University bursaries

The closing date for applications for university bursaries from the Post Office Orphans Benevolent Institution (POOBI) is Friday 31 July.

The POOBI scheme helps families support a young person at university or an equivalent institution in the UK. The bursaries or grants are currently worth £1,550 per year and are paid for a maximum period of three years subject to evidence of registration and academic performance, and for those going to university for the first time, an additional grant of £300.

Click here to read about some of the families that POOBI has helped.

POOBI was established in 1870 by staff from the General Post Office (a forerunner of Royal Mail Group & Post Office Ltd) to help the families of their colleagues who faced hardship as a result of death or chronic illness or disability.

POOBI’s income comes primarily from previous employee subscriptions which have been invested and carefully managed over the intervening years, supported by other donations. POOBI is operated by a committee of Trustees who include both serving and former Royal Mail colleagues.

Please refer to the FAQ section for information on how each application will be assessed by the Trustees. Also check the university bursary eligibility criteria before you apply.

Click here to apply online.