First Generation Scholarship Programme

In some circumstances we may seek a reference to comment on your suitability for the programme.

Additionally, in the event of being over-subscribed we will prioritise applicants according to the following criteria:-

Applicants who are, or have been, looked after by their Local Authority.
Applicants who are estranged from their families.
Children of military families
Applicants who live in a ‘low participation' neighbourhood. These are areas where low numbers of young people progress to university. Priority will be for those in the lowest POLAR4 young participation quintile).

Pre-entry consists of the following opportunities:

a place on our First Generation University Taster event - 3 days on campus experiencing what University life is really like
a range of development sessions including personal statements, time management, confidence and exams
access to pre-entry guidance to support your university application
networking opportunities with current students with similar life experience

You will need to attend one of our summer taster events and at least two development sessions to stay on the programme. Online options are available for those living further afield.

If you progress through the programme onto a full-time undergraduate degree at Manchester Met, you'll qualify for a First Generation scholarship of £1,500. This is in addition to other financial support at the University you may also be eligible for.

We continue to support you throughout your degree, with a particular focus on employability. You'll have the opportunity to meet alumni and successful business professionals through networking sessions, mentoring and employer visits.

The on-course activities include:

a tailored programme of activities to help you achieve graduate success
professional mentoring to support your development and prepare you for employment
the opportunity to gain relevant work experience as a First Generation Student Ambassador

We give practical support and application guidance to students in Year 12 and 13 to help you access and then transition to university. This includes a First Generation bursary of £1,500, and access to a collection of exclusive opportunities to support your career readiness. Your participation in the programme and associated activities are jointly funded by the University and donations made by graduates and other supporters of Manchester Met. The First Generation Programme has a pre-entry and on-course phase. The pre-entry phase (Years 12 and 13) is open to all students who live or study in the North West and who meet the entry criteria. You do not have to apply to Manchester Met if you take part in the pre-entry phase of the programme. In order to meet the application criteria you should: Be in Year 12 (lower sixth) or 13 (upper sixth) in a state-maintained post-16 institution at the point of application. Be a home (UK) student, or expect to be by the time you apply for higher education. Live or study at an institution in the North West (the counties of Lancashire, Cumbria, Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, as defined by the Office for National Statistics). Have attended a UK state high school (meaning you did not have to pay for your education). Be currently studying a two-year Level 3 qualification, this would traditionally mean A-levels or BTEC qualifications. Be from a family where neither your parent(s) or guardian(s) have attended university and obtained an undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification, in the UK or abroad (does not apply to care leavers). Have at least six GCSEs (or equivalent such as BTEC) between grades 9 to 4 (A-C) including English & Maths. We consider applications on an individual basis and therefore may make exceptions based on individual circumstances.