Thanks to all the generous donations from our alumni community, led by Gretchen Welch and Ida Chow, we were able to create and award the Dr Hettie Elgood Scholarship in 2018 and 2019. The drive to establish the scholarship was to honour Dr Hettie Elgood, who pioneered the Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art, and create an opportunity to access this incredible course for those who otherwise could not. As Hettie retires in 2021, it is felt to be the right moment to reach out to our alumni to gather support to endow the scholarship in Hettie's name. Both to mark her extraordinary contribution to the Asian Art field, but also to ensure the scholarship is sustainable for the long term, providing the transformational opportunity to study on this programme to those who would not otherwise be able. The testimonies from previous recipients all have a core theme, ‘it was life changing.’ The programme offers a unique opportunity to study the arts of Asia and the Islamic world with lectures by leading scholars in the field and an unrivalled, object-based learning experience through direct access to the reserved collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) and the British Museum.

The Power of Scholarships

At the heart of any university are its students. SOAS is home to a diverse body of students (as well as academics and professional staff) and we are proud of the variety of experiences, perspectives and knowledge that they bring to our campus. Education has never been more important in our radically changing and increasingly polarised world. In this current climate, it is challenging for bright and deserving students to access education and invest in their future in this way, particularly in a city like London. Scholarships readdress these issues, attracting talented students no matter where they come from or their financial background. We know education is powerful and transforms lives along with the people and places around them, even nations. SOAS’s vision is one of access to education, for an inclusive, outward looking institution that makes a difference in the world. Education has the power to transform individuals, and the people and places around them. A scholarship is not a gift that stops on graduation day; it has a lasting impact. Our aim is to make the Dr Hettie Elgood Scholarship sustainable and provide scholarships for at least the next 5 years so we can build a pathway and momentum of support for the long term.

Who can apply for the scholarship

The Dr Hettie Elgood Scholarship will be awarded annually for a deserving student to attend the Postgraduate Diploma in Asian Art, covering the tuition fees and living expenses. The Scholarship is open to anyone, anywhere in the world, who is not financially able to pursue the course. The Scholarship will be awarded to a committed person who intends to pursue a career related to Asian Art in academia, museums, auction houses or art galleries. Hopefully, in the future, the scholars can contribute to the PG Diploma programme by returning as a lecturer or convenor, or in some other way promote the study of Asian Art. To cover the scholarship fees and stipend we will need £33,000 per year.

Donations by bank transfer

Please use SOAS’s UK bank account details:

Bank: NatWest

Branch: Moorgate Address: 94 Moorgate, London EC2M 6X

Account Name: SOAS

Account Number: 08622655

Sort Code: 56-00-23

Swift (or BIC) Code: NWBKGB2L IBAN: GB77NWBK56002308622655

Please use reference: CELG

Please message philanthropy@soas.ac.uk upon donation, so that SOAS can send you a confirmation of your gift.

Tax efficient donations from the US

US tax-payers can make tax efficient donations through www.chapel-yorkfoundation.org/donate-to-soas/

For more information please contact

Suzy Rushforth, SOAS Philanthropy Manager: philanthropy@soas.ac.uk