The Aziz Foundation is now accepting applications for its prestigious scholarship programme, aimed at supporting British Muslim students pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Westminster.
Established in 2015 by the Aziz family, the Aziz Foundation operates as a family foundation with a mission to empower British Muslims to bring positive change to their communities and beyond. Its Scholarship Programme offers 100% tuition fee coverage for Master's degrees, helping students overcome financial barriers to higher education.
The partnership between the University of Westminster and the Aziz Foundation began in 2021 and was founded on a number of shared values such widening participation at the postgraduate level and removing barriers to access and success for Muslim students. The scholarships are available for postgraduate studies in a range of fields, including Arts and Culture, Law, Media and Journalism, Policy, Sports, Sustainability/Environment, Technology, and Philanthropy and Grantmaking.
Scholarship recipient Jameela Yamin is currently in her final year of her Legal Practice LLM course and is set to graduate by September 2025. About the scholarship she said: “Many British Muslims face barriers to pursuing higher education due to the Islamic prohibition against engaging with interest-based loans (Riba), which often makes financing education challenging. This scholarship directly addresses these concerns by offering a more accessible pathway, empowering students to pursue their academic aspirations without compromising their faith. By removing financial and cultural obstacles, it contributes to increased representation of British Muslims in higher education and creates opportunities for them to achieve their full potential.”
The scholarship application process runs in two cycles throughout 2025. The first cycle opens on 13 January at 11am and closes on 4 April at 12pm, with recipients announced in mid-May. The second cycle runs from 8 April at 11am to 20 June at 12pm, with successful applicants revealed in late July.
Jameela, whose ultimate goal is to qualify as a solicitor, added: “Thanks to the Aziz Foundation and their generous scholarship programme, I have been able to pursue an LLM that includes the LPC, a crucial step toward qualifying as a solicitor. This support has not only enabled me to continue my legal studies but has also reinforced my commitment to achieving my career goal of becoming a solicitor. The scholarship has been instrumental in keeping me on this path and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to advance my aspirations in the legal field.
“This support has allowed me to focus more on my studies and career aspirations, ensuring I stay on track to achieve my goals. Additionally, it has strengthened my sense of purpose and commitment to giving back to my community through my work.”
Jules Attanayake, Development Officer within Westminster’s Fundraising and Development Team, said: “As a valued partner of the Aziz Foundation, we would very much like to expand on the success of past scholarships awarded by the Foundation to our Muslim students, widening access for an even larger cohort of students in the future.”
The scholarship directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Apply for the 2025 Aziz Foundation Scholarship.
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