Bursaries & Scholarships
This page is intended as a starting point for exploring bursaries and scholarships relevant to horticulture. While details are correct as of August 2025, terms, eligibility and deadlines may change. Please always check the official websites for the most up-to-date information. This list is not exhaustive, however the opportunities listed here are particularly relevant to HTA member businesses and their staff.
Key Opportunities
Table summary
|
Funding Body |
Eligibility |
Award Amount |
Deadlines |
Website |
|
Chartered Institute of Horticulture |
Anyone under 30 in UK/Ireland working or studying horticulture |
£2,500 travel bursary (winner) |
Competition annually |
|
|
Garden Centre Association Trust |
Young staff in GCA garden centres (excl. family members) |
Congress registration covered |
Check website |
|
|
Hardy Plant Society |
Students & employees in horticulture, incl. apprentices |
Small bursaries |
Rolling |
|
|
Japanese Garden Society |
UK landscapers |
Contributes to travel or course costs |
Rolling |
|
|
Nuffield Farming Scholarships |
Aged 25–45, working in horticulture/agriculture |
£8,500 (total award value £15,000+) |
31 Jul |
|
|
Merlin Trust |
UK/Irish citizens aged 18–35, in study or early career |
Up to £1,500 |
Rolling (6 weeks before project) |
|
|
LSA Charitable Trust Fellowship |
Under 45, working in commercial production horticulture |
£3,000 + development opportunities |
Sep–Oct |
|
|
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) |
Applicants aged 18+ |
Varies (travel, study, placements, research) |
31 Mar, 30 Jun, 30 Sep, 31 Dec |
|
|
Colegrave Seabrook Foundation |
Students in UK & Ireland studying horticulture |
£500 – £4,300+ |
31 Jan |
Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
Bursaries for horticultural research projects, travel, study tours, structured visits to horticultural institutions and plant nurseries, voluntary placements, and conferences. Open to applicants aged 18+. The funds come from a wide range of bursary donations to the RHS, managed by the RHS bursaries committee.
Deadlines: 31 March, 30 June, 30 September, 31 December.
Applications involving international travel must take place at least 3 months after the application closing date for which the application is being submitted.
Contact: [email protected] | 01483 479719
HTA Young Grower of the Year
One bursary awarded annually to the winner of the HTA Young grower Under 35, part of the HTA Grower of the Year awards. The bursary can be put towards the cost of the Pro Managers Mastercourse, run by Jungle Talks or other professional development. Open to individuals under 35 employed by an HTA full member business.
Award: £1,500
Applications: Open in 2026
Contact: [email protected]
Garden Centre Association Trust
Dick Allen Scholarship: Supports young staff in GCA garden centres (excluding family members). Covers congress registration for the International GCA Congress.
Contact: [email protected]
Hardy Plant Society
Kenneth Black Bursary Scheme: Small bursaries for students and those employed in horticulture (including apprenticeships) with a focus on hardy herbaceous plants.
Contact: [email protected]
Japanese Garden Society
Educational bursaries for UK landscapers to develop skills in Japanese garden design, construction, or maintenance.
Contact: [email protected]
Nuffield Scholarships
Around 20 awarded annually, including two specific to horticulture. Scholars undertake at least 8 weeks’ international travel to research a chosen topic. Applicants must be aged 25–45 and established in their career.
Award: Approximately £8,500 bursary (total award value £15,000+)
Applications: Open in January
Contact: [email protected]
Merlin Trust
Travel bursaries for horticultural study, open to UK/Irish citizens aged 18–35, in study or early career. Supports conservation visits, conferences, work experience, and skill-based short courses.
Award: Up to £1,500
Applications: Rolling (at least 6 weeks’ notice before project start date)
Contact: [email protected]
LSA Charitable Trust Fellowship
Two-year leadership development scheme for those under 45 working in commercial production horticulture or the supply chain. Includes training, study tours, networking, professional development opportunities and a £3,000 bursary.
Applications: Open September–October
Contact: [email protected]
Colegrave Seabrook Foundation
A wide range of scholarships for horticulture students, including study tours, international nursery placements, tuition support and training. Open to students studying horticulture and related subjects in the UK and Ireland. Applicants must be attending, or enrolled to attend college, university, or a similar educational establishment, on a full or part time basis with a view to seeking permanent full time employment in commercial or production ornamental horticulture on completion of their course.
Applications: October – 31 January
Awards: £500 – £4,300+
Contact: [email protected]
Markham-Colegrave International Scholarship
One award of $4,500 is available each year to support horticultural students undertaking a work placement in the USA or Canada. Open to current or recent horticultural students who have secured, or are actively seeking, a placement and need financial help with travel and accommodation costs.
Applications: Travel takes place the following summer
Award: $4,500
Contact: [email protected]
Smart Garden Products Student Scholarship
Up to five awards are available each year, each worth up to £2,000. Open to students enrolled on a horticulture-related course, including apprenticeships, correspondence and block-release learning. Preference is given to those interested in commercial and production ornamental horticulture, particularly bedding, nursery stock container, pot plant and cut flower sectors.
Applications: Annual cycle
Award: Up to £2,000
Contact: [email protected]
