Introduction
The Black Heart Foundation Scholarship is a bursary and mentorship programme run by the UK-based Black Heart Foundation to support hardworking, under-resourced young people with educational costs and life aspirations. It was launched in 2013 and is open to all stages of education—from preparatory school to postgraduate study—and can fund both formal classroom education and experiential learning (courses, training, projects).[globalcitizen]
For African students, the key point is that the scholarship is not limited to the UK; it is open to applicants from under-resourced and under-represented backgrounds globally, including Africa, but it is funded in British pounds and often supports study in the UK, US, or other destinations, depending on the proposal. The programme is needs-based and holistic rather than purely grades-based, focusing on ambition, character, and financial need.[globalcitizen]
This guide explains what the Black Heart Scholarship is, who qualifies, what it covers, how African students can apply, and how realistic it is as part of your overall funding strategy. It also clarifies eligibility, benefits, application steps, and common mistakes so you can decide whether to invest time in applying.[afterschoolafrica]
Quick Answer / Key Facts
- What it is: A bursary and mentorship scheme for under-resourced, ambitious students to help fund education and life goals.[afterschoolafrica]
- Who offers it: The Black Heart Foundation, a UK charity founded by Ric Lewis and supported by donors including UK artist Stormzy.[en.wikipedia]
- Levels: From preparatory/secondary school through undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational/experiential learning.[globalcitizen]
- Eligibility highlights: Hardworking, under-resourced, ambitious; all nationalities and backgrounds can apply (including Africans), but focus is on disadvantaged and under-represented students.[afterschoolafrica]
- Benefits: Cash grants/bursaries towards education costs (tuition, fees, training, courses, sometimes living/study-related costs), plus mentorship, coaching, and networking opportunities.[afterschoolafrica]
- Geography: Open to global applicants; many scholars are from BAME (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic) communities, but the scheme is not restricted to any single region.[globalcitizen]
- Application: Online via the Foundation’s Scholarship Programme page; you typically complete a form and submit it for review.[blackheartfoundation][youtube]
Table of Contents
- What Is the Black Heart Foundation?
- Why Does This Scholarship Matter?
- Who Is It For?
- Eligibility / Requirements / Key Details
- Detailed Explanation (Funding, Fields, Selection, Obligations)
- Step-by-Step Process
- Original Research / Analysis (Fit for African Students)
- Practical Tips
- Common Mistakes
- Important Things to Know
- Official Sources & References
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What Is the Black Heart Foundation?
The Black Heart Foundation is a UK-based charity established in 2013 to improve access to education and opportunity for underprivileged children and young people, especially those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and other under-served backgrounds. Its founder, Ric Lewis, has described its mission as “education for all, opportunity for all” and “black heart for good.”[youtube][en.wikipedia]
The Foundation’s flagship initiative is the Black Heart Scholars Programme, which provides bursaries (cash grants) to help students pursue their educational goals and life aspirations. It has been boosted by high-profile support, including a £500,000 donation from UK rapper Stormzy in 2020, which helped fund dozens of additional scholarships.[globalcitizen]
The programme is distinctive because it:
- Supports all education levels (not just university)
- Funds both formal education (school, university, postgraduate) and experiential learning (training, courses, projects)
- Takes a holistic, needs-based approach, looking at ambition, character, and circumstances rather than just grades[globalcitizen]
Why Does This Scholarship Matter?
This scholarship matters because it addresses a core barrier for many talented young people: lack of money and support, not lack of ability. The Foundation explicitly targets under-resourced and under-represented students who might otherwise miss out on key educational opportunities due to financial constraints.[globalcitizen]
For African students, the Black Heart Scholarship can be significant because:
- It is open to global applicants, not restricted to UK residents.[afterschoolafrica]
- It can fund unconventional paths (e.g., specialist training, short courses, projects) that traditional scholarships often ignore.[globalcitizen]
- It provides not just money but also mentorship, coaching, and networking, which can be invaluable for first-generation or low-income students navigating international education.[scholarsworld]
While the total number of awards is relatively small compared to large government schemes, each grant can be transformative for the individual recipient.[globalcitizen]
Who Is It For?
The Black Heart Scholars Programme is intended for:
- Hardworking, ambitious young people from under-resourced backgrounds (financially disadvantaged, limited access to opportunity).[afterschoolafrica]
- Students at any stage of education:
- Preparatory/primary
- Secondary/high school
- Undergraduate
- Postgraduate (Master’s, PhD)
- Vocational and professional training
- Experiential learning (courses, workshops, projects)[globalcitizen]
- Applicants from any nationality, with a strong emphasis on supporting BAME and under-represented communities, but not exclusively.[globalcitizen]
It is not designed for:
- Students who are already well-funded or from privileged backgrounds
- Applicants seeking purely merit-based awards with no financial need component
- Those unwilling to engage with the Foundation’s holistic review and mentorship ethos[afterschoolafrica]
Eligibility / Requirements / Key Details
Basic Eligibility
According to the Foundation’s own FAQs, the scholarship programme is open to:
- All who are hardworking, under-resourced, and have ambition.[blackheartfoundation]
- Applicants are assessed holistically and on an individual basis, rather than by rigid cut-offs.[blackheartfoundation]
There is no explicit restriction by nationality, so African students are eligible to apply, provided they meet the core criteria of need and potential.[afterschoolafrica]
Levels and Types of Support
The programme can fund:
- Formal classroom education: school fees, university tuition, postgraduate study costs.[globalcitizen]
- Experiential learning: training courses, workshops, certifications, projects that advance the student’s goals.[globalcitizen]
- Related costs: depending on the proposal, support may help with materials, exam fees, travel for education, or other study-related expenses.[globalcitizen]
Past examples include funding for students to:
- Travel to distant schools
- Train to become airline pilots
- Cover costs so they could focus on studies instead of working while studying[globalcitizen]
Benefits
Successful scholars may receive:
- Cash grants/bursaries tailored to their educational plan (amounts vary by case).[globalcitizen]
- Mentorship and coaching from the Foundation and its network.[afterschoolafrica]
- Access to networking opportunities, events, and a community of scholars.[afterschoolafrica]
Exact amounts and packages are not publicly standardized; they are decided based on individual need and proposal.[afterschoolafrica]
Application Period
The Black Heart Foundation typically runs its scholarship programme on an ongoing or periodic basis, with calls announced via its website and social media. There is no single fixed global deadline like some government scholarships; instead, you apply when the programme is open and your proposal is ready.[afterschoolafrica][youtube]
Detailed Explanation
How the Scholarship Works
The Black Heart Scholars Programme operates as a bursary and mentorship scheme rather than a traditional “full scholarship” with fixed benefits. The process generally involves:[afterschoolafrica]
- Application: You submit details about yourself, your background, your educational goals, and your financial need via the Foundation’s online portal.[youtube][blackheartfoundation]
- Review: The team reviews applications holistically, considering your circumstances, ambition, character, and the potential impact of the support.[afterschoolafrica]
- Award: If selected, you receive a cash grant tailored to your plan, plus access to mentorship and networking.[afterschoolafrica]
- Ongoing engagement: Scholars often stay connected with the Foundation through events, updates, and community activities.[blackheartfoundation]
Unlike many fully funded government scholarships, Black Heart does not promise a standard package (e.g., fixed stipend, flight, accommodation). Instead, it customizes support to the individual.[afterschoolafrica]
Fields of Study and Activities
The programme is field-agnostic: it supports students across:
- Academic disciplines (sciences, humanities, arts, business, etc.)
- Vocational and professional training (e.g., aviation, tech, creative industries)
- Experiential projects (community initiatives, research, creative work)[globalcitizen]
The key is how well your proposed activity aligns with your long-term goals and how clearly you demonstrate need and potential impact.[afterschoolafrica]
Selection Criteria and Competitiveness
Selection is based on:
- Financial need (under-resourced background)
- Ambition and drive (clear goals, initiative)
- Potential impact (how the support will change your trajectory and possibly benefit your community)
- Character and resilience (evidence of overcoming challenges, commitment)[afterschoolafrica]
The total number of awards is relatively modest (the Foundation has supported hundreds of scholars since 2013, not thousands annually). This makes it competitive, but the holistic, needs-based approach means that strong, authentic stories can stand out even if your profile is not “perfect” on paper.[globalcitizen]
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Confirm Fit
Ask yourself:
- Am I from an under-resourced or disadvantaged background?
- Do I have a clear educational or training goal that needs funding?
- Can I articulate how this support will change my trajectory and possibly help my community?[afterschoolafrica]
If yes, the Black Heart Scholarship may be a good fit.
Step 2: Review the Programme Page
- Visit the official Scholarship Programme page:
- https://blackheartfoundation.org/scholarship-programme/[blackheartfoundation][youtube]
- Read the description, FAQs, and any current call details.[blackheartfoundation]
Step 3: Prepare Your Story and Documents
You will likely need:
- Personal details (name, age, contact information)
- A description of your educational or training plan (what you want to study/do, where, when, why)
- A clear explanation of your financial need (family circumstances, barriers you face)
- Evidence of ambition and hard work (academic records, projects, work, volunteering, challenges overcome)
- Any supporting documents (e.g., admission letters, course outlines, fee structures, budgets)[enovabaze]
Think of this as a narrative + budget package: they need to understand both your story and what the money will actually fund.
Step 4: Complete the Application Form
- Use the online application portal linked from the Scholarship Programme page.[blackheartfoundation]
- Follow the instructions:
- Answer all questions honestly and thoroughly.
- Be specific about costs and how the grant will be used.
- Highlight your ambitions, challenges, and how you’ve shown resilience.[youtube][blackheartfoundation]
Step 5: Submit and Await Response
- Submit your application and keep a copy.
- The Foundation reviews applications holistically and contacts successful candidates directly.[afterschoolafrica]
- If selected, you will discuss the details of your award and next steps (mentorship, reporting, etc.).[afterschoolafrica]
Original Research / Analysis
Fit for African Students
For African students, the Black Heart Scholarship is:
- Eligible: No nationality restriction; African applicants from under-resourced backgrounds can apply.[afterschoolafrica]
- Flexible: Can support not only university degrees but also training, courses, and projects that align with your goals.[globalcitizen]
- Complementary: Best viewed as a supplementary funding source alongside other scholarships (government, university, foundation), not as your only plan.[enovabaze]
However:
- The number of awards is limited; do not rely solely on this programme.[globalcitizen]
- Support is customized, not a guaranteed “full ride”; you must clearly justify your budget and needs.[afterschoolafrica]
- The Foundation is UK-based, so communication and processes may be oriented around UK time zones and systems, though they do support global scholars.[en.wikipedia]
How to Position Your Application
To maximize your chances as an African applicant:
- Emphasize genuine financial need
Explain your family’s economic situation clearly and honestly (income, dependents, barriers to paying fees or training costs). - Show ambition and initiative
Highlight projects, leadership, self-study, or work you’ve done despite limited resources. - Connect your goal to impact
Explain how your education or training will help you contribute to your community, country, or field (e.g., improving healthcare, building tech solutions, creating jobs). - Be specific and realistic with your budget
Show exactly what you need funding for (tuition, exam fees, course costs, materials, essential travel) and how much. - Tell a compelling personal story
The Foundation values character and resilience; share challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve overcome them.[afterschoolafrica]
Practical Tips
- Use it as part of a portfolio: Apply to multiple scholarships (government, university, foundations) and treat Black Heart as one potential piece of your funding mix.[enovabaze]
- Focus on clarity: Make your educational plan and budget easy to understand; avoid vague requests.
- Highlight non-academic strengths: Leadership, community work, entrepreneurship, and resilience matter as much as grades for this scheme.[afterschoolafrica]
- Check the website regularly: Calls and updates are posted on the Foundation’s site and social channels.[afterschoolafrica]
- Beware of scams: Only use the official blackheartfoundation.org domain for applications and information.[youtube][blackheartfoundation]
Common Mistakes
- Assuming It’s a Standard “Full Scholarship”
It is a bursary/mentorship programme with customized support, not a fixed full-ride package.[afterschoolafrica] - Vague or Generic Applications
Failing to explain your specific goal, need, and impact reduces your chances.[afterschoolafrica] - Ignoring the Need Component
This is a needs-based scheme; if you don’t clearly demonstrate under-resourced circumstances, you’re unlikely to be selected.[afterschoolafrica] - Treating It as Your Only Option
Given the limited number of awards, relying solely on Black Heart is risky; always have backup plans and other applications.[enovabaze] - Using Unofficial Sites or Agents
Only apply via the official Foundation website; avoid third parties claiming to “guarantee” the scholarship.[youtube][blackheartfoundation]
Important Things to Know
- Open to all stages of education, not just university.[globalcitizen]
- Global eligibility, with a focus on under-resourced and under-represented students (including Africans).[afterschoolafrica]
- Customized grants, not a fixed benefit structure; amounts vary by case.[afterschoolafrica]
- Mentorship and networking are integral, not just money.[afterschoolafrica]
- Competitive but holistic: Strong, authentic stories with clear need and ambition can stand out.[afterschoolafrica]
Official Sources & References
- The Black Heart Foundation – Scholarship Programme page (overview and application portal):
https://blackheartfoundation.org/scholarship-programme/[blackheartfoundation] - The Black Heart Foundation – Scholars 2023–2024 (examples of recent scholars):
https://blackheartfoundation.org/scholars-2023-2024/[blackheartfoundation] - The Black Heart Foundation – Scholarship FAQs (eligibility and approach):
https://blackheartfoundation.org/scholarship-faqs/[blackheartfoundation] - AfterSchoolAfrica – Black Heart Scholars Programme 2026 for the UK and US:
https://www.afterschoolafrica.com/115864/black-heart-scholars-programme/[afterschoolafrica] - EnovaBaze – The Black Heart Foundation Scholarship for African Students:
https://enovabaze.com/black-heart-foundation-scholarship-for-students/[enovabaze] - ScholarsWorld.ng – Black Heart Scholarship Program 2026 | How to Apply:
https://scholarsworld.ng/black-heart-scholarship-program/[scholarsworld] - Global Citizen – Stormzy to Fund 50 Scholarships for Students From Disadvantaged Backgrounds via Black Heart Foundation:
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/stormzy-scholarships-black-heart-foundation/[globalcitizen] - Wikipedia – The Black Heart Foundation (background and history):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Heart_Foundation[en.wikipedia]
FAQs
1. Can African students apply for the Black Heart Scholarship?
Yes. The programme is open to all nationalities, with a focus on under-resourced and under-represented students globally, including Africa.[afterschoolafrica]
2. Does it cover full tuition and living costs?
It provides customized cash grants/bursaries based on your proposal and need; it is not a standardized “full ride” like some government scholarships. Some students receive substantial support, others more modest.[afterschoolafrica]
3. What levels of education does it support?
All levels: from preparatory/secondary school to undergraduate, postgraduate, vocational training, and experiential learning.[globalcitizen]
4. Is it only for UK study?
No. While the Foundation is UK-based, it supports global scholars and can fund education and training in various countries, depending on the proposal.[globalcitizen]
5. How do I apply?
Via the official Scholarship Programme page on the Black Heart Foundation website:
https://blackheartfoundation.org/scholarship-programme/
You complete the online form and submit your story, plan, and need details.[youtube][blackheartfoundation]
Conclusion
The Black Heart Foundation Scholarship is a meaningful, needs-based bursary and mentorship programme that can help under-resourced, ambitious African students fund education and training at any level. It is flexible, holistic, and focused on real impact, supporting both formal degrees and experiential learning.[globalcitizen]
However, it is not a guaranteed full scholarship and the number of awards is limited, so it should be part of a broader funding strategy alongside other scholarships and support. If you come from a disadvantaged background and have a clear, compelling educational plan, the Black Heart Scholars Programme is worth applying for via the official site: https://blackheartfoundation.org/scholarship-programme/.[youtube][blackheartfoundation]
Author Bio
Samuel Otu Lartey, popularly known as Flex_BN or Majesty, is a Full Stack Developer, Graphic Designer, Content Writer, and Content Creator passionate about technology, education, and digital innovation. He specializes in web development, WordPress, graphic design, SEO, digital marketing, AI, technology education, and scholarship research. Through his work, he creates accurate, practical, and valuable content that helps students, professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs learn, grow, and succeed in the digital world.
For more information about the author, visit the author’s profile page.
