Terms and Conditions

Standard Scholarship Terms and Conditions

1. Scholarships are advertised on our website and social media pages ahead of the new academic year and are open to new students only, unless under the list of exceptions detailed below.
2. Application dates and submission deadlines will be available on our website.
3. Course entry requirements apply.
4. The scholarship award shall apply solely to “standard course fees,” meaning the published tuition fee for the relevant programme and academic year as listed on the WaterBear website. It does not cover additional costs, including but not limited to materials, equipment, or optional modules, and remains subject to certain exceptions (see below).
5. If you are a direct entry student you may apply for a scholarship, however the scholarship award would be calculated on a pro rata basis to cover the remaining course length, which is determined as follows; a) the total published duration of the course (in years or part years), minus; b) any periods of prior study, credit, or advanced standing that reduce the student’s time to completion. The resulting period (expressed in full or partial academic years) constitutes the “Remaining Course Length” only and would be subject to the exceptions set out within the terms and conditions.
6. WaterBear welcomes applications from non-standard applicants and mature students. WaterBear can advise on your suitability for the course.
7. WaterBear may withdraw a scholarship only where: a) the eligibility criteria are no longer met; b) the student commits academic or conduct offences resulting in suspension or exclusion; c) the student is found to have provided inaccurate, misleading, or fraudulent information as part of the application. Withdrawal will not be exercised arbitrarily and reasons will be provided in writing.
8. Where the scholarship award winner cannot commence the academic year to which the award is offered, WaterBear reserve the right to offer the award to the runner up or to defer the award for the year. The student would then be invited to re-apply but is not guaranteed to be accepted.
9. Scholarship awards may only be transferred to an alternative course that satisfies the original award criteria. By way of example, a three-year BA award cannot be transferred to a two-year online course. Should a recipient wish to transfer courses, they are required to contact the Student Finance team to discuss potential funding options.
10. The successful applicant may be invited to participate in publicity activities relating to the award, including but not limited to social media campaigns, press features, website content, and other marketing materials. Participation in such activities is entirely voluntary. WaterBear may seek the student’s prior consent to use their image and/or personal story for marketing purposes, and such consent may be withdrawn at any time.
11. The scholarship is for fees only and cannot be used in relation to cost of living or other associated costs related to the course.
12. Scholarships will ordinarily be reinstated following an approved intermission. Exceptions (e.g., changes in course structure, programme availability, regulatory restrictions) will be discussed with the student in advance.
13. WaterBear will immediately cease any scholarship award where: a) the student in receipt of the award withdraws; b) the student in receipt of the award is suspended or excluded from WaterBear; c) the student is found to have made any misrepresentation or acted fraudulently or dishonestly in their application. Where the scholarship is awarded as a fee waiver, no repayment will ordinarily be required. Repayment may only be sought where the award was obtained through fraud, dishonesty, or material misrepresentation.
14. There is no cash or cash equivalent award associated with the scholarship.
15. The scholarship is non-transferable.
16. Any attempts to sway the decision making process will render an application void.
17. All terms and conditions must be signed within 5 working days of notification for scholarship award. Failure to do so may result in the scholarship being removed/deferred or being awarded to the runner up.
18. Neither party shall, directly or indirectly, offer, give, request or accept any bribe, facilitation payment, or any other improper advantage in connection with this agreement.
19. All applicants and all panel members must declare any personal relationships or conflicts. WaterBear will take appropriate steps to manage or remove conflicts.
20. Decisions will be based on the published criteria available on the WaterBear website, including:  a) quality of application; b) demonstration of potential and alignment with WaterBear values; c) eligibility criteria. The independent panel will assess applications against these criteria. Panel decisions are final, but applicants may use the WaterBear complaints process for procedural concerns.
21. WaterBear, all panel members and applicants must comply with the Bribery Act 2010.

Exceptions

1. Should any student in receipt of a scholarship be required to undertake retakes/restarts, whether they be related to academic fails or intermission, they will be required to cover the additional costs. Once the student progresses to the next term/level the scholarship will be reinstated. For fee information please contact [email protected].
2. Only new students may apply for a scholarship, however where a student has successfully completed the IFY portion of the 4 year course, they may be eligible to apply for a scholarship for the final 3 years of the course.
3. Scholarships are restricted to external applicants only. WaterBear staff are not eligible to apply.

Additional Information

1. Some scholarships may be subject to additional terms and conditions. These will be supplied separately where applicable.