Stephen Fry has big plans to work with the University of East Anglia. The actor will provide students with £50,000 worth of travel bursaries to help them with their studies. Having a close relationship with the course subject, the Stephen Fry Bursary will make a massive difference.
We all know him from being an icon on British television. However, the actor is about to make a huge contribution to some students’ lives. Donating £50,000 altogether, Stephen Fry will be funding a year abroad. This will go to four students per year at the University of East Anglia.
The Stephen Fry Bursary Will Fund A Year Abroad
The Stephen Fry Bursary will see four students studying American Studies at UEA awarded £2,500. This will help towards a year abroad which is mandatory for the course. But, for many students, especially with the cost of living crisis, they are unable to fund the expenses for the trip.
Speaking about his contribution, Stephen said “I’m investing in the future of our next generation of thinkers who will go on to achieve great things.”
Having grown up in Norfolk and had a great passion for America, the travel bursaries make sense for the actor.
“Many young people might be put off taking a year abroad as part of their degree because of the financial cost.
“I hope that I can help and encourage more young people to discover this vast and wonderful country for themselves
The head of Art, Media and America Studies at the University of East Anglia spoke of the importance of the bursary during the cost of living crisis.
“This will be a life-changing opportunity for the lucky recipients of Stephen’s travel awards and is doubly important in this current cost of living crisis,” she said.
Already, students are suffering during the crisis. Many universities have taken steps to help, as 1 in 10 use food banks. Some have provided jobs or increased funding.
Stormzy Funded Cambridge Students In 2021
Stephen Fry certainly isn’t the only British celebrity to help students in the UK. Back in 2021, artist Stormzy partnered with HSBC to support black students at the University of Cambridge.
30 students received £20,000 in an annual scholarship over three years to help cover tuition and maintenance fees.
The Stormy Scholarship scheme was actually launched in 2018 but had only helped 6 students in those three years. The boot in 2021 meant five times that were now being supported.
Speaking about his funding, the grime artist said:
“I hope this scholarship continues to serve as a small reminder to young black students that the opportunity to study at one of the best universities in the world is theirs for the taking.”
Though the donations from these celebrities are generous, it highlights an absence of necessary funding for some students to fully contribute to their courses.