RIBA launches schemes to support student architects

The Royal Institute of British Architects has launched two schemes to support students in their period of professional experience in the UK and abroad.

The RIBA Walter Parker Bursary, a new hardship scheme for students of architecture, is aimed at Part 1 students in professional experience element who encounter financial hardship.

By 2009/10 the scheme will provide 40 bursaries of £500 each to help students meet costs, such as relocation or up-front travel expenses, which are frequently incurred while entering the workplace.

The scheme complements the RIBA Education Fund which provides financial assistance to students of architecture enrolled on either Part 1 or Part 2 course.

Applications are considered throughout the academic year 2009/10.

This year, the RIBA Boyd Auger Scholarship has been extended to support students doing both research and professional experience abroad.

Established in 2008 to support student travel towards research, it provides for at least one scholarship of up to £5,000 for a period of international professional experience between 6 and 12 months.

John-Paul Nunes, head of Education Projects at the RIBA, said: "We are delighted that we are launching these two funding programmes to support students of architecture doing professional experience at a time of severe financial hardship for students.

"The results from the recent Future Trend Surveys conducted by the RIBA indicate that there are concerns about the economic welfare of students and the opportunities for them to complete the professional practice component of their architectural education. We hope that these two new initiatives address this serious issue and support students to complete their studies."

Dhruv Sookhoo, representing student and associate members at the RIBA Education Trust Funds Committee, said: "The RIBA’s contribution to student welfare is most welcome.

"The package should effectively support the professional progression of post-Part 1 and 2 students seeking employment. While these generous awards do not represent a financial solution for all students, they do represent an innovation and provide a positive steer for the practicing profession.”