Participation Bursaries

The Participation Bursary Guidance (below) explains the eligibility criteria and application process, and you should read this fully to understand the eligibility, evidence needed, and for further information. Please also ensure that you check the list of eligible courses before submitting an application. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

YOU MUST

• Have no previous experience of higher education
• Be UK-domiciled
• Be between the ages of 11-19 on the start date of the course

AND meet one of the following criteria:

1. Be in care or a recent care leaver*
2. Live in a household which receives income assessed benefits
3. Be a recipient of means tested financial support at Junior Guildhall, or a GYA/CYM centre.
4. Live in a household with a residual annual income** of below £33,000 for a full bursary (all courses), and between £33,000 and £46,000 for a half bursary (on-site courses only)

*Recent Care Leaver means someone who has been in local authority care for at least 13 weeks in the last 5 years (note, these do not have to be consecutive weeks).

**Residual Household Income is income left after deductions are made for dependents. We deduct £1,130 for each dependent child in the household. Evidence will be required.

There are 20 courses eligible for Participation Bursaries in 2024. Please ensure that you check the below list of eligible courses before submitting an application.

Applications are now open for Participation Bursaries. 

Apply Here

Applications will close Monday 18th March 2024 for Easter Courses and Monday 29th April 2024 for Summer Courses.