New £6,000 scholarships open doors for aspiring business students in the south-east

Next year, two students enrolling onto undergraduate business degrees at the University of Brighton's School of Business and Law will each receive scholarships worth £6,000 (£2,000 per year over three years). The funding is designed to support students facing significant barriers, whether financial, social, familial, or health-related, that may limit their ability to thrive in higher education. The aim is to provide reassurance and encouragement at a pivotal moment, helping students overcome obstacles and unlock their full potential, and enabling their talent to shine.  

The scholarships are open to students from the university’s Outreach Partnership FE colleges who show strong potential but may be uncertain about applying to university due to financial or personal circumstances. This is a new component of the university’s existing Widening Access work with local colleges, alongside progression support, 1:1 advice and a range of subject experiences, to help students underrepresented in Higher Education make informed choices.

The Jim Jackson Foundation supports disadvantaged young people aged 16–24 by helping them overcome obstacles such as interrupted education, health challenges, or social disadvantage. 

Operating across England, the Foundation provides tailored scholarships, grants, and support to help young people access training, business opportunities, and professional networks.

In addition to the undergraduate scholarships, the Foundation will also offer Business Placement Scholarships worth £1,250 each to four current second-year business students at the University of Brighton. These will help cover essential costs - such as travel, professional attire, rent, and relocation - during their year-long placement. Data shows that students who complete a placement are significantly more likely to secure highly skilled roles after graduation (source: Graduate Outcomes). Applications for these scholarships will open in February 2026.

Catherine Robinson, Dean of the University of Brighton School of Business and Law said: " The University of Brighton is delighted to announce this partnership with The Jim Jackson Foundation to make these transformative scholarships a reality. Our goal is simple: to ensure that every student, regardless of their financial or personal circumstances, feels welcome and supported here. This funding will give our future Business students the reassurance they need to fully embrace academic life and seize every opportunity the university has to offer."

Jill Hill, Founder and Chair of The Jim Jackson Foundation said: “This collaboration holds special meaning to the Foundation as the University of Brighton is local to our base, and Jim Jackson—whose vision continues to guide our work—lived nearby. Establishing this partnership in his community feels both natural and heartfelt.

“We are proud to invest in the next generation of leaders through these local scholarships. This initiative reflects our commitment to the transformative power of education and our mission to create equitable opportunities for all young people.”

Full information about nomination has been sent to participating colleges.