Scholarships at University of Leicester

In 1921, the first eleven Citizens of Change enrolled on our campus. One hundred years later, we honour their legacy with our unique ‘Citizens of Change scholarships. Whether you’re an inventor, an activist, an entrepreneur or a dreamer, we want to hear about your ambitions for making the world a better place. 

To be considered, record and share a video (60 seconds max.) in response to the question: What do you want to change? This could be anything from your future to crime in your community, from the climate crisis to people's health.

What's on offer?

50 scholarships for International fee paying students - 50% off your first year tuition fees.

Who is eligible?

Any student who has applied to the University of Leicester and who holds an offer to study with us on a full time campus-based undergraduate course starting in 2023. Successful applicants will need to have made Leicester their firm choice and have met the conditions of their offer (please see the below terms and conditions).

How do I apply?

Create a short video (60 seconds max.) that answers the question: “What do you want to change?”. The video must be in portrait orientation – we suggest making use of TikTok or Instagram Reels.

Submit your video URL by completing the Citizens of Change Scholarship submission form. If creating your video on TikTok or Instagram please tag @uniofleicester and #OursToChange.

We’re not looking for filmmaking or acting skills, but instead how you approach the question and what your ambitions to change the world are. You do not have to appear on screen in the video yourself, and may also submit your video as part of a group (up to a maximum of 5 people) - so long as at least one of you holds an offer at the University of Leicester. So, you can get your friends, family and pets involved.

Terms and Conditions

Although you are welcome to get started and create and share your video today, entries need to be formally submitted via the Citizens of Change Scholarship application form as a video URL. Preferred platforms are Instagram, YouTube or TikTok. If these aren’t possible, please email CoCScholarship@leicester.ac.uk for an alternative option.

Sharing on social media

We intend to share select entries on the University of Leicester’s social media platforms. If you do not consent to have your video shared, please email CoCScholarship@leicester.ac.uk after submitting your application with your name and applicant ID.

• Videos must be your own original work and not contain other user’s footage or copyrighted material, trademarks or labels.
• We encourage you to share your entry on your own social media channels and we will be sharing entries on the University’s official platforms. Please do not use profanity or songs with explicit lyrics on your video.
• If you are creating your video on TikTok/Instagram but have your account set to private, please download and submit the video file via email to CoCScholarship@leicester.ac.uk.

Although you can create and share as many videos as you like (please tag us @uniofleicester, #CitizensOfChange), we will only accept one formal entry via the application form per applicant – so make sure you choose your favourite to submit.

Timelines and deadlines

The official submission period will open on 12 December 2022. Awards are to be distributed according to the following timeline:

• Maximum of 10 awards for entries submitted between 12 December 2022 and 31 January 2023.
• Maximum of 10 awards for entries submitted between 1 February 2023 and 28 February 2023.
• Maximum of 10 awards for entries submitted between 1 March 2023 and 31 March 2023.
• Maximum of 10 awards for entries submitted between 1 April 2023 and 30 April 2023.
• Remaining awards (to total a maximum of 50 for entries) submitted between 12 December 2022 and 9 June 2023.

To be considered, entrants must have selected the University of Leicester as their firm choice by 10 June 2023. All successful candidates will be notified by 1 July 2023 and must go on to register on their course by no later than 12 October 2023.

The scholarship is for 2023 entry only. If you defer to 2024, you will be considered for the scholarships available for 2024 entry, not 2023.

About the scholarship

If candidates were awarded more than one scholarship by the University of Leicester, only the higher value award will be made. Candidates can accept the Citizens of Change Scholarship in conjunction with other external scholarships or funding sources.

The scholarship is valued at 50% of your first year fee. Students will be required to pay the remaining 50% of their first year course fees in two instalments, 25% at registration and 25% in December 2023. The partial fee waiver will only be given where the student has made payments in accordance with this schedule.

Group entry Ts & Cs

• Entrants can apply as individuals or as part of a group up to a maximum of five people.
• One member of the group or more must be eligible (an offer holder) in order to submit an application.
• Only those members of the group holding an offer are eligible for entrance into the process and consideration for the scholarship.
• The University of Leicester reserves the right to make changes to these arrangements, or to withdraw aspects of the scheme or add new elements.