The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust (LTCT) has opened applications for its undergraduate bursary scheme, offering financial support of up to £3,000 a year to students from families working in the convenience sector.
Applications are open until 1 October 2026, with the Trust encouraging convenience retailers to share the opportunity with employees, colleagues and their families to help ensure eligible students are aware of the support available.
The bursaries are designed to ease the financial pressures associated with higher education, including accommodation, travel, study materials and living costs, enabling students to focus on their studies and future careers.
To be eligible, applicants must be UK university students in financial need who either work in the grocery industry themselves or have a parent or spouse working in the sector. The Trust said students from households with an income of up to £50,000 will be prioritised, although applications from households earning up to £90,000 may also be considered.
Professor Anna Vignoles, director of the Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust, said the scheme recognises the contribution made by convenience retailers and their families.
“Opportunity should be shared, not saved for the lucky few. These bursaries exist to recognise the contribution made by people working in convenience stores across the country, and to ensure their families have access to the same educational opportunities as anyone else,” she said.
“We know that many people working in the trade are balancing vital shift work and family responsibilities while fighting the rising costs of university. By raising awareness of the support available, retailers can help ensure talented students do not rule themselves out before they have even explored the opportunity. It's about helping to pass on an opportunity that could make a real difference to someone's future.”
The Trust is calling on retailers to help spread awareness of the scheme among staff and customers' families, saying a simple recommendation could have a life-changing impact for eligible students.
Previous recipients have highlighted the difference the bursaries have made to their studies.
Adnan Salem, a dental surgery student at the University of Lancashire, said the funding had enabled him to cut back on part-time work.
“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,” he said.
Fikayo, a PGCE social sciences student at Manchester Metropolitan University, described receiving the grant as arriving “at the right time”.
“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,” they said.