We particularly welcome applications from people from under-represented and under-served groups in education, for example, teachers of colour, those who have a long-term health condition, are disabled, are neurodivergent, and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, recognising that identities are intersectional and lived experience ranges across demographics.
The Waldorf Learning Foundation bursary exists to promote equitable access to the Postgraduate Diploma in Waldorf Education & Creative Pedagogies (PGDip in WECP), delivered in partnership with Bath Spa University.
We offer our bursaries in recognition of the financial challenges many teachers face, alongside the wider social and structural inequalities that continue to shape access to postgraduate study within the teaching profession. Teaching is a demanding and essential vocation, yet opportunities for further study are often not evenly distributed.
Financial pressure, caring responsibilities, health and access needs, and systemic barriers linked to socioeconomic background, disability and ethnicity can all limit teachers’ ability to pursue professional development, even where there is strong motivation and clear potential. Our bursary scheme is one way in which we seek to respond to these realities and to widen participation in creative, holistic and progressive teacher education.
The bursary offers a contribution of 50% towards tuition fees for the PGDip. It is not intended to cover the full cost of study or associated living expenses, but to help reduce financial barriers and make participation more achievable for those who might otherwise be unable to take up a place.
Download the bursary brochure for full guidance on eligibility, application steps and how to prepare.
For the 2026/27 cohort, we are pleased to be extending the eligibility criteria for our bursaries to support wider access to the programme.
Applicants must continue to meet the core criteria:
hold an unconditional offer from the university
have a household income below £45,000 per annum
demonstrate a commitment to inclusive and integrated education practices
In addition to the above criteria, the majority of the bursary fund will be prioritised for applicants from under-represented communities within the teaching profession.
This includes, for example:
We recognise that identities are intersectional and lived experience ranges across demographics and therefore invite you, during the bursary application process, to submit a self-declaration of your background and any access needs you may have.
Nominations from individuals from diverse backgrounds are warmly encouraged.
Step 1: Receive and accept your offer of a place on the PGDip in Waldorf Education & Creative Pedagogies from Bath Spa University (BSU), obtaining your student number.
Step 2: Click ‘apply now’ on our bursary page and enter your BSU student number in the form to begin the bursary application.
Step 3: Complete the application form providing personal, employment and financial details, a self-disclosure statement, a personal statement and upload your CV, employer references, proof of an unconditional offer from BSU and proof of earnings.
Step 4: Submit your application and await the outcome (normally within approximately four weeks, depending on the volume of applications we receive).
Being included and supported as an adult learner gave me a profound sense of belonging.
– PGDip student 2023/24
To promote equitable access, level opportunities, and improve representation within the profession for all communities, we aim to offer the majority of the available bursaries to people from underrepresented and underserved groups in education, specifically people from ethnic minorities, low socioeconomic backgrounds, and those with disabilities.
Additionally, we operate in social media environments that are actively serving underrepresented communities within the teaching profession. We also intentionally reach out to grassroots organisations, teacher groups in trade unions, and disability advocacy groups that serve ethnic minority and working-class professionals.
For all applicants, we also offer various ways to learn about the course and bursaries, including accessible online content, video-based ‘Discovery Calls,’ and good old-fashioned telephone and email conversations, to suit applicants’ schedules and preferences.
We ensure diverse representation, expertise in EDI, and lived experience of marginalisation on our bursary selection panels and regularly review our intakes and adapt our strategies accordingly.
All applicants still need to meet the core eligibility criteria of holding an unconditional offer from the university, their household income being below £45,000pa, and being able to demonstrate a commitment to the principles of inclusive and integrated education practices.
As a small charity, we always welcome the support of other charities and organisations with more extensive resources who can help us extend this fund and so provide more bursaries. Please do reach out to us if you would like to explore this possibility.
The bursary is a form of financial support offered by Waldorf Learning Foundation to help teachers access the Postgraduate Diploma in Waldorf Education & Creative Pedagogies (PGDip in WECP). It is intended to reduce financial barriers and promote more equitable access to postgraduate teacher education.
The value of the bursary for 2026/27 is 50% of the course fees.
We recognise the financial pressures many teachers face, alongside wider social and structural inequalities within the education profession. Our bursaries are part of our commitment to inclusion, equity and improving representation within creative and progressive education.
Bursaries are available to applicants who:
All bursary applicants must meet the financial eligibility criteria. In addition to this core criterion, the majority of the bursary fund will be allocated to applicants who are also from under-represented and under-served groups within the teaching profession.
This includes, but is not limited to:
We recognise that identities are intersectional and lived experiences vary across demographics.
Applicants are invited to submit a self-declaration statement during the application process.
Applications are reviewed by a bursary selection panel with expertise in equality, diversity and inclusion, and with lived experience of marginalisation. Decisions are made holistically, taking into account financial need, eligibility, and alignment with the programme’s values.
No. Applicants must hold an unconditional offer from Bath Spa University before they can be awarded a bursary.
We offer a range of accessible ways to find out more about the course and bursaries, including online information, video-based discovery calls and telephone conversations, to suit different access needs and preferences.
Household income is assessed through a Financial Eligibility Assessment, which forms part of the application process. All applicants must demonstrate a pre-tax household income of no more than £45,000 per year. This financial assessment applies to all applicants, regardless of background.
Do you still have some questions about the bursary or your eligibility that haven’t been answered above? Feel free to contact us using the form below, letting us know in the comments section what your query is. Someone will get back in touch with you as soon as possible.
