John Sturzaker FRTPI is Director of Careers, Education & Planning Aid England at the Royal Town Planning Institute
The Planning Skills Fund was launched in 2025, and aims to build skills and capacity within UK planning systems. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), supported by a donation from Aviva, has funded scholarships for students on one-year RTPI-accredited postgraduate planning programmes at accredited planning schools across the UK.
The scholarships are intended to both broaden the diversity of people entering the planning profession, providing access to those who may not otherwise be able to undertake further study; and to specifically support the public sector, recipients being encouraged to seek employment in a local authority or similar body on graduation.
The first cohort of 22 students, who received full fee scholarships from the fund, will be completing their studies over the summer and entering the workforce, providing a timely and important boost to capacity.
The RTPI is delighted to be a partner in the fund and to help administer the award of scholarships to students. We are really pleased to hear positive reports back from the universities and students involved.
Here are quotes from some of the students, illustrating how important it has been for them:
“Returning to full-time postgraduate study would have been extremely difficult without the financial support provided by the British Chambers of Commerce… Knowing that the programme is supported by organisations which value the planning profession has been encouraging and motivating.”
“This opportunity is only possible because of the British Chambers of Commerce scholarship and it has allowed me to pursue my passion for supporting communities and contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future for our urban areas. I’m incredibly grateful for their support and excited to continue developing the skills needed to help shape better places for people to live, work, and thrive.”
“Receiving the BCC RTPI scholarship has made a significant difference to my experience as a master’s student. During my undergraduate degree I had to work more than 20 hours a week alongside my studies, which often meant rushing assignments and missing out on opportunities to deepen my learning. The scholarship has allowed me to reduce my working hours significantly so that I now have the time and headspace to fully engage with the course.”
The fund will continue to support students in the 2026/27 academic year. Do get in touch with one of the partner planning schools if you’re interested in applying for a scholarship for the next year.