To give an extra helping hand with the associated costs of work-based training or education, eligible Oddfellows members can apply to be considered for an Educational Award.

The non-repayable bursaries can go towards anything from text books and vital equipment to helping out with rent, bills and other practical items.

If you’re a member and eligible, your first step is to contact your Branch Secretary for an application form. You can search for their details using our Branch Finder.

Eligible candidates must have five years of continuous Oddfellows membership (Young Oddfellows membership is taken into account) and must be starting their first degree or first apprenticeship. Each case is then reviewed on personal merit.

First Degree Course Educational Award and how to apply

Each year, nationally the Oddfellows grants up to three First Degree Course Educational Awards consisting of £900 per year for the duration of a student’s first degree programme.*

To apply for a First Degree Course Educational Award, members are invited to apply via their Branch around April. The Branch’s deadline for submitting applications for consideration is 31 August each year. Judging will then take place within the following two months.

Apprenticeship Educational Award and how to apply

Each year, nationally the Oddfellows grants up to three Apprenticeship Educational Awards consisting of £250 per year for the duration of the apprenticeship.*

For the Apprenticeship Awards, eligible members are invited to apply via their Branch around September. The Branch’s deadline for submitting applications for consideration is 31 December each year. Judging will then take place within the following two months.

First Degree Course winners

2024

Congratulations to Lillie, Edward and Torsten, our 2024 First Degree Course Educational Award winners!

Read more.

Apprenticeship winner

2022

Kerry has been chosen as 2022's recipient of an Oddfellows Apprenticeship Educational Award!

Read more.

I am very pleased to have been awarded the Educational Award. There’s a lot to read and a lot of books for my degree so this award will really help me.

Charlie Gutteridge Member from Warwickshire, reading Politics, Philosophy and Economics at York University

Not yet an Oddfellows member? Financial help is just one of the many benefits of Oddfellows membership. Discover other ways in which we can help you get even more out of life.

*Terms and conditions apply to all financial benefits. All Oddfellows benefits are non-contractual and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Read the full list of member benefit terms and conditions.

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