Jesus College, one of the colleges of the University of Oxford, has announced the creation of a new bursary scheme to provide financial support for Welsh undergraduate students.
The Michael Sheen Bursary has been developed in collaboration with the Port Talbot-raised Hollywood actor to support students from across Cymru.
Jesus College is sometimes described as the 'Welsh college' at Oxford because of its strong and historic ties to Cymru.
The bursary will be means-tested, based primarily on household income criteria.
Economic inequity is a recognised barrier to Welsh school students pursuing courses in leading universities.
Applications for the first round of bursaries will not be restricted to a specific number of students per year and will open in Michaelmas term 2021. Students will have to meet the eligibility criterion based on an aggregate yearly household income of below £35,000.
The Jesus College Academic Director Dr Alexandra Lumbers said:
"The Michael Sheen Bursary will provide a tremendous opportunity to support Welsh students at Jesus College, making their experience more equitable, and reassuring them that Oxford is for everyone, regardless of background."
Michael Sheen said:
"I hope that these bursaries not only make it possible for Welsh students to take advantage of the educational possibilities at Jesus but also help to encourage a sense of what is possible for young Welsh people generally.”