Student Support: Corporates

Scholarships breaking down barriers: Baillie Gifford

Investment management firm, Baillie Gifford, supports Edinburgh Napier students who have financial or personal circumstances that may inhibit them accessing higher education and progressing in their studies through scholarships which contribute to maintenance costs.  

“I come from a working-class background and this funding has helped me with a lot of money issues, and in particular, purchasing all the books I need as an English student. It’s meant that I’ve been able to totally commit to my course and learn as well as I can.”

Jessica, BA (Hons) English

“This support has been instrumental in sustaining my academic momentum and long-term ambitions, as a working parent of two young children. It has played a meaningful role in alleviating financial pressure, allowing me to focus more effectively on my studies.”

N’jaindeh, MBA (Leadership & Innovation)

Boosting placement access and entrepreneurship: Santander Universities

Support from Santander Universities for Edinburgh Napier students has been significant and we were delighted to secure a new two-year commitment in 2025. 

“Thank you for the award towards my placement as a Special Constable within Police Scotland. I am passionate about this and take part 2-3 times a week alongside my degree studies. It’s allowing me to complete more shifts and gain more experience, supporting my long-term goal of joining Police Scotland as a full-time officer after university.”

Zak, BSc (Hons) Policing and Criminology

“This funding is playing a significant role with my current placement, as a Social Media Marketing intern at Saltire Patisserie Limited. It has allowed me to fully engage with the placement experience, make a meaningful contribution to my placement organisation, and develop a clearer understanding of the career path I want to pursue.”

Nicola, BA (Hons) Business Management

Santander are also supporting student entrepreneurship and enterprise through the delivery of equity-free seed funding to student and graduate-led startups.

In 24/25 entrepreneurship awardees included Emily Youngs (MSc Data Engineering) who devised WombWise, a symptom-tracking app that integrates wearable data and uses AI for early detection of endometriosis; Michael Ife (BN Nursing - Mental Health) creator of MindWell, a mental health app designed to provide crucial, personalised support for students, professionals, and individuals facing mental health challenges; and Niamh West (MA Film) who founded FlowerPunk Films, a production company dedicated to championing female and LGBTQIA+ stories. Each of them received £1,500 in support from Santander Universities.

In 2025, our students were also able to access entrepreneurship funding through the Santander X UK Awards. This competition focused on supporting early-stage, innovative startups through funding and mentoring, and specialised, locally-tailored opportunities, many of which were managed by Bright Red Triangle, the University’s incubator.

Edinburgh Napier Driving Academy: Made possible by Enterprise Mobility

Being able to drive can boost graduates’ job prospects but driving lessons can be a significant expense, so acquiring this skill is often well beyond the budget of most students.

Thanks to a grant made possible by Enterprise Mobility’s ROAD Forward initiative, the Edinburgh Napier Driving Academy supports 1st and 2nd year undergraduate Business School students who would otherwise struggle to afford driving lessons. This new program will see up to 10 successful students enabled to access driving lessons through funding support of up to £1,500 each.

“For me, this is a real step forward, not only in my education but in life in general. I am so grateful for this generosity; it inspires me to work even harder.”

Tereza, BA (Hons) Business Management with Marketing

“Learning to drive will help me step towards greater confidence, responsibility and freedom - strengthening me both as a student and as a professional. It's a skill that will help shape my future beyond university and I am deeply grateful.”

Luke, BA (Hons) Accounting

“I cannot thank Enterprise Mobility enough. Learning to drive will make it easier to get to places and events that will help my future career - I study law and there are a lot of networking events and law fairs.”
Erin, LLB (Hons)