Apply now for the Harpur Trust university bursary programme

Applications have opened for The Harpur Trust’s University Bursary Programme to help local pupils from low-income households in Bedford Borough afford to study a degree course at university.

The Harpur Trust University Bursary Programme has helped 265 students with university bursaries since 2007, and the Trust have awarded nearly £900,000 in bursaries during this time.

The scheme is open to those in year 13 currently studying in local state schools and colleges.

These include Bedford Academy, Bedford College, Bedford Sixth Form, Biddenham International School and Sports College, Kimberley Sixth Form College, Mark Rutherford, Sharnbrook Academy, St Thomas More Secondary and Sixth Form and Wixams Academy.

The Harpur Trust has funding for 16 students to be awarded £4,500 spread across three years, and they can use the money to help with study costs including accommodation, books, food, IT, transport and course materials.

Students eligible to apply must:

• Be aged 19 or under on 31 August 2025.
• From a low-income family, live independently, or have additional financial difficulties.
• Be looking to study a full-time undergraduate or foundation degree course starting in Autumn 2025.
• Have been a resident in Bedford Borough for at least 2 years.
• Be a UK citizen, an EU citizen with settled status, or a have been granted Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

Grants Manager Victoria Reed said, “We are proud of our University Bursary scheme as it helps students who have overcome significant personal challenges with the costs of studying for a degree or postgraduate course.

“It’s fantastic we get to support them on that journey.

“The bursaries enable students to concentrate on their courses, reducing anxiety and stress. Some students say without the bursaries to give them a helping hand, they would have struggled to complete their degrees.

“We also keep in touch with the students who update us on their progress, and they also help input on various projects we are running, through a youth focus group.

“We hope we get students applying from all the participating schools and colleges. We know the cost of studying for a degree has risen dramatically and there are students out there who need additional support.

“If you are, or know someone who is due to start their degree in September but they will find it a financial struggle, please check our eligibility and encourage them to fill in the application form.”

For further information about the scheme visit harpurtrust.org.uk/university-bursaries.

The deadline to apply is 22 April 2025.