The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust is happy to announce the availability of its Postgraduate Bursaries for eligible UK students pursuing full-time Master’s or research degrees at recognised universities across the United Kingdom. This funding initiative aims to support students in financial need who have a direct connection either through employment or family to the professions of commercial travelling, pharmacy, or grocery trades.
The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust was established in 1925 by the family of William Hesketh Lever, the founder of Lever Brothers (now part of Unilever). The Trust was created to support education and provide financial assistance to individuals connected with certain trade professions, particularly commercial travellers, pharmacists, and grocers. Over the years, it has continued to offer bursaries and scholarships to help students in financial need pursue higher education in the United Kingdom.
Table of Briefs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Name | Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust Postgraduate Bursaries |
| Provider | Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust |
| Level of Study | Master’s and Research Degrees |
| Location | UK Both campuses of recognised universities |
| Eligibility | UK students in financial need |
| Award Value | Up to £5,000 per year |
| Application Mode | Online application |
| Deadline | 1 September 2026 |
| Opening Date | 1 June annually |
Background
The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust has a long-standing commitment to supporting education among individuals connected to specific trade professions. This postgraduate bursary programme is aimed at students who demonstrate financial need and have a family or personal employment link to commercial travellers, pharmacists, or grocers. By providing funding of up to £5,000 annually, the trust ensures that financial barriers do not hinder academic advancement at the postgraduate level.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this bursary, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a resident of the United Kingdom
- Be enrolled in a full-time postgraduate programme at a recognised UK university
- Be:
- A child, spouse, widow, or widower of a commercial traveller, pharmacist, or grocer, OR
- Personally employed in one of these professions
- Demonstrate financial need
Benefits
- The bursary provides up to £5,000 per year
- Funds can be used for:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation costs
- Living expenses
- Study-related equipment
- The grant is paid directly to the university, which then disburses it to the student
Application Process
To apply for the bursary:
- Visit the official Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust application portal
- Complete the online application form
- Provide required documents, which may include:
- Proof of UK residency
- Evidence of financial need
- Proof of employment or family connection to eligible professions
- Submit your application before the deadline
Important Dates
Application Deadline: 1 September 2026.
Conclusion
The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust Postgraduate Bursaries offer a valuable opportunity for UK students connected to specific trades to pursue higher education without overwhelming financial stress. With a straightforward application process and potential multi-year funding, this bursary can play a crucial role in achieving your academic and career ambitions.