Common Good Campaign

Make a difference to students’ lives

The significance of the work of the GCU Foundation has heightened in recent years, with those from challenging backgrounds being most harshly impacted and many more being pushed into hardship.

The cost of living crisis has hit students hard with 80% worried about its impact (National Student Accommodation Survey, 2022) and over half considering dropping out of university due to financial worries. To stay financially afloat, a third of students have taken on additional part-time work to make ends meet, with a detrimental effect on their studies (Unite Students, 2022).

At GCU the percentage of undergraduate students from disadvantaged areas is well above the sector average – 22.1% compared to 16.5% – and as a result, the current crisis is impacting our student population more than most. At the forefront of widening access in Scotland, the University welcomes and supports talented students who join us from often incredibly challenging circumstances, with our care-experienced entrants increasing annually.

Backed by our Founding Donor, Sir Alex Ferguson CBE, the Common Good Campaign is raising vital funds to help ease the added burden our students now bear. We want to support students from some of the most marginalised backgrounds to continue their educational journey ensuring finance is not a barrier.

All funds raised, through the support of generous donors, are directed to where the need is greatest providing vital scholarships and bursaries to students facing financial hardship, as well as mental health and employability support to help them reach their full potential.