Deadline: 18-Feb-2026
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) Grant Programme 2026 provides financial support to UK-based craft professionals and conservators at all career stages. Grants ranging from £3,000 to £18,000 fund diverse training paths, including master-led apprenticeships, bespoke short courses, and vocational college programs. The program aims to sustain vital heritage skills and foster innovation within the UK craft industry.
The Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) is a leading charity dedicated to excellence in British craftsmanship. By providing significant financial backing for high-level training, QEST ensures that traditional skills are preserved while modern, innovative practices are encouraged to thrive.
Why It Matters: Sustaining British Craftsmanship
Supporting the “pipeline” of talent is essential for the UK’s cultural and economic heritage. This program facilitates:
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Skill Preservation: Prevents the loss of “red list” or endangered heritage crafts.
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Economic Growth: Empowers makers to transition from hobbyists to sustainable professional businesses.
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Innovation: Encourages established makers to experiment with new technologies or cross-disciplinary techniques.
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Diversity: Actively seeks to support under-represented groups and those with protected characteristics within the sector.
Key Concepts and Definitions
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Maker: A professional craftsperson who creates physical objects using manual and technical skills.
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Conservator: A professional dedicated to the preservation and repair of cultural heritage and artifacts.
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Bespoke Training: A customized learning plan tailored to an individual’s specific technical gaps, often combining multiple short courses or mentors.
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Cockpit PDP: The Professional Development Programme hosted by Cockpit (an award-winning social enterprise), providing business incubation and studio support.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following mandatory criteria:
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Professional Status: Must be practicing professionally in a craft or conservation field.
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Age: 18 years or older at the time of application.
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Residency: Must live in the UK with a permanent or long-term right to reside.
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Location of Practice: Must intend to continue practicing and contributing to the craft industry within the UK.
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Future-Focused: Funding is only for training that has not yet commenced.
Grant Categories and Funding Tiers
QEST offers three distinct pathways based on career stage and training needs.
1. QEST Scholarships
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Target: Mid-career to established craftspeople.
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Objective: To refine specialisms, innovate, or master advanced techniques.
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Funding: £3,000 – £18,000.
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Additional Benefit: Includes a place on the Cockpit Professional Development Programme (PDP).
2. Emerging Maker Grants
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Target: Early-stage makers (typically practicing for 4 years or less).
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Objective: To develop core foundational skills and define a creative direction.
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Funding: £3,000 – £10,000.
3. Apprenticeship Grants
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Target: A joint application between a Master Craftsperson and a talented Apprentice.
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Objective: Hands-on workplace learning and the transfer of expertise.
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Funding: Up to £12,000 (intended to supplement the apprentice’s wages).
How to Apply: Timeline and Process
The application process is rigorous, taking approximately six months from the initial window to the final award.
2026 Application Windows
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Spring 2026 Round:
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Deadline: 18 February 2026.
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Award Date: June 2026.
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Training Start: July 2026.
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Autumn 2026 Round:
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Deadline: 15 July – 19 August 2026.
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Award Date: November 2026.
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Training Start: January 2027.
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The 4-Stage Assessment Process
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Pre-Assessment: Initial screening of eligibility and documentation.
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First Stage Review: In-depth look at the portfolio and training plan.
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Second Stage Review: Technical assessment of skill levels and career potential.
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Interview: Conducted in London or via Zoom. Successful candidates are notified shortly after.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Mistake: Missing References. Scholarships and Emerging Maker grants require professional references. Applications without them are rejected.
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Mistake: Self-Directed Study. QEST does not fund research time, mentoring, or solo practice. There must be a clear external instructor or course.
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Tip: Justify International Travel. If you wish to train abroad, you must explicitly prove that the same quality of training is unavailable in the UK.
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Tip: Budget Accuracy. Ensure your training budget is researched and realistic; vague estimates often lead to disqualification.
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Tip: High-Quality Imagery. Since this is a craft grant, the visual evidence of your work is the most critical part of your portfolio.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use the grant to buy a new kiln or loom?
No. QEST grants are strictly for training and education fees. They do not cover capital investments, equipment, or tools.
2. I am a student in my final year of a degree; can I apply?
You may apply for future training that starts after you graduate, but QEST does not fund the costs of an undergraduate degree itself.
3. Does the training have to be in the UK?
Not necessarily. You can train abroad if you can demonstrate that it is the best option for your craft and that similar expertise cannot be found within the UK.
4. What counts as a “Professional Reference”?
A reference must come from a professional source (e.g., a former teacher, a gallery owner, or a master maker) who can vouch for your technical skill and commitment.
5. How long does the apprenticeship grant last?
The grant is for the duration of the specific training plan outlined in the application, usually spanning the time needed to transfer specific expertise from master to apprentice.
6. If I am unsuccessful, can I apply again?
If you were unsuccessful before the interview stage, you can reapply in the very next round. If you reached the interview stage and were unsuccessful, you must wait one year.
7. Is there a specific list of “eligible” crafts?
QEST supports a very wide range of crafts, from traditional heritage skills to contemporary making. If you are a professional maker or conservator, you are likely eligible.
Conclusion
The QEST Grant Programme is a vital catalyst for the UK craft sector, offering tiered support that respects the unique needs of different career stages. Whether you are an Emerging Maker building foundational skills or a Scholar seeking mastery, the key to success lies in a well-researched training plan and a portfolio that demonstrates technical excellence.
For more information, visit QEST.
