The Portal Trust Individual Grants Programme

What the Portal Trust bursary gives you

You get a bursary of about 1,150 to 2,300 EUR per academic year (GBP 1,000 to 2,000). It helps cover the cost of studying: a laptop, travel to your course and everyday living costs. The exact amount depends on your need, the Trust's budget and how many people are funded, so it is decided case by case. The money runs per academic year. If your situation changes, you can apply again from the next August. The Portal Trust is a London charity that funds young Londoners moving into university or vocational training.

Who can apply

• Age: You are aged 18 to 25 and under 25 on the first day of your course.
• Where you live: You have lived permanently for at least a year in one of 14 inner London boroughs, such as Camden, Hackney, Lambeth, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Westminster or the City of London. Moving to London only to study does not count.
• Financial need: You come from a low-income or disadvantaged background and can show clear financial need.
• Study form: You study full time (or are about to start) on a course of at least one year that leads to a recognised qualification. This can be vocational, further, higher or postgraduate education.
• Level: The course must be a step up. The Trust does not fund a qualification at the same or a lower level than one you already hold.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.

How to apply

You start with a short eligibility quiz on the Trust's website, then register and fill in the online application. It includes a free-text part where you describe your situation and the challenges you have faced. For the 2026 round, applications open on 13 August and close on 15 October 2026, but may close earlier if many people apply. If the panel shortlists you, you upload supporting documents by 31 December. First decisions come in the first week of February.

How realistic are your chances?

This bursary is cut narrowly by place and need. You must live in a specific set of inner London boroughs, be under 25 and show real financial hardship. This keeps the eligible group smaller than an open scholarship. Even so, the Trust says competition is high, and being asked for documents is no guarantee of an award. If you clearly fit the criteria, can evidence your need and apply early in the window, your prospects are solid.