Moffat Scholarship 2025

The Moffat Scholarship 2025-2026 at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) is a prestigious, merit-based award funded by the Moffat Charitable Trust, supporting students passionate about shaping the future of travel, tourism, or events management. For over 20 years, the Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism at GCU has distributed over £1.4 million in scholarships, empowering more than 350 students to excel in these fields. The scholarship provides up to £3,700 for undergraduate students (paid in two instalments) and up to £2,600 for postgraduate students (paid in three instalments) to cover tuition fees. GCU, Scotland’s largest modern university with over 23,000 students from 135+ countries, is ranked among the UK’s top 40 universities (Guardian University Guide 2025) and is renowned for its sustainable tourism focus and industry connections with organizations like Historic Scotland and Hilton Worldwide. Recipients are expected to attend scholarship-related events and contribute to GCU’s vibrant tourism community.

To be eligible for the Moffat Scholarship 2025-2026, applicants must:

• Be enrolled in or hold a conditional or unconditional offer for a Travel, Tourism, or Events Management program at GCU, including:

  • Undergraduate: BA (Hons) International Tourism and Events Management.

  • Postgraduate: MSc International Tourism and Events Management.

  • Doctoral: PhD programs related to tourism or events (if applicable).

• Demonstrate academic excellence (e.g., strong GPA, typically 60%+ or UK 2:1 equivalent for undergraduates, 2:2 for postgraduates).

• Show motivation to pursue a career in the tourism or events industry, evidenced through a personal statement.

• Demonstrate financial need, supported by a statement or documentation (e.g., family income details, excluding bank statements).

• Be open to all nationalities (international, UK, and Scottish students), though Scottish applicants may receive slight preference.

• Agree to:

  • Submit a thank-you letter to the Moffat Charitable Trust.

  • Provide an annual report on their experience as a scholarship recipient and its impact.

  • Approve the use of photographs/quotes for GCU and Moffat Centre promotional materials.

  • Attend scholarship-related events hosted by GCU or the Moffat Centre.

• Exclusions:

  • Not available for students in non-tourism/events programs or those changing to ineligible programs after application.

  • Not combinable with other GCU scholarships covering full tuition (e.g., GREAT Scholarships, Aziz Foundation Scholarship).

  • Not available for part-time study or deferred entry to 2026-27.

• Value:

  • Undergraduate: Up to £3,700, paid in two instalments over the academic year (Fall 2025, Spring 2026).

  • Postgraduate/PhD: Up to £2,600, paid in three instalments over the academic year (Fall 2025, Winter 2026, Spring 2026).

• Disbursement: Applied as a tuition fee reduction after the semester census date, directly to the student’s GCU account.

• Duration: Renewable annually for the duration of the program (up to 4 years for undergraduate, 1–2 years for postgraduate, 3–4 years for PhD), subject to maintaining academic standing and eligibility.

• Additional Benefits:

  • Recognition as a Moffat Scholar, enhancing professional credentials.

  • Access to GCU’s career services, with 92% graduate employability (HESA 2023-24).

  • Networking opportunities with the Moffat Centre and industry partners like the Olympics and VisitScotland.

  • Invitations to scholarship events, connecting with alumni like Martin Malone, Glasgow Warriors Stadium Operation Manager.

• Note: The scholarship does not cover living expenses (£10,000–£15,000/year in Glasgow), accommodation (£5,000–£8,000/year at Caledonian Court), or additional fees (e.g., health surcharge, ~£1,000/year). Total financial aid cannot exceed tuition costs, and adjustments may be made if combined with other funding (e.g., 5% early payment discount for fees over £5,000). Education loans via WeMakeScholars or banks (e.g., SBI, HDFC Credila) are available for remaining costs. International students must enroll in or waive GCU’s health insurance by September 1, 2025.

Applicants must submit their application through the GCU Scholarships Portal. Follow these steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Secure a conditional or unconditional offer for a qualifying Travel, Tourism, or Events Management program at GCU, or be a current student in such a program.

2. Prepare Application Materials:

   • Complete the Moffat Scholarship application form via the GCU Scholarships Portal (www.gcu.ac.uk/scholarships).

   • Provide:

     • Proof of admission/offer or current enrollment (e.g., offer letter, student ID).

     • Academic transcripts (in English or with certified translations).

     • Personal statement (500–750 words) highlighting academic achievements, career motivation in tourism/events, and financial need.

     • Optional: Supporting documents for financial need (e.g., family income statement, excluding bank statements).

3. Submit Application: Upload materials to the GCU Scholarships Portal by September 1, 2025, 11:59 PM (UK time).

4. Evaluation: A committee, including Dr. Jamie Moffat of the Moffat Charitable Trust, assesses applications based on:

   • Academic merit (GPA, academic record).

   • Motivation for a tourism/events career (personal statement quality).

   • Financial need (supporting statement/documents).

5. Notification: Successful applicants are notified via their GCU email by October 1, 2025.

6. Accept and Enroll: Accept the award via the portal, submit a thank-you letter to the Moffat Charitable Trust, and maintain enrollment in a qualifying program to activate the scholarship.

Note: International students must hold a valid UK student visa and be onshore by September 2025. Apply for a visa by June 2025 to allow 3–4 months for processing. Contact scholarships@gcu.ac.uk for portal access or application support. Late submissions are not accepted.

• Completed Moffat Scholarship application form (via www.gcu.ac.uk/scholarships).

• Proof of admission/offer or current enrollment (e.g., offer letter, student ID).

• Academic transcripts (in English or with certified translations).

• Personal statement (500–750 words) on academic achievements, tourism/events career motivation, and financial need.

• Optional: Financial need documentation (e.g., family income statement, excluding bank statements).

• Note: Documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations. Submit via the GCU Scholarships Portal. Incomplete applications or those submitted after September 1, 2025, are ineligible.

• Application Deadline: September 1, 2025, 11:59 PM (UK time).

• Notification: By October 1, 2025.

• Acceptance Deadline: Confirm with offer letter, typically October 15, 2025.

• Enrollment Deadline: Register for Fall 2025 by September 2025.

• Health Insurance Deadline: Enroll in or waive GCU’s health insurance by September 1, 2025, for 2025-26 coverage.

• Note: The September 1, 2025, deadline is strict; late applications are not considered. Verify at www.gcu.ac.uk/scholarships or contact scholarships@gcu.ac.uk. Early application by July 2025 is recommended for international students due to visa processing.

• Email: scholarships@gcu.ac.uk (Scholarships Office); international@gcu.ac.uk (International Office).

• Phone: +44 141 331 3000 (GCU Main Switchboard).

• Address: Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, Scotland, UK.

• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (GMT).

• Website: www.gcu.ac.uk/scholarships