Cambridge University: Stormzy and HSBC fund 30 black students

Stormzy is helping to fund 30 more black or mixed-race heritage students at Cambridge University

Grime artist Stormzy has pledged to support a further 30 black students studying at Cambridge University.

Each will receive a £20,000 annual scholarship under a new partnership between banking group HSBC UK and the musician's charity, #Merky Foundation.

The funds will cover tuition fees and maintenance costs for 10 new students each year over the next three years.

The Stormzy Scholarship programme was launched in 2018, and has supported six black students so far.

Prof Graham Virgo said Cambridge University had seen a "significant increase in the number of black students applying" since Stormzy's scheme began

"For 30 more black students to have the opportunity to study at Cambridge University - the same year our initial 2018 scholars graduate - feels like an incredible milestone," Stormzy said.

The programme is open to UK students of black or mixed race heritage with a confirmed place at the university.

The first two Stormzy Scholars graduated this summer with a high 2:1 and 2:1.

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Senior pro-vice-chancellor, Prof Graham Virgo, said: "Since the Stormzy Scholarships were announced in 2018 we have seen a significant increase in the number of black students applying to study here and being admitted and we are very proud to see the first two students supported by the scheme graduate this year."

He said the university was "confident" that many of those would not be starting out on the "exciting journey... without the generous support of philanthropists like Stormzy".

Stormzy with a group of Cambridge students

The rise in the number of black applicants, and those being admitted to the university, has been dubbed the "Stormzy effect".

The musician added: "I hope this scholarship continues to serve as a small reminder to young black students that the opportunity to study at one of the best universities in the world is theirs for the taking."