The scheme provides up to eight bursaries of £10,000, aimed at students who would otherwise be unable to afford postgraduate study and who can demonstrate a strong commitment to a career in the UK highways and transport sector. Bursaries are available for full-time and part-time MSc courses and are intended to cover tuition fees.

The Trustees hope the scheme will encourage applications from people new to the profession as well as those already working in transport, including mid-career professionals seeking to develop their skills and knowledge.

Supporting routes into the profession

CIHT highlights the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund bursaries as part of the range of grants, bursaries and scholarships that support people entering and progressing within the highways and transportation profession.

Full details of how these bursaries fit alongside other educational pathways can be found on CIHT’s Educational routes into the sector webpage. 

How to apply

Applicants interested in studying for a transport-related MSc should first speak to one of the 12 universities that run eligible courses. Universities apply to the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund on behalf of students, rather than individuals applying directly.

The deadline for universities to submit applications for the 2026–27 academic year is Friday 3 July 2026.

Further details, including the list of participating universities, are available on the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund website.

Investing in skills and professionalism

Andy Graham, Chair of Trustees at the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund, said:

“At Rees Jeffreys Road Fund we believe roads really matter to all of us, whether we’re making journeys as drivers, passengers, wheelers or walkers. The professionalism, knowledge and expertise of those working in the highways sector is therefore vital to ensure that roads work well for everyone.

“We are keen to continue the life work of our founder William Rees Jeffreys by supporting today’s highways professionals to have access to high-quality professional education, by continuing to fund the Transport MSc Bursary scheme.”

Case study: Seren Rayment

Seren Rayment was awarded a Rees Jeffreys Road Fund bursary in 2024 to study for an MSc in Transport and City Planning at University College London.

Seren describes her MSc as “one of the most rewarding and transformative decisions of my academic and professional journey.”

She added: “Through a combination of theoretical modules and practical, consultancy-style group projects, I have gained a comprehensive understanding of transport planning and solidified my aspiration to build a career in this field.

“For anyone considering a career in transport planning, I would highly recommend undertaking a specialised degree. It is an exciting, interdisciplinary and impactful area of work.”