QEST craft funding open for Autumn 2025 applications

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) is offering substantial funding opportunities for talented and aspiring craftspeople

Applications are currently open for the Autumn 2025 round of programmes, offering

• up to £18,000 in funding for Scholarships
• up to £10,000 for Emerging Maker Grants
• up to £12,000 for Apprenticeship training

Scholarships grants aim to sustain vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts and contribute to excellence in the UK craft industry.

Emerging Maker grants support the training and education of talented craftspeople early in their career. They are aimed at committed makers who have been practising professionally for four years or less, and who seek to enhance their craft skills and advance their practice.

The Apprenticeship programme offers support towards an apprentice’s salary, spread over an apprenticeship of up to three years. QEST apprentices have trained in glassblowing, pottery, beekeeping, shoemaking and more.

Eligibility criteria

For all three programmes, applicants must be

• practicing professionally within the field of craft
• aged 18 or above at the time of application
• living in the UK with the right to reside either permanently or on a long-term basis
• intending to continue to practice in the UK and contribute to the UK craft industry

Applications for QEST grants open twice a year.

Spring 2026 round of applications will open on 7 January 2026.

Find more information, including detailed guidance and Autumn 2025 webinars, on the QEST website.

First published 7 August 2025