Saroj Lal Scholarship

One scholarship will be awarded to an applicant accepted onto a PGDE Primary or PGDE Secondary from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) background

Saroj Lal

Saroj Lal was one of Scotland’s pioneering race relations activists, feminists and equality campaigners in the 1970s, 80s and 90s, latterly as Director of Lothian Racial Equality Council.   She was a trailblazer in fighting for fairness for all, and in particular for disadvantaged and marginalised Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women. She was also the first Asian woman in Scotland to be appointed as a Justice of the Peace, in 1986.

Saroj Lal

This scholarship awards £1,000 which is paid at the start of the academic session towards maintenance costs. 

This scholarship is in honour of Saroj Lal a trailblazing teacher and race relations pioneer, who graduated with a PGCE from Moray House in 1970.


Any applicant to the PGDE Primary or PGDE Secondary programme who is from a BAME background, can apply for the scholarship. The scholarship will only be awarded once the candidate has accepted an offer and began study as a student within Moray House School of Education and Sport.


The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit, and the candidate’s demonstration of a strong interest in teaching in Scottish schools and a commitment to teaching that is aligned with the pioneering work of Saroj Lal.


The scholarship deadline is Thursday 22nd of May 2025.

Once you have received confirmation of your fee status, you will receive a link to complete our application form. 

During the application, process you will be required to upload the following documents:

  • You will be asked to provide a supporting statement from your legal representative or the charitable body representing your case in the UK.
  • This supporting statement should provide details of your current immigration status and an indication of timescales for the Home Office decision on your asylum claim.

Your supporting documentation must be received by the scholarship deadline or your application will not be considered.


All applicants will be notified at the end of June 2025.


Ann MacDonald - ann.a.m.macdonald@ed.ac.uk

Miriam Kennedy - Miriam.Kennedy@ed.ac.uk


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