RTPI Trust Undergraduate Bursaries

The RTPI Trust was registered as a charity in 1994 (charity no.1041078) and acts independently from the Institute. Throughout its 30 year history, the Trust’s work has been funded by the generous donations and bequests of RTPI members.

What are the RTPI Trust Undergraduate Bursaries?

The RTPI Trust Undergraduate Bursaries were established by the Trust to promote and support a diversity of talent in the planning profession, supporting and celebrating students from a variety of backgrounds at the beginning of their town planning career. 

Undergraduates at RTPI accredited planning schools in the UK* and Ireland are invited to apply for a one-off bursary of £2,000, which can be used to purchase equipment to support their studies or as a contribution towards travel or living costs associated with their studies.

Read blogs from previous bursary recipients Milli Mahil and Mary Aitkenhead on how receiving RTPI Trust bursaries benefited them.

Who is eligible to apply?

The Trust welcomes applications from disabled students, those from African, Caribbean or Asian communities (could also be of African or Asian heritage) and students from lower socioeconomic groups/backgrounds.

Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

1.   Be a student member of the RTPI

2.   Be enrolled on an accredited undergraduate course at an RTPI accredited Planning School in the UK (outside of Greater London) or in Ireland

3.   Be eligible to work in the UK or Ireland after graduation

and

4.   Meet one or more of the following conditions:

• Come from African, Caribbean or Asian communities (could also be of African or Asian heritage)
• Were enrolled via the University’s Widening Participation programme community
• Are disabled, have an impairment, medical condition, or access need.

How do I apply?

Applications are now closed and will reopen later this year. 

How are Bursary recipients selected?

Application forms and blogs will be reviewed by RTPI Officers and Trustees of the RTPI Trust. Applications will be assessed for whether they meet the eligibility criteria. Blogs will be assessed on how clearly the applicant has described, analysed and provided their own perspective on the issue they’ve chosen to write about.

The RTPI reserves the right to apply additional selection criteria if there is a high volume of submissions.

Successful applicants will be notified by the end of April 2025.