Leathersellers Company

What you get

Whilst studying for your Bachelor’s degree at a British university, you will receive financial support to help with your living costs. The average grant is currently around £4,100 (approx. 4,700 EUR) per year, up to a maximum of £5,000 (approx. 5,800 EUR). The grant can be awarded for up to five years; however, it is not fixed for the entire period but is reassessed each year. The grants are provided by the Leathersellers’ Foundation, the charitable organisation of the Leathersellers’ Company. The scholarship covers your living costs, but not your tuition fees.

Who can apply

• Degree: You are enrolled on a full-time bachelor’s degree programme at a British university or have been offered a place on such a programme. Postgraduate programmes and one-year part-time retraining courses are not eligible for funding.
• Field of study: Any subject.
• Financial need: You need the money for your studies and have already exhausted other options, such as student loans and financial support from your family.
• Special background (at least one): You have experience of child and youth care services (you were the subject of a placement order, a provisional placement order or a special guardianship order), OR you are a current or former pupil of the Leathersellers’ Federation of Schools, OR a current or former pupil of Colfe’s School.
• Right to study in the UK: You are a British citizen or hold an indefinite leave to remain, a right of residence for at least five years, refugee status or ‘Pre-Settled Status’ (EU).
• Motivation: You would like to make a positive contribution to society in the future.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the foundation’s online form. You must also submit a financial plan and a short letter of recommendation. For the 2027–28 round, the application period begins on 6. 2027 January and closes at 5 on 2027 March. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a Zoom interview in May; final decisions will be made in June.

How realistic are your chances?

This scholarship is very narrowly defined. In addition to demonstrating financial need, you must belong to one of three specific groups: students with care experience or pupils at the two partner schools. As a result, the pool of applicants remains small compared to open scholarships. Between 2025 and 26, the foundation supported 92 students at 56 universities. So, if you clearly meet one of the specific criteria and can demonstrate a genuine financial need, your chances are good.