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Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) Grants in United Kingdom

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust is offering grants to support talented craft professionals in the UK. Whether you’re developing new skills or advancing existing ones, QEST grants provide financial backing for training programs that align with your craft goals.

To be eligible for QEST grants, applicants must be practicing professionals in the field of craft, aged 18 or older, and residing in the UK with the right to live permanently or long-term. They should intend to continue their craft practice in the UK, contributing to the local craft industry. Applications must request funding for future training or education that enhances their skills and aligns with their career goals.

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The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) is a charitable organization established in 1990 to support the training and education of talented craftspeople in the United Kingdom. Dedicated to preserving and advancing craftsmanship, QEST provides grants to individuals at various career stages, from emerging makers to experienced professionals. By funding diverse training opportunities, such as college courses, apprenticeships, and bespoke programs with master craftspeople, QEST fosters excellence in both traditional and contemporary crafts.

Application Deadline: 10 February

Brief Description

  • University or Organization: Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST)
  • Department: NA
  • Course Level: Training and Education in Craft Skills
  • Award: Varies based on grant type and training plan
  • Access Mode: Online
  • Number of Awards: NA
  • Nationality: UK residents
  • The award can be taken in: United Kingdom

Eligibility

  • Eligible Countries: United Kingdom
  • Acceptable Course or Subjects: The grants are available for training and education in contemporary or traditional craft, or conservation/restoration of tangible objects.
  • Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must:
  • Be practicing professionally within the field of craft.
  • Be aged 18 or above at the time of application.
  • Reside in the UK with the right to reside permanently or on a long-term basis.
  • Intend to continue practicing in the UK and contribute to the UK craft industry.
  • Apply for training and education that will take place in the future.

How to Apply

  1. Visit the QEST website during the application periods:
    • Spring: 6 January – 10 February 2025 (for training from July 2025).
    • Autumn: 9 July – 13 August 2025 (for training from January 2026).
  2. Choose the appropriate application based on your stage in practice:
    • Scholarship Application
    • Emerging Maker Grant Application
    • Apprenticeship Application
  3. Prepare a clear training plan and justify your budget.
  4. Submit your application online via the QEST platform.

For additional guidance, consult the QEST Makers Directory for examples of previously supported craftspeople and their projects.

Benefits

QEST grants support talented craftspeople in the UK by funding training and education to enhance their skills and advance their craft practice. The grants are tailored to different career stages, providing the flexibility to pursue bespoke programs such as:

  • Traditional college courses.
  • One-on-one vocational tuition with a master craftsperson.
  • A combination of short courses.

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