Pathways to Excellence in Health and Life Sciences Programme

Mr Poonawalla, a University of Westminster alumnus, has funded a scholarship programme to widen access, remove financial barriers, and support diverse students in developing the skills needed to address global health challenges in health and life sciences.

The Pathways to Excellence in Health and Life Sciences Programme has been established through a groundbreaking philanthropic gift from Adar C. Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, one of the world’s leading vaccine manufacturers and global innovators in health and life sciences. This landmark investment will expand access to world-class STEM education and empower a new generation of global scientific leaders.

Mr Poonawalla, a distinguished alumnus of the University of Westminster, has generously supported the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with this major contribution to widen access, nurture academic excellence, and accelerate innovation in health and life sciences. The programme reflects his commitment to expanding opportunities for talented students from diverse backgrounds who aspire to address pressing global health challenges.

The initiative aligns with the University of Westminster’s strategic mission to champion inclusion, cultivate scientific talent, and equip graduates to make meaningful contributions in areas such as disease prevention, public health, biomedical research, nutrition, and neuroscience. Through this scholarship programme, the University of Westminster aims to remove financial barriers to study, support student success, and promote equitable and sustainable progress in health and life sciences worldwide.

International Undergraduate Full-time September Full fee
Amount

The scholarship covers a full tuition fee waiver for the standard duration of the course, £15,000 per year to support accommodation and daily living expenses, and a £2,000 one-off payment upon full enrolment to assist with flights, visa, and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs.

Eligibility

Eligible courses: 

Students will be eligible to apply for either the 3-year or 4-year full-time option that includes a placement year where applicable.

Criteria

Who can apply

International students who hold a passport from, and are ordinarily resident or domiciled in, one of the following countries are eligible to apply: India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt.

Eligibility and selection criteria

  • Residency requirements: you must be a passport holder from one of the countries listed and currently be residing in that country.
  • Funding status: must be self-funded (not sponsored and not in receipt of another scholarship.
  • Academic requirements: applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, with grades significantly above the minimum entry requirements for their chosen course and show a clear passion for their subject.
  • Basis of awards: the scholarship is awarded based on academic excellence and evidenced financial need.
  • Shortlisted applicants will be required to provide financial evidence, usually around mid-May 2026. Incomplete or late applications will be rejected.
Number available

8

Deadline

17 June 2026

Applicants will be notified within four weeks of the application deadline. All decisions are final.

When to apply

You can only apply once you have a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible course and your fee status has been confirmed by University of Westminster Admissions.

How to apply

Apply online via the scholarship application form

If you are eligible but cannot access the form two weeks before the deadline, contact the Scholarships and Financial Support Office (SFO) as early as possible.

Algeria

Bangladesh

Egypt

India

Kenya

Morocco

Nepal

Nigeria

Pakistan

South Africa

Sri Lanka