Students from some of the most deprived communities in Leicestershire are being offered new opportunities to access higher education, following the launch of a joint scholarship scheme by the University of Leicester and Leicester City Football Club.
Five scholarships worth £5,000 each will be awarded to eligible applicants from across the county and city, including areas such as Coalville, Hinckley, New Parks and Beaumont Leys. The initiative is aimed at supporting school and college leavers who may otherwise face financial or social barriers to university.
The programme forms part of a broader commitment by the club’s owners, King Power, alongside the University, to improve access to education and opportunities regardless of socio-economic background.
The partnership between the University and the Foxes builds on years of collaboration, including work through the Leicester City Football Club Children’s Health Partnership, launched in 2018.
Leicester City Chief Executive Kevin Davies said the club was proud to back initiatives that create tangible benefits for local communities. He added that the scheme aims to remove barriers to higher education while helping talented students progress in their academic journeys.
Meanwhile, the University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Nishan Canagarajah, emphasised the importance of social mobility in Leicester, describing it as an urgent priority in one of the UK’s most diverse cities. He noted that the University’s recognition as the 2025 Daily Mail University of the Year reflected its strong focus on supporting underrepresented students.
In addition to financial support, successful applicants will gain opportunities to enhance their CVs through their association with the football club. This could include involvement in community initiatives and invitations to events at the King Power Stadium.
The scholarship scheme was officially launched on 17 March at Leicester’s training ground in Seagrave. First-team players, including Luke Thomas, attended the event alongside students and education leaders.
Paul Wilson, Principal of WQE College, welcomed the initiative, noting that many of his students would be eligible to apply. He highlighted the historical ties between the college and the football club, whose origins date back to Leicester Fosse in 1884.
Applications for the scholarships close on 14 May 2026, with successful candidates set to begin their studies at the University of Leicester in September. Applicants must meet geographical eligibility criteria based on deprivation indices and are advised to check their postcode via the UK government’s online tool before applying.
Further details are available on the University of Leicester website.
