Education and skills bursaries, scholarships and grants

There are a number of different bursaries, scholarships and grants available to support you with training, education and future employment opportunities. Here we have listed just a few that are available in Swindon and Wiltshire: 

Wiltshire Community Foundation

The Wiltshire Community Foundation (WCF) offer a range of grants for young people: 

Vocational Support Grant

Grants are available to individuals aged between 14 and 25 to support the costs of vocational training at school, college or sixth form or for training through an apprenticeship.

Applicants must have lived in Wiltshire or Swindon for the last two years and either they or their parents/carers must be in receipt of means tested benefits.

For more information and to apply, visit the Vocational Support Grant.

Education Support Grant

This programme is open to children and young people up to the age of 25 who have a disability or additional learning need. Grants can be used to fund additional support or equipment to enhance their education and development.

Applicants must have lived in Wiltshire or Swindon for the last two years and either they or their parents/carers must be in receipt of means tested benefits.

For more information and to apply, visit the Education Support Grant.

Bursaries for Young Entrepreneurs

Are you supporting a young person who is interested in starting their own business or already running one? 

Wiltshire Community Foundation (WCF) are working in partnership with the South West Enterprise Fund (SWEF) to provide business grants of £2,000 to young entrepreneurs in Wiltshire and Swindon that are aged between 18-30. As part of the programme, SWEF provides the opportunity to join a network of peers who are also in the early stage of starting their business to share ideas, experiences and learn.

To be eligible to apply, you need to be:

• aged 18 to 30
• living in Wiltshire or Swindon
• planning to start your own business within the next 6 months or running your own business which has been trading for no more than 2 years
• without easy access to other sources of finance

Grants can be used towards capital items and running costs such as:

• stock, equipment, or materials
• rent or business-related bills

Further guidance on the programme is available from the South West Enterprise Fund – Business Grants where you can apply online.

Related resources

Starting a business in Swindon - support and advice on starting a new business in Swindon

A University Graduate’s Guide to Boosting Career Prospects – 20 Ways to Stand Out to Employers. A useful guide that covers:

• graduate employment statistics
• how to prepare during university
• guidance for the job hunt
• interview techniques