Our partnership with the Raheem Sterling Foundation

The Raheem Sterling Foundation envisions a world where young people will always have the support they need in the pursuit of improving their opportunities, future careers and quality of life. 

Through his charitable organisation, Raheem Sterling is dedicated to helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds break down barriers to success, find their voice, and realise their true potential in the world. 

This partnership began in 2023 and will support seven students for three years with studying and living costs during their degree at The University of Manchester.

The Scholarship

For 2025 entry, we have two scholarships available for students studying any three-year degree.

Successful applicants of the award will:

• have their tuition fees paid for throughout the length of their degree, excluding any intercalation, study abroad or industrial placement years;
• receive an annual maintenance bursary of £8,000;
• be paid in two instalments in October and February.

Who can apply? 

Essential eligibility criteria

You must meet all of the following to apply:

1. Identify as belonging to one of the following ethnic groups:  

• Black or Black British – Caribbean 
• Black or Black British – African 
• Mixed – White and Black Caribbean 
• Mixed – White and Black African 
• Other Black background 

2. Have a home postcode within Greater Manchester. 

3. Have applied to study on a degree at The University of Manchester starting in September 2025.

4. Have made an application to your regional student funding authority (Student Finance England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland) for income assessed UK government financial support. Please ensure you’ve given consent to share the information with the University.

5. Have been assessed for fee status as a 'home' student (see UCAS student finance eligibility information).

Priority criteria

We’ll use information collected within your application form to confirm eligibility. Not all eligible students will be invited to interview.

The additional criteria we use to shortlist applicants, includes:

Application and selection process

Applications are now open and will close Sunday, 27 April at 11.59PM. Apply now.

Applicants that are shortlisted will be invited to an online interview in May. The interview gives you an opportunity to tell us more about yourself and why you would benefit from receiving the Scholarship.

A small selection panel will review the application form and interviews to make a final decision on awardees. You’ll receive a decision by Tuesday, 3 June.

Still have a question?

Applicant enquiries should be sent to rsfsadmin@manchester.ac.uk.

If you’d like to be contacted when the application form is live, please complete this registration of interest form.