The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust (LTCT), which provides financial aid for the families of those working in the convenience, grocery, and pharmacy trades, is opening postgraduate bursary applications from 1 June to 1 September 2026.
As the only financial support scheme dedicated specifically to supporting people working in convenience stores across the country, retailers and store owners are encouraged to help trade working families access financial support for further education.
The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust offers applications for bursaries worth up to £5,000 per year. This funding is made available to help cover tuition fees, or other expenses such as study materials, equipment, travel and accommodation.
The bursaries are in place to support students whose parent or spouse has worked in the convenience, grocery or pharmacy industries for at least five years. For retailers, their role is simple but potentially life changing: share this opportunity with staff, co-workers and their families.
“Retailers and pharmacists are at the heart of their communities, and many have close, long-standing relationships with their teams,” said Professor Anna Vignoles CBE FBA, Director of the Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust. “By simply sharing information about our postgraduate bursaries, they can help open doors for families who may otherwise think further study is out of reach.”
“Many eligible students and families do not apply because they assume they will not qualify for financial support, or because they feel uncomfortable asking for help. This is not about asking employers to fund, assess or administer applications. It is about helping to pass on an opportunity that could make a real difference to someone’s future.”
“The Trust recognises that postgraduate study rarely happens in isolation. Many students are balancing education with shift work, family responsibilities, caring commitments and the increasing financial pressures facing households across the UK. LTCT’s bursaries are intended to ease that strain, helping students focus on learning and progress in their chosen careers without unnecessary financial pressure.”
Adnan Salem, a dental surgery student at the University of Lancashire, said: “The grant has massively helped, as I am self-funding my studies, it has allowed me to reduce my weekly working hours. The time saved per week helps me to focus more on my studies and has alleviated some of the financial stress.”
Fikayo, a PGCE social sciences student at Manchester Metropolitan University, added, “I applied for the grant and hoped for the best. I received the grant so unexpectedly, but it truly came at the right time. I am so grateful to the Trust for believing in me and supporting my studies. I honestly feel so blessed to have come across this grant.”
The postgraduate scheme is currently open for those keen to return to university, closing on 1 September 2026.
For further information on the Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust, a full breakdown of bursary eligibility and to apply, visit: www.leverhulme-trade.org.uk.