Fife student ‘over the moon’ to become first winner of new degree scholarship

Andrew MacLeod is set to become a dad soon so the money will come in handy as he continues his studies

HND Software Development student Andrew MacLeod has been awarded £1,000 per year, for the next four years, through the new Fife College and Edinburgh Napier University Associate Student Scholarship.

The programme has been co-founded by the college’s Adam Smith Foundation and the university’s Development Trust.

With a glowing track record of academic performance, a hardworking attitude and determination to succeed, the former chef stood out to the selection panel from the excellent standard and high number of applications.

Alongside his academic success, Andrew was also part of a successful team which took third place recently in a national digital competition, Operation Innovation, sponsored by tech giant Fujitsu.

Andrew also finds time to support his fellow students and is acting as a class representative for the second year in a row.

He was delighted to have been awarded the scholarship which helps to secure his future and recognises his achievements.

Andrew said: “This scholarship comes at the perfect time for me, with our first child due soon, money is tight so this will allow me to set up a proper study area in our new home which will help me focus on my studies.

"It will also give me a little bit of financial breathing room should I have any equipment failures. I am over the moon.”

Iain Hawker, Assistant Principal – Quality and Academic Partnerships at Fife College, added: “Each year the college helps hundreds of students work towards a degree closer to home.

"It allows each of them the chance to study in a more familiar setting, while also cutting down on potential travel or accommodation costs.

“We are delighted, thanks to the amazing support of our academic partner Edinburgh Napier University, to introduce this new scholarship which will provide further support to our hard-working degree students.”

“Congratulations to Andrew on becoming our first recipient. His commitment and determination shone through from an extremely high standard of applications.”