King's College London

The Raheem Sterling Foundation, in partnership with King’s College London and the University of Manchester, is supporting seven students at each university with scholarships over the next three years. Applications are now open for degree programmes at King's commencing in 2025/26.

The scholarship is open to students from Black, African and Caribbean heritage from socio-economically under-represented backgrounds, in the Greater London region. It aims to help close the attainment gap for Black British Students, increase social mobility, and support equal access to higher education.

 

With applications now open for the third year, a student currently on the scholarship programme here at King’s explained how the scholarship has supported them and how to apply.

How has being a recipient of the RSF scholarship helped you in your studies?

“Since being a recipient of the RSF scholarship I can say that one major way it has helped me in my studies is to be able to comfortably get books of interest and to start key projects that, otherwise, would not be a reality!” The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and other essential educational costs, removing financial barriers that may hinder students’ academic journeys.

How did you find out about the scholarship?

The student found out through word of mouth, explaining: “a good friend of mine from Church told me she found a scholarship programme for people applying to King’s and told me to apply right away!”

What was the process of applying for the scholarship like? Was it easy? Any tips for the application process?

“I generally found the process quite enjoyable, mainly because it encouraged a genuine response, and you can never go wrong with authenticity. To say it was easy would be an understatement in my opinion, but what made the process easier was being able to explain my life and how it is in line with the core fundamentals of the foundation. The main tips I would give are to be genuine and to understand the values of the Raheem Sterling Foundation - and why and how you could represent them.”

How did you feel when you found out your application was successful?

“Honestly, I didn't even believe it at first. I was so incredibly happy but also slightly nervous as I didn't know what to expect.”

How are you finding your studies so far? What are you looking forward to next year?

"Engrossing, challenging and fun!"

 

What would you say to anybody thinking of applying for the scholarship?

“Now is the time to convert that thought into action! There is the common phrase: 'You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take' – but you have to be on the court to at least take one. Applying puts you on that court. Even if it feels impossible, just submitting your application turns that impossibility into possibility and may open doors that you never imagined.”

Now you’re nearly heading into your second year of university, what advice would you give to first years?

“Know your identity and be okay with that. You don’t have to impress anyone, and before you prove others wrong, prove yourself right! Ensure you go to class, make good friends, and be strategic with your studies – not every race is won by the fastest runner, so finish well!”

Research shows in 2021/22, less than 5% of all UK students starting undergraduate degrees were Black. The aim of Raheem Sterling Foundation scholarships is to help close the attainment gap for Black British Students, increase social mobility, and support equal access to higher education. If eligible, you can apply for degree programmes commencing in 2025/26 here.

These scholarships sit alongside a range of funding opportunities at King’s to support students from under-represented groups in higher education, including students from lower-economic backgrounds and care-leavers.