Bradford Student Receives Scholarship to Support Women in Tech

Local university student aims to inspire more women into technology careers

Anum Ayub, a second-year Computer Science student at the University of Bradford, has been awarded a scholarship designed to support women pursuing studies in fields where they are under-represented. The scholarship, now in its third year, aims to assist female students facing financial and social barriers to higher education.

Background and Impact of the Scholarship

Originally from Pakistan, Anum moved to the UK with her family in 2019. She is the first in her family to attend university. Having learned English through watching children’s television and studying online resources, she has overcome significant challenges to reach this stage of her education.

Anum described the scholarship as having a significant positive effect on her life, providing both financial support and motivation. She highlighted the importance of her family’s encouragement and expressed a desire to give back to her community by encouraging other young women from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in technology.

She said the University of Bradford offers strong support systems, which have helped her feel a sense of belonging. Receiving the scholarship made her feel recognised and valued for her potential.

Details of the Rani Scholarship

• The scholarship supports female students who face considerable challenges in accessing higher education, including refugees, asylum seekers, disabled students, care leavers, and those from low participation or socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Home students receive an annual bursary of £6,930, which increases by five per cent each year. This funding is provided by donors, including the company TechnologyOne.
• International students are offered a 50 per cent reduction in tuition fees each year, funded by the University.
• The scholarship was launched in the 2024-25 academic year and is partly supported by TechnologyOne, a London-based software company.

Application Information

Applications for the Rani Scholarship for the 2026/27 academic year are currently open. Prospective students interested in applying should visit the University of Bradford’s Rani Scholarship webpage before the deadline of 1 May 2026.

Those wishing to support the scholarship financially can find donation options on the University’s donation pages.

For more information and to apply, visit: Rani Scholarship 2026/27.