The Scottish Government has confirmed that it will be continuing its bursaries for 30 planning students in Scotland.

Bursaries will be available students on an RTPI-accredited Planning Masters in Scotland for 2026/27 to assist with course fees and living expenses. A range of support will be available from full scholarships to partial Bursaries.

The bursary aims to attract diverse talent from a variety of planning-related disciplines and underrepresented backgrounds to study a fully accredited Planning Masters in Scotland and increase the number of qualified planners.

Dr Caroline Brown, Director of RTPI Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to have confirmation of funding for bursaries in the next academic year. The Future Planner Bursaries have had a significant impact on the students supported over the last three years, increasing the diversity of the profession and bringing additional talent into the sector.

“The RTPI’s State of the Profession report for Scotland shows that around 10% of planners are due to retire in the next three years, so it’s incredibly important that we continue to train enough planners to meet the needs of the country.

“The shortage of planners is a key issue in relation to the housing emergency and Scotland’s ambitions in relation to renewables and the transition to a low-carbon economy. We look forward to supporting the next generation of Future Planners as they begin their studies later in the year.”

Joseph Ashmore, planning bursary holder in 2025/2026, said: “Receiving the bursary has been instrumental in allowing me to make a career change at this stage in my life. It has meant that I’ve been able to fully focus on my studies and take full advantage of my Master’s experience, as well as allowing me the opportunity to take part in RTPI events and networking sessions.”

In November, the RTPI’s State of the Profession 2025 report for Scotland found:

• 66% of public sector planners say their teams lack the capacity to meet demand
• 60% report being overstretched frequently or all of the time in their roles
• 10% say they plan to retire
• 4% say they intend to leave the profession entirely

The RTPI Scotland will support bursary recipients in networking and events.

Find out more: www.rtpi.org.uk/plannerbursary