City & Guilds Foundation Bursary
Grants of up to £6,000 from the City & Guilds Foundation to help fund your electrical training. It's a grant, not a loan — you don't pay it back.
What is the City & Guilds Foundation Bursary?
The City & Guilds Foundation (charity number 312832) provides bursaries to individuals who are in genuine financial need and want to pursue vocational qualifications. The bursary can cover a significant portion of your course fees — and more.
Successful applicants typically receive between £2,500 and £5,000, with grants of up to £6,000 available in some cases. This is a grant, not a loan — you do not need to pay it back.
The bursary programme opens three times a year (Summer, Autumn, and Winter rounds). The total process from registration to decision typically takes up to 3 months.
Typical award
£2,500 – £5,000
Maximum award
£6,000
Repayment
None
It's a grant, not a loan
What the Bursary Covers
The bursary doesn't just cover tuition fees. Depending on your circumstances, it can also help with:
Course Tuition Fees
Paid directly to the training provider on your behalf
Tools & Learning Materials
Researched and purchased by the City & Guilds Foundation
Travel Costs
Public transport or mileage to your training location (agreed in advance)
Childcare
With Ofsted-registered providers, pre-agreed with the Foundation
Who Can Apply?
All of the following must apply:
- Aged 18 or over
- UK resident wanting to study in the UK
- In genuine financial need (unable to afford the course and have explored other options)
- Have not yet started the course
- Have not previously received a City & Guilds Foundation bursary
- Studying toward a City & Guilds accredited qualification
Eligible Industry Sectors
The bursary covers qualifications in building services, construction, engineering, digital/IT, health & social care, hospitality, manufacturing, and other specified sectors. Electrical installations (our courses) fall within the building services and construction sectors.
Qualifying Courses at Total Skills
The following City & Guilds courses we deliver are eligible for bursary funding:
How to Apply
The bursary is managed entirely by the City & Guilds Foundation. You apply directly to them — Total Skills is not involved in the application or decision process. We are simply an approved training centre where you can use your bursary.
Register Your Interest
Complete the expression of interest form on the City & Guilds Foundation website. They will check your initial eligibility.
Full Application
If eligible, you will receive a link to the full online application form where you provide details about your circumstances and chosen course.
Attend an Interview
Shortlisted applicants are invited to a virtual interview (via Microsoft Teams) to discuss your interest, future plans, and financial circumstances.
Panel Decision
The bursary panel reviews all recommendations and makes final funding decisions. You will be notified of the outcome.
What You'll Need for the Interview
- Proof of identity (passport, driving licence)
- Evidence of financial need (utility bills, bank statements, or support worker letter)
- Details of the course you want to study and where (e.g. Total Skills, Nottingham)
- A realistic plan for travel to the training centre
- Childcare timetable if applicable
Important Information
Opens 3x per year
Summer, Autumn & Winter rounds
Enrol within 1 year
You must start your course within a year of the award
One bursary per person
Limited exceptions for reskilling
Apply Directly to the City & Guilds Foundation
Visit the City & Guilds Foundation website to check eligibility, view upcoming application rounds, and submit your expression of interest.
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