The Vaughan Oliver Graphic Design Scholarships - In Association with 4AD

The Vaughan Oliver Graphic Design Scholarships (in association with 4AD) will award two incoming BA (Hons) Graphic Design undergraduate students £2,500 each to enhance their first-year university experience. The scholarship is for students starting full-time at Northumbria University's Newcastle upon Tyne campus in September 2026 and is paid as cash across the first academic year (25% in Nov 2026, 25% in Feb 2027, 50% in May 2027).

Funding is provided for the first year only. Applicants must be UK/Home applicants, self-funded (not sponsored), and have applied for Government Student Finance. To be eligible applicants must apply and enrol on the BA (Hons) Graphic Design course, meet entry requirements, choose Northumbria as their firm choice by 30 June 2026, and consent to share Student Finance data with the University.

Priority consideration is given to applicants who meet at least one of: live in a low HE progression neighbourhood (POLAR4/TUNDRA MSOA quintile 1 or 2), are from a BAME background, or have declared a long-term health condition/learning difference on their UCAS form. Selection is competitive and based on an online written application (up to 3000 characters) addressing how the award will support aspirations to succeed in higher education.

Applications close at 16:00 on 3 July 2026 and successful applicants will be notified following results day in August 2026. Recipients must provide a thank you letter and a progress update to the donor; failure to do so may result in withdrawal of the scholarship.