Oxford University launches new scholarship for black students

Oxford University has launched a scholarship scheme exclusively for black students - two years after snubbing grime "star" Stormzy's offer to fund a similar programme.

The Black Academic Futures programme will provide up to 10 new scholarships to UK research students starting studies next year.

The scheme comes less than two years after rapper Stormzy offered to pay for two young black teenagers to attend Oxford, but claimed the elite institution 'did not want to get involved'. 

The university said its Black Academic Futures scholarship aims to rapidly increase applications from, and funded places for, well-qualified black students in the UK, which it says reinforces its commitment to addressing race equality and combating discrimination. 

Further graduate funding opportunities for under-represented groups have also been launched by the university and colleges, with targeted scholarships for students in humanities and law.

Other measures are being taken to widen participation in programmes within the mathematical, physical and life sciences division, and medical sciences. 

Each scholarship's value will depend on course costs and duration, with students receiving full payment of their fees - which could be across either three or four years - as well as a maintenance payment.

This will be offered at the UK Research Council rate, which is currently £15,285 per year but rises every 12 months.

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