Sekforde House Trust Scholarships 2026-2027 – £25,000 & £31,000 for UCL, City & Queen Mary Students

The Sekforde House Trust offers five £25,000 scholarships and one £31,000 scholarship (primus inter pares) for exceptional students at University College London (UCL), City University, or Queen Mary University. Founded in memory of Professor Dame Kathleen Lonsdale FRS – who received a scholarship at age 16 that enabled her scientific career and peace activism – the Trust promotes education.

Applications are open from 1 April to 30 May 2026, with interviews on 14 June 2026 in London. If you are looking for similar opportunities in the United Kingdom, explore fully funded scholarships in United Kingdom for international students.

Scholarship Overview

• Scholarship Value: Five scholarships of £25,000; one scholarship of £31,000

• Host Universities: University College London (UCL), City University, Queen Mary University

• Academic Year: September 2026 – June 2027

• Application Opening Date: 1 April 2026

• Application Closing Date: 30 May 2026

• Interview Date: 14 June 2026 (in person, London)

• Scholarship Payment: Cheque presented at the scholars’ dinner on 12 September 2026

For students seeking other funded programs in Europe, check latest scholarships in Europe for all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria for Sekforde House Trust Scholarships

The scholarships are aimed at students who have a place at City University, University College London (UCL), or Queen Mary University. Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria:

1. Outstanding academic or other ability

2. Financial need

3. A desire and ability to make the world fairer and more sustainable

Important notes:

• Foreign students are most welcome to apply but must attend an interview in London in person if selected. The Trust will pay reasonable travel costs and provide overnight accommodation.

• It is not essential to meet all three criteria, but most scholars will do so.

• The scholarships are available for existing students at all levels as well as students who have places to study. If you have a conditional offer, you may apply, but the scholarship will only be paid after conditions are satisfied.

Required Application Documents

Send your application to David Lonsdale at dl@33br.co.uk with the following attachments in Word format:

1. Personal Statement (max 700 words)

• Demonstrate how you meet one or more of the criteria

• Provide real insight into who you are

• Include information about resources available to you (student loans, family income/assets, personal income/assets)

• Important: Statements generated by or with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence will be detected and the entire application will be rejected.

• The Trust does not consider religious prohibitions against interest‑bearing loans as meeting financial need criteria. Applicants who have not accessed eligible loans will be assessed as if they have alternative funds.

2. Curriculum Vitae (one A4 page)

• Must include a passport‑sized photograph (so you can be remembered and identified)

• Include full contact details

3. Closed Personal Reference (sent separately by referee)

• Not seen by the applicant

• Sent to dl@33br.co.uk with applicant’s name and university clearly stated

• Focus on character, potential, and commitment

• Max 500 words, avoid exaggerated praise or “gush”

• Ideally arrive on the same day as other documents

4. Closed Academic Reference (sent separately by referee)

• Not seen by the applicant

• Sent to dl@33br.co.uk

• Critically assess academic achievement and potential

• Rigorous, objective, and fair

• Max 500 words

• Academic referees of shortlisted candidates should be prepared to be contacted by telephone or email

Optional

• You may send an example of your work or provide details of anything published on the internet relevant to your application.

Style Note

Write to the trustees as equals. Do not use ingratiating language such as “most respected sir” or “your distinguished trust.”

How to Apply for Sekforde House Trust Scholarships

Step 1: Ensure you have a place (or conditional offer) at UCL, City University, or Queen Mary University.

Step 2: Prepare your personal statement (max 700 words) and CV (one A4 page with photograph).

Step 3: Arrange for two referees to send closed references (personal and academic) directly to dl@33br.co.uk, clearly identifying you by name and university.

Step 4: Email your personal statement and CV (in Word) to dl@33br.co.uk.

Step 5: Wait for notification. Approximately 12–15 candidates will be selected for interview and contacted by telephone by 4 June 2026. If you have not heard by then, you have not been selected. The Trust does not provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates.

Step 6: If selected, attend an in‑person interview on Sunday, 14 June 2026 at the Marian Anderson public house, Bowling Green Lane, London EC1. Casual dress is acceptable. Interviews are friendly but vigorous and last about 30 minutes. The panel includes trustees and three external assessors (one former scholar, one staff member from the Sekforde).

Step 7: Successful candidates will be informed within 24 hours of the final interview. Scholarships are paid by cheque at the scholars’ dinner on Saturday, 12 September 2026 in the ballroom of the Sekforde public house.

For additional financial aid options across the United Kingdom, explore financial aids for students in United Kingdom.

Important Notes

• Late applications may be allowed only where there is an acceptable reason for being late.

• The Trust cannot ordinarily engage in correspondence or discussion about scholarships. All trustees and assessors are volunteers.

• Do not contact the trustees unless absolutely necessary. The chairman may be contacted at dl@33br.co.uk or by phone at 07979454141.

• Any member of the interview panel may veto an applicant – decisions must be unanimous.

• Unsuccessful applicants are not informed of the decision, and no feedback is provided.

Requirements of Scholars

• Scholars must report back on their progress at least twice during the academic year.

• Scholars are expected to attend the scholars’ dinner (a relaxed occasion).

• The Trust does not monitor how scholars spend their money – they are trusted to use it sensibly to further their education.

• It is hoped (but not required) that scholars will remain in touch with the Trust after their studies.

Final Thoughts

The Sekforde House Trust Scholarships are a rare and generous opportunity for students at UCL, City, or Queen Mary who combine outstanding ability, financial need, and a passion for making the world fairer and more sustainable. With a personal touch – the money comes from the rent of a pub – these scholarships have transformed lives since 2017. The closing date is 30 May 2026. Prepare your application, secure your references, and apply with honesty and humility.

For a complete list of open scholarships in the United Kingdom, visit list of all open scholarships in United Kingdom.

Apply Now for Sekforde House Trust Scholarships (Send your personal statement and CV in Word format)