University Bursaries (new for 2026)

Who can apply for this money?

You should only apply for money from this fund if you: 

• are aged 18 to 24 
• have attended a state funded secondary school or college in the former Borough of Taunton Deane.
• will be entering the first year of an undergraduate degree at a UK university are experiencing financial pressure

Ask us if you’re not sure if you are eligible.

How much is the bursary?

A bursary payment of up to £1,000 may be awarded to help you through your first year of university. Each year a special scholarship will also be awarded to one outstanding bursary application. The 'Bea Roberts Scholarship' award of £3,000 is payable over 3 years of university study (£1,000 per year).     

What can I use the money for?

Bursaries can be used to help with the cost of:

• accomodation
• books and equipment
• travel
• any other costs that are part of your degree course

What can't I use the money for?

You can't apply for:

• course fees
• things that have already been paid for before starting your first year at university
  

How much is available?

We have a limited amount of money to give out, however we expect to award up to 10 bursaries this year.

When do I have to apply?

You need to apply by Mon 15th June 2026. Decisions will be made in mid July 2026.

Please note: It can take up to 10 weeks from the application deadline all the way through to payment, so you should plan in advance and submit your application well ahead of when you will need the money. 

If you apply for a bursary we will ask you to provide details for a 'sponsor' who can support your application. Your sponsor should ideally be from your current college, and should know you well. They should be able to comment on the reasons why you would be suitable for a busary, and if you have a special talent they should be able tell us about it.    

Where does the money come from?

The Fund is closely linked to Bishop Fox’s School, and it's history dates back to the early 1500's. The school moved to new premises in 1940 and the old school buildings were leased out and eventually sold. The money from this was invested , and the income from these investments is now used to provide grants. We can only support people with connections to the former Borough of  Taunton Deane. The Borough hasn’t existed since 2019, but we still use this to decide who can and cannot apply.