Robertson Trust Scholarship

Application period opens
Monday 1 September 2025
Application period closes
Wednesday 15 April 2026
Entry
2026

Apply early

You do not have to wait until you have received an offer of a place to study at the University of St Andrews to apply for a scholarship.

The Robertson Trust, Scotland's largest and most influential charitable trust, was founded in 1961 and now donates over £15 million annually to charities across Scotland. Membership in this group provides a wide range of benefits, helping you make the most of your university experience.

This exciting opportunity provides comprehensive funding and support throughout your undergraduate studies. You can find out more on the Robertson Trust's Journey to Success webpage.

Key benefits:

  • Bursary: up to £4,400 per year, jointly funded by the University of St Andrews (50%) and the Robertson Trust (50%).
  • Internship programme: access to paid internships during and after your studies.
  • Support network: continuous support throughout your studies and assistance in developing your employability post-graduation.
  • Exclusive membership: join a network of young Scots, maintained by the Robertson Trust, offering support well beyond graduation.

To be considered for nomination for the prestigious University of St Andrews and Robertson Trust Scholarship, please complete the application form for the St Andrews Access Award. You must select that you wish to be considered for the Robertson Trust Scholarship. 

Value of award (per year)

Up to £4,400 per academic year.

Duration of award

This award is paid annually for the duration of the undergraduate programme.

At what stage of my course application can I apply for this scholarship?

You can apply for the scholarship after you have submitted your course application for a place at the University of St Andrews. You do not need to wait until you have received an offer of a place before applying for the scholarship.

Application restrictions

Study level

Available to students studying at:

Undergraduate

Subjects

Available to students studying:

No restrictions

Domicile for fee status

Scotland home

Schools

Available to students in the following Schools and Departments:

Art History, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Computer Science, Divinity, Earth and Environmental Sciences, English, Film Studies, Geography and Sustainable Development, History, International Education Institute, International Relations, Mathematics and Statistics, Medicine, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Physics and Astronomy, Psychology and Neuroscience, Social Anthropology, University of St Andrews Business School

Application assessment

Financial need (Hardship, means tested)

Available to

Prospective students

Mode of study

Full time

Geographical criteria

Scotland (UK/Home)

Additional criteria

Applicants must:

  • be resident in Scotland at the time of application and have attended school in Scotland
  • be 16-25 years old and accessing a programme of undergraduate study
  • not already have obtained a degree
  • be eligible for Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) funding

Selection is based on financial need and donor-specific criteria.

As part of the application, you will be asked to upload the following:

Household Income

Please refer to the Financial Funding Tool for advice on how to calculate your household income and the types of supporting evidence we require you to upload.

If you are care experienced and are unable to provide household evidence please upload a local council confirmation letter. You do not need to upload evidence of your care experience, if this has already been provided to Admissions.

If you are an asylum seeker and are unable to provide household evidence please upload evidence confirming your official Home Office status.

You must apply to the University for funding, giving complete and accurate information before the deadline. Late applications will not be considered.

How to apply

This scholarship is available for application through the St Andrews Access Award application in View and continue my scholarships and funding in the Scholarships and funding section of My application.

After you have applied to a new course beginning in the academic year 2026-2027, you will be provided with login details for the My application portal. These details will be sent to you by email. You must allow at least two working days for processing and issue of your login details before you can apply for this scholarship.

You do not need to wait until you have received an offer of a place before applying for the scholarship.

Scholarship application form guidance

Terms and conditions

Applicants will be asked within the application form if they wish to be considered for the Robertson Trust Scholarship and that they consent to sharing specified details with the Robertson Trust for the purposes of advancing the application.

Please read the University's scholarships terms and conditions.

When will I know the outcome?

The outcome of your scholarship application will be available on View my funding applications in the Scholarships and Funding section of My Application by the end of May 2026.