Postgraduate bursary applications are now open

The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust (LTCT) has announced postgraduate bursary applications open for 2025/2026. The round runs from 1 June until 1 September 2025. 

The bursary scheme is open to postgraduate students, whose parent, carer or spouse is employed in an eligible profession, such as convenience retailer, supermarket store worker, or pharmacy technician. Students can apply to receive up to £5,000. The opportunity is also open to anyone already working in these industries who want to fund their own study. The bursary can be put towards tuition fees, or other expenses such as course materials, equipment or travel costs.

As the cost of attending university mounts year after year, the bursary has been designed to help families concerned about supporting a child, partner or even themselves through further higher education. With the charity’s core belief that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their academic potential, LTCT hopes it will help alleviate some financial pressure on students and their parents.

In 2025, the total number of bursaries awarded since the scheme launched is expected to exceed 5,000, totalling up to £28 million worth of financial aid over seventeen years.

Professor Anna Vignoles, Director of the Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust, said: 

“We are passionate about generating opportunities for further study. Our postgraduate bursaries are designed to be a valuable support for students keen to continue their studies. If our bursaries help diversify the students able to take a postgraduate degree, then we see that as a very positive step. The current climate makes it challenging for some families to consider further study and these students should be able to enjoy the same opportunities as their counterparts from more advantaged backgrounds. We look forward to receiving applications and being able to support a new cohort of students in the upcoming academic year.”

Apply now on the Grants for postgraduate study page.

Posted: 12 June 2025