Winner of the Coleg Cymraeg 'Defi Fet' Scholarship announced

Beca Lois Keen

Beca Lois Keen, from Llangristiolus, has won a scholarship to study Veterinary Medicine through the medium of Welsh at Aberystwyth University.

With the support of the University and the family of the late vet, DGE Davies, the Coleg Cymraeg 'Defi Fet' Scholarship is awarded annually to support a student studying veterinary medicine through the medium of Welsh at the School of Veterinary Sciences at Aberystwyth University, the only university in Wales where Veterinary Medicine can be studied.

Beca, who is 21 years old, is a former pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni and has completed a degree in Veterinary Biosciences at Aberystwyth University. Beca said:

"Winning the scholarship and having the opportunity to study Veterinary Science at Aberystwyth University means so much to me.

"Three years ago, when I was eighteen, I didn't get the A level results I needed to secure a place on the Veterinary Science course, so I've followed a different path."

"Hopefully my story will inspire other people not to get discouraged if they don't get the grades they want the first time. There are many possible paths. I'm looking forward to the future, knowing that I'm one step closer to achieving my goal of being a Welsh-speaking vet in my own community."

The 'Defi Fet' Scholarship was established in 2023 as a joint venture between the Coleg Cymraeg and Aberystwyth University in memory of a highly respected vet from the Llandysul area, the late DGE Davies, who was known locally as 'Defi Fet'.

Dr Ioan Matthews, Chief Executive of the Coleg said:

"Congratulations to Beca on winning the 'Defi Fet' Scholarship this year. We are very pleased to be able to offer a scholarship that supports students to study Veterinary Science through the medium of Welsh.

"At the heart of the Coleg's work is the commitment to strengthen and expand opportunities to study through the medium of Welsh across all subject areas, ensuring that future professionals can thrive in their bilingual skills.

"We wish Beca every success in her studies at Aberystwyth University, and I would like to thank Elaine and her family for their generosity in memory of her father, which will support Beca over the next five years."

Professor Darrell Abernethy, Head of the Aberystwyth University School of Veterinary Sciences said:

"Many congratulations to Beca Lois Keen on winning the Defi Fet Scholarship this year.  Beca's journey from her Veterinary Biosciences degree to being a student on our Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences programme reflects the ambition, dedication and enthusiasm for the profession that this scholarship is designed to support.

"Through the generosity of Defi Fet's family and the support of the Coleg Cymraeg, this scholarship helps to develop future veterinary professionals who will make a real difference to rural and Welsh-speaking communities throughout Wales."

For more information or to apply for the Defi Fet Veterinary Scholarship for the 2027-2028 academic year, visit the Coleg's website

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