Chancellor Anita Rani met with two of the four students who are being helped by the Rani Scholarship during Graduation Week earlier this December.
The Bradford-born broadcaster returned to her home city to attend ceremonies as more than 2,000 students graduated.
The Rani Scholarship, supported by TechnologyOne, launched in January. It will support four female students each year, who are facing disadvantage, to study and succeed at university in subjects and industries where they are most underrepresented. Four scholarships were awarded earlier this year and the first students enrolled on courses in September.
Anita took time out to meet two of them during her visit: Anum, who has enrolled on a BSc in Computer Science and Aqsa, who has enrolled on a BEng Mechanical Engineering (Hons).
Anum, who is the first in her family to attend university, said: “This scholarship has been life changing. With it, I am able to cover a significant portion of my university fees. This allows me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of how I will afford tuition. Additionally, my part-time job helps me cover other expenses, so I am able to dedicate myself to succeeding academically.”
Anum said that due to unforeseen circumstances, her student loan application was denied.
She added: “I knew that I needed financial assistance to pursue my education, so I applied for the Rani Scholarship. It gave me hope when I felt like I had no other options left.
“I am incredibly grateful to the donor of the Rani Scholarship. This scholarship has been nothing short of a miracle for me and my family.
“It has allowed me to pursue a dream that I’ve had since I was young, and I cannot express how thankful I am for the support. Your generosity is making a real difference in my life and helping me work toward a brighter future. Thank you for believing in me.”
Speaking previously about the scholarship, Anita said: “Each scholarship will change the trajectory of each woman’s life. This is about opportunity; it’s about giving women from disadvantaged backgrounds a chance they otherwise might not have had.”
