.

We understand that, in this current climate, individuals may not be able to contribute to a full scholarship by themselves. This is why you will be able to create your YSJ scholarship with a group of like-minded individuals to support students of your choice. You choose the criteria and work closely with the Alumni and Fundraising team to make sure all your wishes are met.

The only thing we stipulate is that there needs to be a minimum donation of £1,000 a year for 3 years as this will support a first-year undergraduate student throughout their University course. However, if you would like to support a student for a different type of degree, we can work on creating this with you.

• Remember your graduation day in the stunning York Minster? Create a Years of scholarship to support students who are studying the same degree you did.
• Have fond memories of your time in the swimming club, rugby club or musical production society? Create a Sports or Societies scholarship to support those who have the same interests you do.
• Reminiscing on your first experience of university living in Limes Court? Create an Accommodation scholarship, supporting those who will benefit the most from your donations.

Students will apply for these scholarships through a similar application process as the other alumni-funded scholarships. You will have an opportunity to be involved in the final selection process, if you wish.

We are always open to new ideas for scholarships, so please don't hesitate to get in touch with the Alumni and Fundraising team on alumni@yorksj.ac.uk to discuss your ideas further.