The Serum Institute Pathways to Excellence in Health and Life Sciences Programme for Home/UK Students

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 a 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.

UK Undergraduate Full-time September Full fee
Amount

Full tuition fee waiver for the standard duration of the course and £10,000 per year towards living expenses for each year of study.

Eligibility

Eligible courses: 

Criteria
  • Home (UK) students from low-income household of less than £25,000 
  • Household income of £25,000 or below as assessed by the Student Loans Company (SLC). Any scholarship award will be conditional on this criteria.
  • Applicants must hold an offer for an eligible full-time undergraduate degree and demonstrate strong academic potential and motivation to study health and life sciences.
  • Must be a new undergraduate entrant starting in September 2026.
  • Must be the first in their immediate family to attend university.
  • Applicants must not already hold an honours degree.
  • Selection is based on financial need and the strength of the scholarship application.
Number available

3

Deadline

When to apply

You can only apply once you have received a conditional or unconditional offer for an eligible course and your Home fee status has been confirmed.

How to apply

Apply online via the scholarship application form

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide financial evidence via the Student Loans Company. Before you apply, read the full terms and conditions below. 

United Kingdom