A British university has launched a scholarship scheme dedicated to Chinese nationals living in China involved in combating the COVID-19 pneumonia outbreak.

Coventry University announced it would offer five scholarships to the courageous, committed and professional health workers fighting the coronavirus, funding the first year of tuition for successful students who qualify for the new "National Hero Award" in September 2020.

The applicants must hold a conditional offer and have applied as a self-funded student paying international tuition fees. They will start their studies as an undergraduate or postgraduate student either at Coventry University or Coventry University London in September 2020.

David Pilsbury, the university's deputy vice-chancellor for international development, said the suggestion of the initiative was encouraged by the Chinese Students and Scholars Association.

"We thought this was a great idea and immediately took it up because it goes to the heart of what universities are about, especially our own, which is fortunate to have strong links with many partners in China," he said. "We have an active Chinese student community we engage with strongly, along with students from over 150 other countries. So we have a very international outlook."

Pilsbury stressed these scholarships are an expression of the institution's solidarity with those at the forefront of combating the COVID-19 outbreak.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with them, and we want to demonstrate the particular contribution universities can make given the heroic efforts of healthcare professionals," he added.

Applications are open to health professionals who want to enroll in a healthcare course to broaden their skills and knowledge outside traditional healthcare.

The university said, given the possibility many 'unsung heroes' may not fit into traditional healthcare roles, it is willing to consider scholarship applications as long as candidates state how they have gone above and beyond the call of duty during the 2020 coronavirus outbreak.

Pilsbury pointed out, "We are conscious of the global nature of the outbreak, so we are considering extending this to other affected countries.

"Many of these heroes have risked their own health to support patients and communities as professional caregivers, nurses, doctors and emergency staff," he said. "So, we're proud to be able to pay tribute to their service and bravery with the brand new National Hero Award."