Study Essential Grant

To support students from East London who are studying for a degree at universities in and around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Whatever subject you’re pursuing, if you need a boost to help you stay on track - whether that’s tech, equipment, software, or other study essentials - this grant is designed to help you stay focused and reach your goals. It’s all about giving you what you need to keep learning, achieving, and moving forward.

The grant specifically supports the purchase of essential equipment, materials, or activities required to successfully complete your studies.

How to Apply
Applying is simple and transparent. To apply, you’ll need to:
- Explain why you need support
- Describe what you plan to use the funding for
We ask for a short statement outlining why you’re applying and a clear description of the items or resources you intend to purchase. This helps us understand how the funding will support your success.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a current resident of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, or Waltham Forest
- Have attended school in one of these boroughs
- Be enrolled in a Level 3 or higher accredited course at one of the following Park or East London based institutions:
- Building Crafts College
- Loughborough University London
- Queen Mary University London
- Sadler’s Wells / Academy Breakin’ Convention
- Staffordshire University London
- Teesside University London
- UCL East campus
- University of East London
- University of the Arts London: London College of Fashion
- V&A Royal College of Art
- Be aged 16–30 at the time of application
Priority will be given to students who meet the above criteria and are also from under-represented groups, including:
- People from global majority backgrounds (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic)
- People from low socio-economic backgrounds
- People with disabilities
What the Grant Can Cover
Examples of eligible costs include:
- Digital equipment (cameras, microphones, headphones)
- Computers, laptops, tablets, and accessories
- Software licences (design, editing, animation)
- Printing and production costs (portfolios, posters)
- Technology accessories (external drives, styluses, chargers)
- Art supplies (paints, brushes, canvases, sketchbooks)
- Craft materials (fabric, beads, clay, textiles)
- Musical instruments and accessories
- Costumes and props for performances
- Photography equipment and accessories
- Model-making materials and tools
- Safety or protective gear for practical work
- Studio or rehearsal space rental fees
- Materials for set design and construction
- Books and reference materials
- Participation fees for exhibitions, showcases, or cultural events
- Access to workshops, masterclasses, or specialist training
Application Cycles
We run multiple application cycles throughout the year. If you’re not ready to apply now or miss a deadline, you’ll have another chance soon.

Cycle 1
- Opens: Monday 1 December 2025
- Closes: Sunday 18 January 2026, 11:59pm
Cycle 2
- Opens: Monday 16 February 2026
- Closes: Sunday 22 March 2026, 11:59pm
Cycle 3
- Dates to be confirmed
All applications are reviewed after each cycle closes. Make sure you submit before the deadline.
Timeline for Current Cycle
- Applications close: Sunday 18 January 2026, 11:59pm
- Decisions notified: Monday 2 February 2026
- Funds disbursed: Monday 2 February – Friday 27 February 2026
Stay updated by checking our website or following us on social media.
Award Conditions
If selected, you’ll need to:
- Provide proof of current enrolment (student status letter from student admin office)
- Submit your own bank details for payment
Questions
We’ll be running two virtual information sessions to give you the chance to learn more about the Study Essentials Grant, ask questions, and get guidance on how to make a strong application. They’re designed to be friendly, accessible, and supportive, so you leave knowing exactly what to do next. Dates are:
- Monday 15th December 2025 at 10am
- Tuesday 13th January at 4pm
Sign up to attend here: LINK

If you have any questions, please email us at: studyessentials@anewdirection.org.uk
Key Partners

The Study Essentials Grant is funded by East Bank Partners’ New Talent Future Leaders programme, which is supported by the Foundation for Future London & Westfield Stratford City, and delivered by the team at the Good Growth Hub. The Good Growth Hub is operated by A New Direction.
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