Studying for a degree at Southampton can be a life-changing experience. Our students benefit from first-class teaching and academic support, helping them develop skills for a successful career. University is also a place where memories are made, connections are formed and stories begin. We want as many young people as possible to benefit from studying at Southampton, regardless of their background.

Bryony’s difficult home life left her in a position where continuing with her degree seemed impossible – until she was offered an Ignite Scholarship. Watch Bryony tell her own story in the video above.

Ignite began with one generous Southampton alumnus, who wanted to relieve the financial burden on students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Now, this groundbreaking programme includes a unique combination of financial support, mentoring programmes and networking events. It aims to give students like Bryony the opportunities they need to get the best possible degree, and define their own futures. 

Ignite is targeted to help students from the most deprived and disadvantaged backgrounds. In the 2020-21 Academic year, donations to Ignite allowed us to support 31 students - but still left more than 200 eligible without the comprehensive support Ignite offers. 

There are three strands to financial support for student provided by the Ignite Programme:

• The Ignite Scholarship – £42,000 across three years, covering all university fees and helping with living costs.
• Ignite Bursaries - £10,000 across three years, to help support students with their living costs and extra-curricular activities, allowing them to focus on their studies.
• Ignite Awards - £1000 per year for three years

Did you know last year gifts in wills funded five Ignite Bursaries for students from disadvantaged backgrounds? If you would like more information about remembering the University in your Will, or fully funding one element strand of the programme, please contact our Development Manager, Richard Wilson, at richard.wilson@soton.ac.uk.

We need your help to Ignite the future for students in need. Thank you for your support.

Find out more about the Ignite Programme here.