Aviva Scholarship to assist students from Asia

The University of Stirling is one of eleven leading universities in the UK to partner with Aviva in a new scholarship programme which aims to promote British education in Asia.

The Aviva Scholarship programme will assist outstanding students in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam to further their studies at a select number of UK universities.

Applications open in September 2017 alongside the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) process, and the first group of scholars is expected to matriculate in autumn 2018.

Stirling has a thriving international student population.

The programme is open for Aviva customers in Asia and their children for the duration of all applicable undergraduate and graduate courses.

Professor Leigh Sparks, Deputy Principal for Internationalisation and Graduate Studies at the University of Stirling, said: “Stirling has a thriving international community and we are very proud of our strong partnerships with universities and businesses across Asia.

“This exciting and innovative programme from Aviva will attract qualified Asian students to Stirling and the rest of the UK, whilst promoting British education, culture and trade in Asia.

“We look forward to welcoming our first cohort of Aviva scholars next year. The students can expect a warm welcome, innovative teaching and a fantastic student experience at Stirling.”

Strengthen ties

Chris Wei, Executive Chairman of Aviva Asia and Global Chairman of Aviva Digital, said: “As the UK’s leading insurer, Aviva is proud to have this exclusive opportunity to work with leading UK universities and strengthen ties between the UK and South East Asia.

"As someone who came to the UK to study and now works for Aviva, I’m really pleased that we’re able to offer students from Asia the opportunity to pursue new knowledge, skills and life experiences." 

Jo Johnson, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation said: “It is fantastic to see two world leading UK sectors – higher education and insurance – come together to create a dynamic partnership that will offer scholarships to the brightest and best students in Asia to enable them to study in the UK. This innovative, collaborative approach is another great example of my desire to continue to build bridges between the UK and the rest of the world.”

Students from overseas make up 20 per cent of Stirling’s 14,000-strong student body, with the University ranked first in Scotland for welcoming international students, according to the International Student Barometer (ISB) 2016.