The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust is proud to announce the availability of Postgraduate Bursaries for the upcoming academic year. These bursaries provide financial assistance of up to £5,000 per year to eligible UK students pursuing full-time Master’s or research degrees at recognised UK universities.
The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust was founded in 1925 by William Hesketh Lever, the first Viscount Leverhulme, a philanthropist and industrialist best known as the founder of Lever Brothers now part of Unilever. He established the Trust to provide financial support for students connected to three professions that he valued for their contribution to society commercial travellers, pharmacists, and grocers.
Table of Briefs
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust |
| Eligible Students | UK residents in financial need |
| Eligible Professions | Child, spouse, widow(er) of, or personally employed as: commercial traveller, pharmacist, or grocer |
| Level of Study | Master’s and research degrees (full-time only) |
| Funding Amount | Up to £5,000 per year |
| Application Period | Opens 1 June – Closes 1 September 2025 |
| Payment Method | Paid to the University, then passed to student |
| Renewability | Renewable each year if academic progress and financial need are maintained |
Background
The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust was established in 1925 by William Hesketh Lever, the first Viscount Leverhulme, with the aim of providing financial support to students connected to certain trades. Lord Leverhulme believed in widening access to higher education for those who might otherwise be excluded due to financial hardship. The Trust focuses on assisting students who are children, spouses, or dependents of commercial travellers, pharmacists, or grocers professions historically linked to everyday commerce and community service.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust Postgraduate Bursary, applicants must meet the following conditions:
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Residency: Be a resident of the United Kingdom.
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Course Requirement: Must be studying a full-time postgraduate degree Master’s or research degree at a recognised UK university.
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Professional Link: Must be either:
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The child, spouse, widow or widower of a commercial traveller, pharmacist, or grocer, OR
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Personally employed in one of these professions.
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Financial Need: Demonstrate genuine financial hardship.
Benefits
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Funding: Up to £5,000 per academic year.
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Usage: Can be applied towards tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, or essential study equipment.
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Renewal: Students may apply each year of their degree. Renewal is subject to:
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Continued full-time enrolment at the same university and course.
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Satisfactory academic progress (confirmed by the university).
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No significant improvement in financial situation.
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Payment: The bursary is disbursed directly to the student’s university, which then passes it on to the student.
Application Process
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Online Application: Submit your application through the Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust’s online portal.
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Prepare Documents: Provide details of your financial need, course information, and evidence of your or your family’s professional eligibility.
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University Verification: The university confirms your enrolment, academic progress, and financial situation each year.
Important Dates
Applications Deadline: 1 September 2025.
Conclusion
The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust Postgraduate Bursaries provide a vital lifeline for UK postgraduate students from commercial traveller, pharmacist, or grocer backgrounds who are struggling financially. With up to £5,000 available annually, the bursary helps ease the financial pressures of advanced study, allowing students to focus on achieving their academic and career goals.