The University of Salford will be offering degree scholarships to students from Bury College who are continuing their studies to undergraduate courses in selected science subjects.

The Al Habeeb Scholarship launches in the 2022/23 academic year and will offer students from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to pursue further education.

The scholarship is thanks to the generosity of Mohammad Habeebullah OBE JP, CEO and Trustee of the Al Habeeb Foundation, a charitable trust that provides for the less privileged and vulnerable member of society.

Both the University and Bury College are committed to improving social mobility at all levels of study and raising the aspirations of students across the city, regardless of their background. The Al Habeeb Scholarship has been designed to award students who successfully complete a HNC programme at Bury College before progressing onto Level 5 studies at the University of Salford.

Commenting on the Al Habeeb Scholarship, Mohammed Habeebullah OBE JP, said: “I am very passionate about enacting change in disadvantaged communities through further education and training.

“The Al Habeeb Scholarship was established to support and empower disadvantaged students to further their education and I am proud to support the University of Salford and Bury College in this new collaboration.”

Scholarships provide invaluable opportunities for students from low-income and underrepresented backgrounds, equipping them with the confidence and financial security to thrive. The Al Habeeb Scholarship will be awarded to students from low-income backgrounds, residing in Bury, who successfully complete a HNC programme at Bury College. Students will be able to take a number of routes, including HNC Applied Science with both a Biology and Chemistry route.

Paul Ward, Director of International and Regional Development at the University of Salford, said:

“As a widening participation University, we welcome the generous contribution of the Al Habeeb Foundation to further support and enable students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education.

“The partnership with Bury College will provide the opportunity for students from low-income backgrounds to access scholarships which will enable them to continue their study at the University of Salford. We look forward to welcoming the students to the University and to celebrating their success over the coming years.”

Lisa Matthews, Director of Higher Education at Bury College, added:

“This is a generous and most welcomed initiative, and we are delighted that our students are afforded such an opportunity. The College continues to make significant investment in its estate and teaching and learning resources to ensure that our students’ experience is second to none. The Al Habeeb Scholarship takes this one step further. We look forward to celebrating the achievements of the successful scholars.”

The Al Habeeb Scholarship will initially support three students over three years of study, with the first scholar being awarded during the 2022/23 academic year and the third during the 2024/25 academic year.