Scholarships

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• Dr Gordon H Carruthers Wardlaw Scholar - Biology

  I am the first in my family to attend university. In addition to my studies, I have been fortunate to make a couple of very good friends this year who are extremely accommodating of my cerebral palsy. Because of this I have been on trips, attended balls and society events and enjoyed far more freedom than I have ever experienced before. University has allowed me to grow both academically and socially, and I believe both have been equally life-changing.

• Dr Lawrence M. Wodehouse Scholar - International Relations

  On the day of my graduation, I recorded a video message talking about my scholarship. I was overwhelmed by the surreal realisation that I now hold a degree from one of the very best universities in the world. Even now I struggle to find the words to truly express my gratitude for the financial support given to me.

  I pursued International Relations as my main area of study and loved every second of it. I hope to enter a role in trade, diplomacy or security, and have even considered a potential run for a seat in Parliament, but that is many, many years down the line!

  From assistance with living costs both on and off campus, and the purchasing of books and equipment and helping with travel costs, the scholarship's funds were invaluable. At the start of the year, my PC completely broke down, and I was able to use the funds to purchase a new one - something that effectively saved my dissertation.

  Now here I am, with a degree from one of the world's greatest universities, with roads to government and to the world lying in front of me.

  I could not have done it without the Dr Lawrence M. Wodehouse Scholarship. Should I ever be blessed with the means to do so myself someday in the far future, I would love to support a future St Andrews student too.

  St Andrews will forever be a part of me. Now, degree in hand, here I go, onto my future. Ever to Excel.

  

• Beit Trust Scholar - Computer Science

  Hailing from Zimbabwe, I am deeply passionate about leveraging technology to tackle real-world challenges. My focus lies in the fields of machine learning and artificial intelligence. I firmly believe that by harnessing the power of AI-driven solutions, we can address key challenges faced by farmers, improve crop yields, promote sustainable farming practices and transform the agricultural landscape in Africa.

• MacInnis Postgraduate Scholar - Physics

  We [my supervisor and I] firmly believe that the technology we have developed holds immense promise for advancing the exploration of neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, the capability of our devices to operate centimetres deep within tissue unveils novel treatment opportunities in other biomedical domains such as cancer therapy.

  At present, we are actively investigating potential pathways to continue our research and build upon the novel technology developed during my PhD.

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• Dr Fiona Hill (MA 1989)

  Fiona Hill (MA 1989) is a leading foreign affairs adviser, academic and author, and has served as Chancellor of Durham University since 2023. She received an honorary degree from the University of St Andrews in 2022.

  Fiona was inspired to fund five Wardlaw Scholarships in memory of her friend Malika Aly-Khan, who sadly passed away during her first year at St Andrews in 1985.

  You can read the full story here: In memory of Malika Aly-Khan

• Dr Jeremy Auchincloss (MB ChB 1969)

  Dr Jeremy Auchincloss graduated from St Andrews in 1969 and pursued a career in medicine, specialising in hand surgery. He gives back to the University in support of scholarships.

  'When I applied to study Medicine at the University of St Andrews some 57 years ago, I didn’t appreciate quite how much it would mean to me.

  'I came to St Andrews in 1963, together with my identical-twin brother.

  'Although the medical curriculum was full-on (the medics were always last for lunch in the Students’ Union) and the amount of essential reading was enormous, those three years passed very pleasurably. The clinical years, in those days, were studied in Dundee and, after qualifying (with my brother) in 1969, I stayed in Scotland for a further two years starting the training programme which would eventually lead (around the world) to a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon post with a special interest in hand surgery.

  'I have had relatives in the US for many years and the idea of supporting Americans via Wardlaw Scholarships to study at my alma mater was, like my own return to Scotland, inevitable.

  'St Andrews, its historicity and the quality of its education are too important to the world at large to deny our cousins across the Atlantic the opportunity to benefit from the culture and fellowship at this great seat of learning.'

• Dr Charis Kozel (BSc 2011)

  It was thanks to a scholarship that Charis Kozel was able to study medicine at the University of St Andrews. She says:

  'I funded the Wallum Scholarship in the hope that it will give someone else the opportunity I was given – the freedom to choose whatever path they want to take in life without financial restrictions. I came from a situation where, without financial assistance, I simply wouldn’t have been able to pursue medicine, and I am incredibly grateful to have now reached consultancy in my desired speciality and to be able to provide care for patients in the way that I do.

  'It gives a reassuring sense of continuity – a feeling that you’ve completed the cycle – to be able to give back to the ‘pot’ that got you to where you are now.'

  Read Charis' full story

• Dr Alison Payne (BSc 1982)

  Alison followed in her father's footsteps to study medicine at St Andrews. She has since had a fascinating career, living and working in different communities in the UK and overseas before settling 'off grid' in New Zealand. 

  She gives back to scholarships at the University both in her name, and in her father's.

  'I have never once regretted my decision to study medicine at St Andrews. Primary care has enabled me to work in a variety of countries and environments. I am now in the fortunate position, now, of being comfortable enough to be able to give back to the place that set me off on my journey. As a second-generation St Andrews alumna, I made my gift not only in my name but in my father’s.

  'It seemed logical in this day and age, when a university education is a privilege denied to so many, to share my good fortune and provide others with the opportunities to enjoy what I did. Thank you, St Andrews.'

  Read Alison's full story