The Harpur Trust University Bursary Programme

The Harpur Trust University Bursary Programme awards a financial bursary to help students from lower-income families attend university. Each year the Trust awards a number of University Bursaries (the page notes 16 students across Bedford Borough) worth £4,500 to eligible applicants who will be starting a full-time undergraduate or foundation degree in the autumn of 2026.

Applicants must meet residency and status criteria: they must have been resident in Bedford Borough for at least two years and be a UK citizen, an EU citizen with settled status, or hold Indefinite Leave to Remain. The programme is open to applicants who will be aged 19 or under on 31 August 2026 and who are from participating schools or colleges identified by the Trust (a list of participating institutions is provided on the page).

Priority is for those from low-income households, those living independently, or those experiencing additional financial difficulties. To apply, prospective applicants must register to receive an online application form (the form will only work once registration is complete).

The page gives an application contact (universitygrants@harpurtrust. org. uk) for alternative formats or enquiries.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Monday 27 April 2026.