QEST grants for craft training

The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) offers substantial funding opportunities for talented and aspiring craftspeople to develop their skills

Applications are currently open for the Spring 2026 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

To be eligible, you must

• practise craft professionally
• be aged 18 or over
• live in the UK with the right to reside (permanent or long-term)
• plan to continue working in the UK craft industry

Applications for QEST grants open twice a year.

The deadline for Spring 2026 applications is 18 February 2026.

Autumn 2026 round of applications will open on 15 July 2026.

Find full details, guidance and webinars on the QEST website.

First published 26 January 2026