Skidmore Bursary in Mathematics
The Skidmore Bursary in Mathematics is an exceptionally substantial award offering £20,000 per year for three years, to support Welsh Mathematics students from low-income households.
The award is offered annually to help students overcome financial or other barriers to access education so they may achieve their potential by benefitting from a Cardiff University Mathematics degree.
About the bursary
The bursary is open to Cardiff University offer holders who have applied to the School of Mathematics, from a low-income background, such as a recipient of the Educational Maintenance Allowance or Free School Meals.
Preference will be given to those studying at Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, Ffairfach, Llandeilo. However, students from other Welsh schools who meet the other criteria are welcome to apply.
The bursary will be awarded to an eligible individual who will receive £20,000 per year of study for up to three years. This will be broken down to £9,790 in tuition fees and provide an additional substantial annual maintenance stipend of approximately £10,210.
Full eligibility criteria can be found in the Terms and Conditions.
About the donor
This bursary is made possible by an exceptionally generous donation from Mrs Audrey Pearce, who sought to support students from Wales, in particular from Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, who demonstrate academic potential but could be held back by financial hardship.
Mrs Pearce’s wishes were to name the bursary after her late parents, Gwyn and Gwen Skidmore, with the bursary to be known as the Skidmore Bursary.
How to apply
For your chance to be successful in being awarded this bursary, please read the terms and conditions for the eligibility criteria and apply using the online application form by 8 June 2026, 17:00.
The successful applicant will be informed of the decision after 31st August 2026.
Confidentiality
Personal data is covered by data protection legislation, which includes the General Data Protection Regulation, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not be divulged to any person or organisation apart from The Skidmore Bursary in Mathematics selection panel, unless fraud is being investigated.
Terms and Conditions
- This significant bursary (£20,000) will cover a home student’s fees (approximately £9,790) and provide an additional substantial annual maintenance stipend (approximately £10,210).
In the event that the Welsh government increases the tuition fee cap between years, the home student’s fees shall be covered and the remainder of the bursary shall be awarded as the stipend. - The home fees will be paid directly to the University.
- The remainder of the bursary will be paid out as a maintenance grant to be used at the successful applicant’s discretion.
- The stipend each year will be paid in 3 instalments during the winter, spring and summer terms.
- The successful applicant must pass each year to access funding for the following year. If the student fails to meet the minimum pass grade the University reserves the right to reallocate funding to another student.
- The successful applicant will need to have firmly accepted an offer of a place on a first undergraduate full-time degree programme studying Mathematics at Cardiff University commencing study in the 2026-2027 academic year. The applicant will need to have accepted Cardiff University as their first choice by 31st July 2026.
- If the successful student transfers course to a different one that isn’t listed above the tuition fee waiver and stipend will stop and the student will be liable to pay their tuition fees.
- The bursary is dependent on the student meeting the conditions of the offer, the bursary does not guarantee a place at Cardiff University.
- The successful applicant will need to have enrolled by the date confirmed in their offer letter.
- If the successful applicant fails to enrol by the date stated, the University reserves the right to reallocate the funding to another student.
- The successful candidate will be expected to write a thank you message to the donor / donor's family and to also submit an end of year report at the end of each academic year to show their progress.
- The successful candidate may also be required for a photograph, and to submit a quote to help us publicise other bursaries internally and externally to the University.
- The student may be asked to participate in further opportunities to thank donors however the recipient may choose not to participate.
All applications will be considered by a panel. The panel’s decision is final, and there is no right of appeal. Applicants will not hear about the outcome of the application until after 31st August 2026.
Criteria
To meet the criteria, a successful candidate must:
- be domiciled in Wales
- be able to demonstrate academic ability
- demonstrate financial need
- be studying Mathematics at Cardiff University
