The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust(QEST) is now open for bursary applications for the training and education of talented and aspiring craftspeople, and will close on 15 August.
… to sustain vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts…
QEST writes:
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) offers scholarships of up to £18,000 for the training and education of talented craftspeople. We want to sustain vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts and contribute to excellence in the British craft industry. For each successful scholar, QEST will also fund a place on a Professional Development Programme, run in partnership with Cockpit. Sessions will be held via Zoom on Tuesday afternoons (4.00 to 5.30 pm) between December 2022 and March 2023, and scholars are expected to make every effort to attend. Read more here.
Please note that support is available for dyslexic applicants – for more information email katy.neusten@qest.org.uk
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
WHO CAN APPLY?
Our scholarships are available to fund the education and training of any individual UK resident, aged 18 or older, who would like to improve their craft skills.
We welcome applications from all talented craftspeople, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or nationality; and particularly encourage those with protected characteristics that are under-represented in the craft sector to apply.
WHAT DO WE FUND?
QEST funds traditional college courses, vocational training or one to one training with a master craftsperson.
We want to support excellence in British craftsmanship so are looking for established makers, planning to stay in the UK and contribute to the craft sector.
We encourage applications from a broad range of crafts and are excited by contemporary craftsmanship and innovative applications of traditional craft techniques. To see the types of craft we have funded, and the standard of excellence we are looking for, please review our Directory.
In addition to training costs, we can cover costs directly related to your training such as transport, equipment, materials and accommodation as long as it is proportionate to the grant request.
QEST cannot fund:
- Anything that is not related to craft
- Retrospectively, meaning we will be unable to cover anything you have already paid for
- Business start-up costs
Please note that our funding is based on your training plan. If your training plans change at any point please let us know as this may impact your funding.
WRITING YOUR APPLICATION
Our application process is competitive and we cannot fund every application we receive. With this in mind, here are some tips to help. When writing your application, be clear and concise.
The application form is split into 8 sections: About You; Qualifications; Career History; The Scholarship; The Future; Images and References; Equal Opportunities; Declaration.
The headings below will give you advice on how to answer key sections of the application form….
