We believe that students who are focused on their schoolwork and supporting their communities deserve help with their education. That’s where Foresters Competitive Scholarships1 comes in!
It’s a helpful benefit that can go a long way for deserving students and qualifying has never been easier. We hope even more students decide to take the leap this year!
We reached out to some of our 2025 winners to hear how the scholarship helped them with their studies.
“I would like to sincerely thank you for awarding me the 2025/26 Foresters Competitive Scholarship. This support has given me the freedom to focus more on my studies and continue my volunteering work.
Because of this scholarship, I have been able to take part in community projects, including organising a fundraiser that raised over £3,000 to help combat loneliness among the elderly. I am truly grateful for your generosity and the opportunities it has made possible.”
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- Alexander Brown
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“This scholarship means so much to me. It’s more than just financial support. It’s a recognition of my commitment to making a difference. This scholarship will help me pursue my university studies with greater focus and less financial stress. It reflects the value of my contributions to various communities, including through volunteering, helping others, and creating positive change, as well as my academic achievements. Being chosen for this opportunity encourages me to keep giving back while also working hard toward my goal of becoming a doctor and making an even bigger impact in the future. So thank you so much!!!”
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- Niamh McGhee
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“I am extremely grateful for the award. It funds accommodation that allows me to fully partake in the opportunities at my university, in volunteering at open days, summer internships and much more. This support is not only financially helpful but also a warm reminder my efforts are appreciated beyond those directly supported. I have continued my volunteering as a paramedic, which I thoroughly enjoy. I aim to provide comfort to people in their time of need and be a positive voice for people, no matter where.”
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- Amelie Teferle
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Eligibility requirements
To apply, new applicants and returning candidates must either be a current Foresters member or have a parent, legal guardian, grandparent or spouse who is a member. They must also be 24 years of age or under at all times during the 2026 calendar year.
New applicants are students in their final year of secondary school or are completing their post-secondary education. They also need to meet the following requirements:
- Minimum score of C (A-levels/AS-levels), 5/C (GCSE), C* (GCSE Northern Ireland) or equivalent for secondary school students and a minimum module mark of 55 – 59 if they’re in post-secondary.
- Minimum of 50 volunteer hours within two years of the application deadline.
- Applicants must be enrolling in a (minimum) two-year, full-time undergraduate programme of study at an accredited university or vocational or technical institutions in the United Kingdom in the Autumn of 2026.
Returning candidates are those students who have earned or applied for the scholarship in previous years. They also need to meet the following requirements:
- Module mark of 50-55 (or institutional equivalent)
- Minimum of 15 volunteer hours within one year of the application deadline
- Applicants must be enrolled in full time studies in the Autumn semester of the academic year they are applying as a Returning Candidate.
For our full eligibility requirements, please read our Competitive Scholarship Guidelines.
How Foresters grants can help applicants
Got a student in mind who could benefit from a Foresters Competitive Scholarship? That’s great! But do they need some help getting those required hours? Our Community Volunteer grants may be able to help.
A Community Volunteer grant offers up to £1,500 in funds to help organise or attend meaningful volunteer activities in local communities. Students can tag along and participate in any Community Volunteer activity to help get the hours they need to qualify for a scholarship. Foresters grants and competitive scholarships are the perfect pair!
Apply for a Competitive Scholarship now
If you know a student who deserves a little help with their education, you can help them see what’s possible! A Foresters Competitive Scholarship could make a big difference. Learn more about the scholarship, its requirements and more now!
Footnotes/disclaimers
¹ The Competitive Scholarship benefit is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS). Eligible members, their spouse, dependent children, and grandchildren may apply, subject to the eligibility criteria. Members must be 18 years of age or older and must have an active Foresters Plan and maintain it in good standing. CTF and/or JISA Plan holders who are NOT associated with a member (parent or grandparent) must turn 18 during the calendar year of the application deadline to qualify for a scholarship. Foresters member benefits are non-contractual, subject to benefit specific eligibility requirements, definitions and limitations and may be changed or cancelled without notice or are no longer available. Member benefits are not regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority or the Financial Conduct Authority and may change in the future.
