Adi and Isca Wittenberg Scholarship: A Guide for Engineering Students

The Adi and Isca Wittenberg Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for young people from asylum-seeking backgrounds in the UK. This scholarship aims to support those who are ineligible for standard UK Student Finance but are pursuing their first undergraduate degree. This year, the award specifically supports students in engineering fields, honoring the legacy of Adi and Isca Wittenberg, who overcame significant challenges to achieve their educational and career goals. Understanding the scholarship’s details, eligibility, and application process is key for interested candidates.

Scholarship Overview

The Adi and Isca Wittenberg Scholarship is designed to cover home tuition fees and related study costs for eligible students. The exact amount awarded depends on each candidate’s specific situation and where they attend university. The scholarship trust works with successful applicants to help them secure “home fee” status from their chosen institution. This means that a crucial step in receiving the scholarship is successfully obtaining an offer for home tuition fees from a UK university.

The scholarship is inspired by the personal journeys of Adi and Isca Wittenberg. Both became refugees at age 16 after fleeing Nazi Germany. Despite facing war and financial hardship, they were determined to continue their education. Isca pursued social work and psychotherapy, driven by a desire to help others help themselves. Adi worked for seven years in night school to earn his degree in mechanical engineering. Their stories highlight resilience and the pursuit of education against all odds.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Adi and Isca Wittenberg Scholarship, candidates must meet several specific criteria. First, applicants must currently reside in the United Kingdom. They also need to have applied for at least one undergraduate course through UCAS, or already be enrolled in an undergraduate program at a UK university.

A core requirement is the applicant’s immigration status. They must be seeking asylum in the UK, or have been granted temporary status such as Limited Leave to Remain, Calais Leave, Discretionary Leave to Remain, Section 67 leave, or UASC leave. This status must result in ineligibility for UK Student Finance. Additionally, applicants must be under 30 years old when their course begins. Finally, the scholarship is exclusively for students pursuing an undergraduate degree in engineering.

Application Process

The application window for the 2026 intake of the Adi and Isca Wittenberg Scholarship closes on May 29, 2026, at 5 PM BST. Prospective students should ensure they submit all required materials before this deadline. Candidates who meet the initial criteria and are selected to move forward will be invited for interviews. These interviews are scheduled to take place in July 2026.

The application form is available online. It is important for applicants to provide accurate and complete information to support their application. Further details about the scholarship and the application process can be found on the official scholarship website. This resource offers more in-depth information for those interested in applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Adi and Isca Wittenberg Scholarship?

It’s a scholarship for young people from asylum-seeking backgrounds in the UK who are studying their first undergraduate engineering degree and can’t get standard UK Student Finance.

Who is eligible for the scholarship?

You must live in the UK, be under 30, have applied or be enrolled in a UK university engineering program, and have a specific immigration status that prevents you from getting UK Student Finance.

What does the scholarship cover?

It aims to cover home tuition fees and related study costs, but the exact amount depends on your situation and university. A key step is getting ‘home fee’ status from your university.