BridLit University Bursaries: Investing in the Next Generation
The Bridport Literary Festival is offering two bursaries to support local students progressing to university in 2026.
Each successful applicant will receive £3,000 per year for the duration of a three-year undergraduate degree.
As a registered charity dedicated to the advancement of education, BridLit hopes these bursaries will help ease the financial pressures of university study for local young people.
The bursary is open to:
- Year 13 students living within the Bridport ward of Dorset Council
- Students attending the Beaminster–Colfox joint sixth form
- Eligible gap year students from the same area or sixth form
Applicants must be planning to begin an undergraduate course in 2026.
To apply, complete the online application form and submit a statement of no more than 4,000 characters explaining:
- why you are applying
- why you have chosen your course
- how the bursary would support your future goals
Applicants will also need to provide contact details for two referees, who may be contacted between 26–31 August.
Full details and the application form can be found below. It’s a simple process and we encourage all eligible students planning to attend university this autumn to apply. Terms and conditions apply.
CLOSING DATE: 20th August 2026
SHORTLIST INTERVIEWS: 1st September 2026
Successful applicants announced 2nd September 2026
2025 Bursary winners
India Murless attended Beaminster School. She has just completed her first year at Imperial College London where she is reading Biomedical Sciences.
Bailey Prowse attended the Sir John Colfox Academy. He has just completed his first year at Cardiff University where he is reading Computer Science with Security and Forensics.
2024 Bursary winners
Morgan Staple attended the Sir John Colfox Academy. He has just completed his second year at University College London where he is reading Archaeology and Anthropology.
Esmee Rees attended the Sir John Colfox Academy. She has just completed her second year at Cardiff University where she is reading Law.
2023 Bursary winners
Jessica St Barbe Baker attended the Sir John Colfox Academy. She is studying at Yeovil University where she has just been awarded a BA in Childhood Studies, Care and Education. She is now going on to study for a Primary PGCE.
