The University of Gloucestershire has launched the Golden Valley Tech Futures Scholarship, a new scheme aimed at supporting high-achieving students from backgrounds currently underrepresented in higher education. The scholarships are available to students enrolling on the university’s BSc Computer Science or BSc Cyber Security programmes and are designed to help with living costs while students begin and progress through their studies.

Each scholarship is worth £1,500 and will be paid in three instalments of £500, with payments scheduled for October 2026, January 2027 and October 2027. Students must be enrolled at the university at the time each payment is made.

According to the university, the scholarships are intended to recognise talent, widen access to higher education and support greater diversity in cyber and digital careers. Applications will be assessed using a scoring system based on two equally weighted criteria: academic achievement and widening participation. Academic achievement will be measured using UCAS Tariff points, while widening participation will be assessed using postcode data based on national participation measures. Applicants from areas with lower progression to higher education will receive higher scores in that category.

The two scores will be combined to create a total score out of 100, with scholarships awarded to the most eligible applicants. Where applicants achieve the same total score, priority will be given to the individual from the lower participation area.

The university said the scheme has been introduced to help ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing higher education and pursuing careers in cyber security and digital technology.