A charity is offering financial aid to postgraduate students whose family work in pharmacy to support tuition fees and other study-related expenses (June 3). 

The Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust (LTCT) is offering postgraduate bursaries of up to £5,000 a year for students in financial need and have a parent, carer, spouse, widow or widower who are a pharmacist or pharmacy technician registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). 

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The bursary is also open to “anyone already working in these industries who wants to fund their own study”. 

The money can be put towards tuition and examination fees, travel costs, study materials, accommodation and childcare costs. 

The charity’s “core belief” is that “everyone should have the opportunity to reach their academic potential” and the bursaries help reduce the financial pressure as the costs of attending university increase each year. 

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The LTCT director Professor Anna Vignoles CBE FBA said “if our bursaries help diversify the students able to take a postgraduate degree, then we see that as a very positive step”. 

“The current climate makes it challenging for some families to consider further study and these students should be able to enjoy the same opportunities as their counterparts from more advantaged backgrounds,” she added. 

£28 million of financial support 

The LTCT has been providing financial support for low-income families in the pharmacy and grocery sectors since 1925. 

This year, the charity expects the total number of bursaries awarded to exceed 5,000, amounting to £28 million worth of financial aid given out. 

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The postgraduate bursary is open for application until September 1. 

The LTCT also offers bursaries of up to £3,000 a year for undergraduate students whose family work in pharmacy, with a deadline of October 15. 

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It additionally has a schools essentials grant available to provide support to low-income households employed in pharmacy with essential items for school aged children. 

And a new vocational bursary scheme worth £1,000 a year for students studying a vocational course at any UK college.