Fife College students are being encouraged to apply for the chance to enjoy a life-changing summer of study in the USA, following in the footsteps of two students who experienced an unforgettable trip to New York this year.
Applications are now open for the prestigious George Lauder Bursary, which offers two current or former Fife College students the opportunity to spend up to two months studying at leading American institutions during summer 2027.
This year's recipients, Freya Buckridge and Cain Paterson, spent the summer studying design and architecture in New York City, gaining valuable academic, cultural and professional experiences to support their future careers.
Offered through Adam Smith Scholarships, part of Fife College, and coordinated with the support of William Garner, great-great-grandson of George Lauder, the long-running bursary provides students with a unique funded study experience in the USA.
Freya, from Dunfermline, completed courses in Interior Design at Parsons School of Design and Architecture at Pratt Institute. A former Fife College student, she is now in her third year studying Interior Design at The Glasgow School of Art.
Freya said:
“Receiving the George Lauder Bursary and having the opportunity to live and study in New York City has been one of the most valuable experiences of my life.
“Studying Interior Design at Parsons and Architecture at Pratt allowed me to learn from inspiring tutors, explore new approaches to design and immerse myself in such a creative and diverse city.
“The experience has given me greater confidence in my abilities as a designer and a clearer sense of my future career direction.
“I'm incredibly grateful to Fife College, the scholarship team, the Saint Andrew's Society and my sponsor, William, for making this unforgettable opportunity possible.”
Cain, from Glenrothes, completed the Immersion Studio – School of Architecture course at Pratt Institute and an Introduction to Architecture course at Columbia University.
A former Fife College student, Cain is currently in his fourth year studying Architectural Technology at Edinburgh Napier University.
Cain said:
“Spending the summer living and studying in New York was an unforgettable experience and one I'm incredibly grateful for.
“Studying architecture at Pratt Institute and Columbia University, while surrounded by the city's incredible buildings and architectural styles, gave me a completely new perspective on design.
“I also met amazing people, made great friends and returned home with much more confidence in myself and my work.
“With the energy of the city, the Knicks and the World Cup, there was always something happening. I'm extremely grateful to everyone who made this opportunity possible, and it's a summer I'll never forget.”
The George Lauder Bursary is open to current full-time and part-time Fife College students, as well as former students who have studied at the College within the last four years.
Applicants must be studying, or have studied, at SCQF Level 8 or above, and propose a programme of study related to their current or previous course at Fife College.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to study at a suitable institution within 250 miles of New York State between June and August 2027.
The bursary is funded by descendants of George Lauder, uncle of Andrew Carnegie, and friends of Fife College in the USA, through a fund administered by the Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York.
The award celebrates George Lauder's role in promoting the foundation of a further education college in Dunfermline in 1899, which ultimately became part of Fife College.
William Garner, great-great-grandson of George Lauder, said:
“My Great-Great-Grandfather, George Lauder, would be thrilled that a scholarship like this was being awarded in his name in Dunfermline, enabling generations after him to benefit from experiences that will enhance their futures.”
Lyn Gold, Scholarship and Alumni Lead at Fife College, said:
“We are incredibly proud of Freya and Cain, who both made the most of this fantastic opportunity to live and study in New York. It has been wonderful to see how much they have gained from the experience, both personally and academically, and we hope their stories will inspire others to apply.
“The George Lauder Bursary is a truly life-changing opportunity, giving students the chance to broaden their horizons, develop new skills and experience studying in a completely different environment.
“We are extremely grateful to William Garner, the Lauder family and the Saint Andrew’s Society of the State of New York for their continued generosity and support. We would encourage any eligible students, past or present, to consider applying for summer 2027. It really could be the experience of a lifetime.”
Applications for the 2027 George Lauder Bursary are now open, with a closing date of Thursday 7 January 2027 at midnight.
For more information and to apply, visit the Adam Smith Scholarships page or contact scholarships@fife.ac.uk.
The George Lauder Bursary is generously funded by the Lauder family and supporters of Fife College in the USA, with funding administered by the Saint Andrew's Society of the State of New York. The bursary supports travel and accommodation for a summer study experience of up to two months.
The opportunity is open to current Fife College students and those who have studied at the College within the last four years, who meet the academic and eligibility criteria.
Applicants must submit a written proposal of at least 1,200 words outlining their proposed area of study, the benefits they expect to gain and why they should be considered for the award.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the selection panel in January 2027.
Applications close at midnight on Thursday 7 January 2027.
Read more about Freya and Cain’s 2026 journeys on their blogs: