RIBA Part 1 Bursary

Established in 2018, the RIBA Part 1 Bursaries offer long-term financial support to architecture students undertaking their undergraduate (Part 1) studies. These bursaries are designed for students who show talent and dedication to architecture but may face financial barriers in meeting the cost of living and course-related expenses.

Successful full-time applicants will receive a total of £8000, paid in instalments across the second and third years of their Part 1 studies: £1500 in the autumn term, and £1250 in both the spring and summer terms. Students on part-time programmes or courses that include a placement year will receive the same total amount, adjusted in line with the length of their studies.

These bursaries are made possible thanks to the generous support of individual donors and charitable trusts, including the Rosenberg Memorial Fund, the WJ Parker Trust, the family of Ernö Goldfinger, and the Hans Eisner bequest.

As part of this offer, and in accordance with the wishes of the late interior and furniture designer Liz Goldfinger (daughter of architect Ernö Goldfinger and artist Ursula Blackwell), we are proud to award one RIBA Goldfinger Bursary each year. This bursary follows the same eligibility criteria and funding structure as the main RIBA Part 1 Bursaries but gives priority to applicants from one or more of the following backgrounds:

Underrepresented racialised groups (including students from non-white backgrounds, traveller, and gypsy communities)
Socio-economically disadvantaged households
First-generation university students

We are also pleased to include the RIBA Hans and Christopher Eisner Bursary within the RIBA Part 1 Bursaries scheme. This bursary honours Hans and his son Christopher, both architects and RIBA Members. The selected recipient will receive a Part 1 Bursary and will also have funding reserved for their Part 2 studies, subject to successful completion of their undergraduate course.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible to apply, applicants must be enrolled in the first year of a RIBA Part 1 course in the UK.

Evidence of the completion of the first year, proof of enrolment and confirmation of funding from Student Finance will be required before the bursary is paid to successful applicants.

All home, EU, and international students are eligible to apply.

Selection criteria

Applications will be assessed by members of the RIBA Education Development Group. This is an expert working group tasked with overseeing the allocation of grants, awards, and bursaries from the RIBA Education Trust Funds in accordance with the objectives attached to each fund, and as delegated by the RIBA Education and Learning Committee.

Applications are accessed by members of the RIBA Education Development Group using evidence of:

academic performance, commitment to studies, and potential contribution to the profession
financial need
clear consideration of future goals and aspirations as an architecture student, and how it is hoped these will be achieved

The assessment panel will base its decision on household income and financial need as well as demonstrable academic ability and merit.

How to apply

The 2025 application cycle is now closed. The next application cycle will open in the spring of 2026. For more information on the criteria and application process, please read the (PDF) for the 2025 application cycle.