Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf Further Education Trust
Are you starting a new education or training course in September?
Are you struggling to identify a source of funding to support your studies?
We might be able to help.
About the trust
The Tower Hamlets and Canary Wharf Further Education Trust (THCWFET) is a joint initiative led by the council and CWG. Since it was established in 1990, it has supported more than 4,500 residents of the borough.
The trust's mission is to promote further and higher education as well as vocational training for Tower Hamlets residents with a particular focus on those in the greatest need of financial support to make the journey through education and into employment.
What support do we offer?
Fees support
These are the mandatory charges that your institution charges for your course.
Any resident not eligible for mainstream student finance can apply for support with fees.
Maintenance support
This is help with study-related costs to help you with your education.
Residents with a household income below £25,000 can apply for maintenance support.
Available grants for Tower Hamlets residents
Further Education courses
Maintenance up to £2,750 and course fees up to £1,365. The total cannot be more than £3,800.
Higher Education courses
Maintenance up to £2,700 and course fees up to £3,800. The total cannot be more than £5,200.
Full time postgraduate courses (lasting between one to three academic years)
Maintenance up to £3,150 and course fees up to £5,850. The total cannot be more than £5,900.
Full time postgraduate courses (lasting less than one academic year)
Maintenance up to £1,400 and course fees up to £2,750. The total cannot be more than £2,800.
Part-time courses below postgraduate level
Fees up to £3,150 and no maintenance.
Part-time postgraduate level courses and above
Course fees up to £4,500 and no maintenance.
Who is eligible to apply?
Applicants should:
- have finished school and not be studying GCSEs or A Levels
- live in Tower Hamlets and have been resident in the borough for 3 years. (Exceptions may be made for those who have recently been granted refugee status)
- anyone with limitations on their ability to remain in the UK will normally not be eligible to apply
In general, the trust will not fund students who can obtain financial assistance from central or local government through schemes like Student Finance or the Mayor’s Education Award.
Read the full guidance on residency criteria.
What do previous applicants have to say about the scheme?
"The trust fund is a great resource for students like myself who cannot fund their education costs. I have only been able to complete my Masters with the help of this fund. My career prospects are now much wider. I feel I can now compete on an international level of professionalism within the film and TV industry. I thank the trust fund for helping me get this far."
Seemab - MA Filmmaking
“I benefited immensely from the grant I was awarded to pay my college fees. I wouldn’t have been able to complete this stage of my gardening course without it.”
Dymphna - City & Guilds in Hard Landscaping
“The trust fund has had a significant positive effect on my educational life. The fund helped me to undertake a Nutrition Specialist Diploma specifically in the UK fitness industry, which has opened up new career doors for me.”
Syeda - Nutrition Specialist Diploma
“It is brilliant! If I did not get funded I would never have got my diploma. I am going to train as a solicitor soon and it is all possible because of the help I received from the trust fund.”
Asma - Legal Practice Course
The closing date for applications is 26 June 2026
Apply for a grant
Ocean Estate Bursary Scheme
In addition to the above, there is also a separate scheme which provides support to residents of the Ocean Estate who are over 16 years of age and in higher education.
Find out more.