University of Bath - The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust

Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust bursary

A scholarship is a grant that does not need to be repaid. You will receive an annual scholarship if your family works in the food retail sector, in a pharmacy or in the commercial travel industry, and you need financial support for your studies. Undergraduate students receive 500 to 3,000 GBP per year (approximately 580 to 3,450 EUR). Postgraduate students receive up to 5,000 GBP per year (approximately 5,750 EUR). The exact amount depends on your household income and the level of funding available this year. You can use the money for all reasonable study-related costs: tuition fees, rent, living costs, travel expenses or equipment. The grant is awarded for each year of your studies. You do not need to reapply each year, provided you continue to study full-time on the same degree programme and your financial circumstances do not change significantly. The money is paid to your university, which then passes it on to you. It is provided by the Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust.

Who can apply

• Trade connection: You, a parent or your spouse work in one of the following three sectors: the food retail sector (selling or handling food in shops, supermarkets, wholesale businesses or with suppliers), in a pharmacy (or as a qualified pharmacist or pharmacy assistant in any location) or as a sales representative travelling throughout the United Kingdom to secure business. Work carried out at head office, in administration or in management does not count towards this.
• Years in the trade: This person has been working in this sector in the UK for at least 5 years and is still working there today.
• Residence: You live in the UK.
• Level: You are enrolled on a full-time degree programme at the undergraduate or main study stage. Distance-learning programmes are not eligible for funding.
• University: You are enrolled at a recognised UK university or a higher education or further education institution. Students on a bachelor’s degree programme cannot study at BPP University, the University of Law, Middlesex University or the Open University.
• Field of study: Open to all subjects.
• Financial need: Households with an annual income of less than 50,000 GBP will be given priority. Applications from households with an annual income of more than 90,000 GBP will not be considered.
• Timing: You are already studying or will be starting your degree in the autumn of the year in which you apply.

How to apply

Complete the online application form via the Foundation’s funding portal. Explain your financial hardship and what you need the funds for. An eligible parent or spouse must confirm the household’s financial situation. The application deadline for postgraduate students is 1 September. The application deadline for undergraduate students is 1 October at 5.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is strictly limited to certain occupational groups. You are only eligible if you, or a close family member, have worked in the food retail sector, in a pharmacy or in a sales role for at least five years. As a result, the pool of applicants is significantly smaller than for open scholarships. If you clearly belong to one of these professional groups and can demonstrate a genuine financial need, your chances are good. Not everyone who meets the criteria will receive funding, and only a few will be awarded the full amount; therefore, a clear, well-documented justification is important. It is advisable to apply early.