Joan Gillon Memorial Fund

The Joan Gillon Memorial Fund was set up by the family of Joan Gillon, a former Access student, in order to help support Access students in financial need.

Information

A single £1000 bursary award is available, and the successful applicant will receive the funds via BACS transfer in two instalments of £500 (the first in September and the second in January), subject to continued engagement with the programme.

The application process is competitive, as the intention of the memorial fund is to support the student with the greatest financial need to enable their Access studies. Therefore, in considering applications, the COL Scholarship Committee will review household income and expenditure, and intended use of the funds in respect of disability support, travel, course materials, childcare or any other commitment that requires financial support.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Joan Gillon bursary, applicants must:

• Have a household income of no more than £25,000 per year
• Have submitted an application for SAAS funding (Part-time Fee Grant)

We are unable to consider applications if they do not meet these conditions.

How to Apply

All Access offer holders can apply via the link below:

Apply for the Joan Gillon Memorial Fund Here

Please note the deadline to submit 2024 applications will be in the summer of 2024 - Exact date to be confirmed.

Before Applying

If you meet the above eligibility criteria and wish to submit an application for the Joan Gillon bursary, you should prepare the following information in advance:

• Details of any dependents you are responsible for
• Details of your household income and outgoings
• Your supporting statement

Supporting Statement Advice

To help the COL Scholarship Committee fully assess your application and reach a decision, we would like to learn more about the difference this bursary would make to you and your studies. It may help you to think about the following questions when preparing your supporting statement:

• Will attending the Access Programme affect your ability to work? If so, could this bursary allow you to reduce working hours to free time to focus more on study?
• Alternatively, you may have a low income with no family support and will need the bursary for material items (stationery, computing equipment, etc). If so, what would you use the bursary to purchase and how would this help you in your studies?
• Do you have dependants? If so, could the bursary help with additional childcare or care support?

These examples are intended as a guide only. We realise each individual will have a specific set of circumstances. Please describe your own financial limitations and needs in as much detail as you can. All information provided is confidential and will be treated with respect.

Deadline for Applications

We will advise of the application deadline for the Joan Gillon bursary when we invite offer holders to apply.

When Will I Receive a Decision?

The COL Scholarship Committee will assess all applications following the deadline and make a decision shortly afterward. All applicants will be contacted in early-mid August regarding the outcome.