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University Bursary Programmes

University Bursary applications now closed for undergraduates and postgraduates.

 

Undergraduate Bursary programme

  • Are you hoping to go to University but concerned about the cost?
  • Will you be aged 19 or under on 31st August 2025?
  • Are you from a low income household? Live independently? Or have additional financial difficulties?
  • Are you looking to study a full time undergraduate or foundation degree course starting in the autumn of 2025?
  • Have you been resident in Bedford Borough for at least 2 years?
  • Are you a UK citizen, an EU citizen with settled status, or a have been granted Indefinite Leave to
    Remain in the UK?

If you can answer yes to all of the above, you are eligible to apply for a Harpur Trust University Bursary worth £4,500.

Who can apply?

The Harpur Trust Bursary programme helps students from lower income families attend university and make the most of their academic potential. It is open to students living in Bedford Borough, from a participating school or college identified by the Trust:

  • Bedford Academy
  • Bedford College
  • Bedford Sixth Form
  • Biddenham International Sports College
  • Mark Rutherford School
  • Sharnbrook Academy
  • St Thomas More Catholic Secondary School
  • Wixams Academy
  • Kimberley College

Applications for the University Bursary programme can be made by registering for an online application form. You will then be sent the form to fill in, in a link in your email once registered. Please note the application form will not work unless you have registered first.

Please contact us at universitygrants@harpurtrust.org.uk if you need to complete the application in an alternative format.

Please read the guidance notes carefully before completing your application. The deadline to apply is 27 April 2025.

Application Guidance and Criteria

Postgraduate Bursary programme

The programme is open to previous Harpur Trust University Bursary recipients who:

  • Graduated in the last five years.
  • Graduated with a 2:2 or above.
  • Have an offer of a place on a full time postgraduate course from a UK university or accredited professional training provider, starting in the autumn of 2025.
  • Still list Bedford Borough as their permanent, non-term time address.

If you can answer yes to all of the above then you may be eligible to apply for a Harpur Trust Postgraduate University Bursary worth £4,000.

Applications for the Postgraduate University Bursary programme can be made by downloading and completing the application form below. The deadline to apply is 27 May 2025.

Postgraduate University Bursary Application FormPostgraduate University Bursary Guidelines

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Our History

SIR WILLIAM HARPUR’S VISION

The Harpur Trust was founded over 450 years ago by Sir William Harpur, a local man born to humble beginnings who made his fortune as a merchant tailor and became Lord Mayor of London in 1561.

Today our activities are still inspired by Sir William Harpur’s vision. He understood the value of education, and he saw what needed to be addressed to support the people in his hometown of Bedford.

 

Find Out More

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