Our university-wide vision is to not only support our university community, but to positively impact wider society as a whole. The University of Edinburgh Scholars Network is the first initiative of its kind in the UK to offer additional tailored support to multiple scholarship programmes. It plays a vital role in uniquely enhancing both the academic and personal growth of our students and cultivating a global community that embodies deep-rooted internationalism at the University of Edinburgh. We are a network and single point of contact to help scholars, who have been awarded prestigious and highly competitive scholarships, navigate a large and complex institution. Our focus has been on scholarship programmes that emphasise Widening Participation (WP) and Global Access, some of which are funded by the University of Edinburgh Development Trust, which could benefit from tailored support structures that complement existing UoE supports. We aim to empower scholars in achieving their full potential, both during and after their time at the University. The Scholars Network celebrates a diverse community of distinguished students from all over the globe. Through, dynamic activities, and dedicated 1-1 sessions with the Network’s Impact Coordinators, the Network fosters a sense of belonging where scholars are empowered to excel.This comprehensive support not only elevates academic success and retention rates but also enhances well-being and fosters deeper peer connections, combatting feelings of isolation. Our servicesThe Scholars Network is dedicated to contributing complementary services to the UoE student life cycle by providing additional tailored support to succeed and progress at the University of Edinburgh through the following services. Academic and pastoral support 1:1 catch-ups with the Scholars Network Impact Coordinator.Transitioning out of studies workshops.Accommodation support.Signposting to relevant academic support For example: - Institute for Academic Development- Career ServicesPeer mentorship Personal development and opportunities Highlighting extracurricular opportunities For example:- Student Experience Grants- Sports and Exercise- Student Participation Grant (funding to take part in sports and student societies)Workshops Social activities and community Social activities and gatherings regularly throughout the yearDay and overnight trips The Development TrustThe University of Edinburgh Development Trust was established as a registered charity in 1990. The Trust receives, administers and applies funds and properties donated for the benefit of the University of Edinburgh. We are incredibly grateful to the Development Trust for funding the Network since its inception in 2021.Find out more about The Development Trust: The Development Trust The Scholars Network is a space where students from different countries can be together to share and enjoy an experience of the University of Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole. The Network has been impactful to me in dealing with the pressure of courses by having the team there as a support structure away from home. 3rd year Global Access Scholar [The Scholars Network community] was a fantastic experience. I wish I could undertake further studies at UoE with still the Scholars network. I would definitely recommend this family a thousand times. 1st year Postgraduate Commonwealth Shared Scholar This article was published on 2024-06-24