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. The Trust awards up to four Undergraduate Bursary each year.
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.
You can read a blog from a previous recipient of the bursary here to find out how it has benefited them.
Who is eligible to apply?
In line with the objectives of the Undergraduate Bursaries, the Trust particularly welcomes applications from disabled students, those from African, Caribbean or Asian communities (could also be of African or Asian heritage) 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* or 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?
If you believe you meet the all criteria set out above, please:
- Complete the webform and submit by 5pm on Wednesday 12 February 2025. Incomplete webforms may result in exclusion from the selection process.
- Where indicated, include a statement articulating how you meet the criteria no more than 300words)
- Where indicated, upload a blog you have written on a key issue facing town planning at present (approx. 500 words).
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 provide 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 should be notified by the end of April 2025.
*The bursaries are not available to students enrolled in London Planning Schools. Students of London Planning Schools are invited to apply for the separate Michael Welbank Scholarship later this year.
