The Mansion House Scholarship Scheme which helps fund foreign students and young financial services executives to come to the UK to study at a British university, or to train or gain experience in the City, marks its 20^th anniversary today (Wed 14th March).

Since its inception two decades ago, the Mansion House Scholarship Scheme has helped 162 students and young executives from 66 countries. Established by the then Lord Mayor Sir Roger Cork, with the support of the Masters of the Mercers and the Drapers’ Livery Companies, the Scheme helps to raise the profile of London as a place to study and helps cement close links between participating countries and the City. Over sixty City Livery Companies have now supported the Scheme over the years.

Scholars are selected after taking advice from UK Ambassadors and High Commissioners in countries which Lord Mayors visits during their year in office. Awards vary in size but are usually in the region of £7,500 to £10,000. They are restricted to those studying or working in the financial and professional services sectors and usually see the scholar studying for a Masters’ degree or undertake a training course or business attachment with a City firm.

Current Lord Mayor Charles Bowman, head of the City of London Corporation, marked the anniversary today (Wednesday 14 March) at the Mansion House with a reception attended by current and former scholars. He also announced the appointment of two new Scholars - from the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Spain.

Lord Mayor Charles Bowman said:

“At a time when we are promoting a global Britain, the Mansion House Scholarship Scheme really does help to strengthen the ties between the City and the international business community.

“Not only has it helped maintain the reputation and awareness of the City of London as a leading financial centre far and wide, but crucially it has supported the career prospects of a whole raft of international financial and professional services workers for two decades.

“I hope that the scheme continues to go from strength to strength in the years to come.”

Scholars from Vietnam and Thailand were the first to be appointed in 1998 following business visits to both countries by Sir Richard Nichols as Lord Mayor.

Nine scholars were appointed by Sir Andrew Parmley as Lord Mayor in 2017 and are currently studying in UK, while the current Lord Mayor aims to appoint up to eight new scholars during his year in office.

The Scheme is funded largely through donations from Livery Companies although it is intended to establish an endowment fund later this year to help expand the programme in the coming years.

Notes to editors

1. The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk