The Spending Review sets out the UK government’s plan for how public spending will deliver the people’s priorities over the next three years.
The Turing Scheme, the UK government’s programme to fund study and work opportunities across the world, was initially launched as a one-year programme for the academic year of 2021 to 2022, and has been extended for a further three years, including £110 million for the academic year 2022 to 2023.
The scheme saw a very positive uptake, after almost £100 million of funding was approved in the inaugural Turing Scheme call for proposals. More than 360 successful applications were approved from universities, schools and further education and training providers across the United Kingdom, to support more than 40,000 students, pupils and learners.
Nottingham Trent University (NTU), one of the UK’s largest recruiters of UK students from disadvantaged backgrounds, received £1.4 million of Turing Scheme funding for 2021 to 2022. Professor Cillian Ryan, Pro Vice-Chancellor International, said: “As founding signatory of the Social Mobility Pledge, we continually work towards widening access and the levelling up objective is central to our Turing Scheme project.
“The funding enables NTU to create an inclusive portfolio of opportunities that suit students’ current circumstances and future career goals and builds their resilience, perseverance and confidence, as well as nurturing their global citizenship. These are particularly relevant in the current crisis and will prepare students for the future workplace and contribute to the UK’s international competitiveness.”
Cardiff Council received £245,938 for a consortium application in 2021, to support 10 schools in the city. Amanda Morgan, International Linking Officer, Cardiff Council, said: “We are extremely excited about the opportunities learners in Cardiff will be able to enjoy through our Turing Scheme project. During their time overseas, pupils will visit partner schools and meet other learners from these countries which we hope will open learners’ eyes and minds to the wider world – a potentially life-changing experience for participants.”
Sixteen students from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) will be travelling from Northern Ireland to the USA, Turkmenistan and Japan, thanks to the Turing Scheme. Ken Webb, Principal/Chief Executive said: “We are delighted to have secured Turing Scheme funding in its inaugural year, underlining our commitment to international student mobility. About a quarter of our students are from disadvantaged backgrounds with many never having travelled abroad. The Turing Scheme will be invaluable in supporting SERC’s commitment to widening participation by providing a unique opportunity for those students that would otherwise be unable to avail of international travel or work/study experiences.”
More information on funding for the 2022 to 2023 academic year will be published in due course.
To find out more about the funding awarded in the first year of the programme, visit our funding results page.
