University College Plymouth St Mark & St John

National Scholarship Programme 2012

What is the National Scholarship Programme (NSP)?

The NSP is a government programme designed to benefit students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are new to higher education from autumn 2012.

Who is eligible to apply?

Students are eligible to apply for the NSP if they normally reside in England and have a residual household income of less than £25,000 – this provides the ‘gateway’ to application.

However, you are NOT eligible to apply if you will be:

• NHS funded
• TDA funded
• Directly continuing from one course to another (eg from Foundation Degree or HND on to the final year of an Honours degree)
• Transferring from another institution
• Under-taking a postgraduate qualification
• Part-time students studying less than 25% of the full-time equivalent
• Any student whose fees are paid or part paid through a sponsorship arrangement

How do I apply?

To apply for a National Scholarship at University College Plymouth St Mark & St John (UCP Marjon), you will need to complete a NSP Application Form.

If you require the form in an alternative format please e-mail: nsp@ucpmarjon.ac.uk  

If there are more applicants than scholarships available not everyone’s application will be successful. In order to differentiate between applicants who meet the essential national criteria, UCP Marjon will prioritise as below:

• Care Leaver or ‘Looked After Child’ (30 points)
• Learners from UCP Marjon Widening Participation partnership schools and colleges and who were eligible for free school meals and / or a 16 – 19 bursary / EMA in the year prior to entering the UC (30 points)
• Mature students (over 25 years of age) living alone (30 points)
• Students from disadvantaged socio-economic areas (20 points)
• First in family to enter higher education (20 points)
• Gypsy or Irish Traveller (see definition below) residing in England (15 points)
• Refugee (15 points)
• Mature students (over 25 years of age) with dependants and a household residual income of less than £20,000 (10 points)
• Students from families with a household residual income of less than £17,500 (10 points)

NB: The applicant’s household residual income will be used as the final deciding factor to differentiate between applicants if there is a points tie.

Do I need to provide any additional evidence or paper work with my application form?

We are able to get some information from other sources (eg Student Finance England if you have applied for student finance; information provided on your UCAS application form) but it will make it easier for us to assess your application if you can provide evidence with your form (examples are provided).

Is there a closing date for applications?

YES - Friday 8^th June 2012

When will I hear whether or not I have been successful?

You will hear whether or not you have been successful at or around the end of July 2012 provided we have received all the relevant information / evidence required to make the decision. The decision will be made in writing direct to you either by e-mail or post.

How will the National Scholarship be paid to me if I am successful?   

Each successful applicant will receive the equivalent of £3,000 in their first year of study. The tables below show how this contribution will be made depending on whether or not the student is resident in campus accommodation.

*Three equal Residence Fee deductions of £250

Successful part-time students will be eligible for a pro-rata award.

Students in receipt of NSP funding will not be eligible for other University College bursaries, except for the Access to Learning Fund.

Is there anything I can do if I am not successful?

There is a right of appeal if your application is unsuccessful. To appeal, contact the Director of Academic & External Affairs.

More information about UCP Marjon fees and funding and financial support is available by following the links.