Santander Universities Renews Decade-Long Partnership, Offering Continued Financial Support to Students
Santander Universities UK and Brunel University London have renewed their partnership for a further three years, ensuring ongoing financial support for Brunel students.
The partnership is aimed at breaking down barriers for students who are most likely to face challenges when attending higher education and providing equity-free seed funding to help advance students’ entrepreneurial ventures.
Following the latest payment for the 2023/24 year, Santander Universities have committed more than £700,000 in donations dating back to the start of the partnership in 2013. This has enabled more than 500 Brunel students to be supported financially.
Current full-time Brunel undergraduate Patrisiya Taleb, studying for a BSc in psychology, is on the Santander Scholarships programme – a new flagship initiative which supports students through to graduation, and provides opportunities to develop their potential and help them build brighter futures.
As part of the programme, Patrisiya receives £10,000 of funding each year for three years, together with access to a series of employability training and development opportunities and a dedicated mentor to guide her through the programme.
“I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional support I have received from the PDC and my lecturers here at Brunel, from filling out applications to career and personal development advice,” said Patrisiya. “Truly the best university environment I could have ever had the honour of being a part of.
“I am also very grateful for my Relationship Manager at Santander, who has been more than supportive no matter what I went to him seeking advice on. This partnership has greatly enriched my academic journey, providing financial assistance and opening up opportunities that have been crucial for my growth and future.”
In previous years, two Brunel students have won the Santander entrepreneurship competition, the Santander X UK Awards, each receiving £25,000 to boost their budding businesses: Lauren Bell in 2019 for her eczema-soothing device Cosi Care and Thomas Fudge in 2018 for his wastewater treatment system Wase.
Brunel’s Vice-Chancellor and President Prof Andrew Jones
with Santander Scholar Patrisiya Taleb and Santander UK Chair William Vereker
Professor Andrew Jones, Brunel University London’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “We are delighted to continue our excellent and long-standing relationship with Santander Universities, which enables our students to access a world of opportunities in their employability, entrepreneurship and education. We are very grateful to Santander Universities UK for their continued support and commitment to Brunel’s activities that drive our strong social mission.”
After signing the contractual agreement for a further three years, Prof Jones attended the annual Chairman’s Reception at the British Museum, at which Santander Universities set out the next stage of their Scholarship, Skills and Start Up Programme.
Matt Hutnell, Director of Santander Universities UK, said: “At Santander Universities we believe education is today’s solution to a better tomorrow. We’re proud to continue our partnership with Brunel University London and provide even more opportunities for students, staff and the local community to develop skills to build a brighter future and achieve their future potential.”