University of Bath signs agreement with Abbey bank

The agreement will set up scholarships and awards to students and staff for study, research and sport. It will also be used to assist in funding a collaboration agreement with the University of Alicante to support mature student education.

The full agreement includes:
Ten scholarships for postgraduate students from countries in the Santander Universities scheme to study at the University of Bath.
Ten annual scholarships for students and staff of the University to study or research overseas.
Ten awards for non-academic achievement, excellence in enterprise and entrepreneurship and in sports.
An annual contribution to assist in the funding of a collaboration agreement with the University of Alicante to support mature student education.

The agreement was signed by the Abbey Chief Executive, António Horta-Osório, and the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Glynis Breakwell.

Abbey’s Chairman, Lord Burns, and the University’s Chancellor, Lord Tugendhat, both attended the ceremony and gave speeches.

“I am delighted that Abbey Universities has made this very generous pledge to the University of Bath,” said Professor Breakwell.

“The University is proud of its multi-cultural approach and Abbey’s funds will be used to strengthen our many successful links with Spain and with Latin America. In particular, it will facilitate the exchange of both students and staff with the Spanish-speaking world. It is a generous gift and a fine example of how collaboration between business and higher education can promote both cultural understanding and knowledge transfer.”

Abbey’s Chief Executive, António Horta-Osório, said:

“This agreement is very important for Abbey and Santander Universities. The University of Bath is a world class institution that has a clear commitment to learning and research, particularly in the sciences and technology, and a history of working closely with industry. They are setting a great example of how to promote and foster business enterprise.

“At Santander, we believe education, international co-operation and the transfer of knowledge to and from industry is vital for the future competitiveness of the economy. We are sure that this agreement is the start of a long and mutually beneficial relationship."-University of Bath