Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust - RIBA - funding for Architecture students

Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust grant

You will receive about 750 to 1,725 EUR (£650 to £1,500) per year as a grant towards your tuition fees and living costs whilst you are studying at a higher education institution in the UK. The funding is awarded on an academic year basis, so you will need to submit a new application each year. Full-time students may receive up to three grants during their studies, whilst part-time students may receive up to six. The grant is provided by the Sir Richard Stapley Educational Trust, a charitable foundation established in 1919 which supports high-achieving students who lack the necessary financial means. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) refers architecture students to this trust as a funding option.

Who can apply

• What you study: A Master’s or PhD degree, a postgraduate certificate or diploma, or a second Bachelor’s degree. Architecture is a popular second degree programme that is funded by the foundations.
• Where you study: At a British university or a similar institution in the United Kingdom. Distance learning from outside the United Kingdom and at overseas branches does not count.
• Grades: You hold a degree at First Class or Upper Second class (2:1) or a postgraduate qualification, or have equivalent professional experience.
• Nationality and residence: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. You must be a British citizen or currently living in the United Kingdom, and intend to remain in the United Kingdom for the entire duration of your studies.
• Course length: Your academic year lasts at least 8 months.
• Financial need: You are unable to cover the costs of the coming academic year on your own.
• Not eligible: PhD students currently working on their dissertations, full-time PhD students in the previous year 3, part-time PhD students in the previous year 6, and students who are already receiving funding from the Foundation for another postgraduate programme.

How to apply

Applications are accepted once a year via the Foundation’s online form. The application round begins in January and ends on 31 March for students who are due to commence their studies in the following academic year. The deadline is short, so please apply as soon as the application round opens. You can sign up for an email reminder before the application round opens again.

How realistic are your chances?

Demand is high: the foundation received over 900 applications within a single time window of 24 hours, and its funds are limited. The individual grant amounts are small and cover only part of your costs. If you clearly meet the criteria regarding academic performance, studying in the UK and financial need, you should be prepared to apply as soon as the application round opens, as the window is short and places are snapped up quickly.