Nine students from the University of Westminster have received the Latif Family Bursary to help support them throughout their studies and relieve financial pressures.
The Latif brothers graduated from Westminster Business School in 2002 and 20 years later, the Latif family generously set up this grant opportunity. The Latif Family Bursary offers nine one-off awards to help students during their studies at the University of Westminster. The fund can be used to meet any maintenance needs such as rental costs, childcare, travel or day-to-day expenses.
Bursary recipient Paola Andrea Lopez Martinez, a Level 5 International Business BA Honours student, said: “I am profoundly thankful for the honour of being selected as a recipient of the Rehan Latif Bursary. The receipt of the Rehan Latif Bursary has been nothing short of a lifeline during this challenging period. Its timely assistance has not only provided financial relief but has also offered a renewed sense of hope and stability. One of the most pressing concerns I faced was the burden of rent payments, which threatened to disrupt my studies and plunge me into financial insecurity. However, thanks to the generosity of the bursary, I have been able to meet these obligations without sacrificing other essentials or compromising my academic pursuits.”
She added: “The bursary's support has empowered me to fully immerse myself in the enriching experience of studying abroad. It has allowed me to redirect my focus from financial worries to seize every opportunity for personal and academic growth. With the weight of rent payments lifted from my shoulders, I can now wholeheartedly embrace the cultural exchange, academic challenges and new adventures that come with living and studying in another country.”
Talking about the hardship fund, Rehan Latif said: “My brothers and I are proud alumni of WBS; and very grateful for opportunity that was provide to us and very glad to be able to give back to the University.
“I will never forget our first meeting with the Vice Chancellor at the time in September 1999. The University showed considerable flexibility and understanding of our circumstances - we finished our A Levels at the same time between the ages of 14 to 16 - and allowed us to enrol into courses starting that same year. This support remained consistent throughout our period of study and that empathy and positive approach will always be a reminder of my time at the University.”
Simay Sali Sevik, Development Manager at the University of Westminster, added: “We are grateful for Rehan Latif's continued support. The bursary lifts the financial burden from students’ shoulders, enabling them to focus on their studies. It is a wonderful way to give back to the University and support future talent."
This bursary directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
To find out more about how alumni can support students and set up a fund at the University of Westminster, email the Development Team.
