The Cross Trust

The Cross Trust offers funding opportunities, made on an individual case by case basis, for students who are studying their first undergraduate degree, including courses at independent higher education providers such as art colleges and conservatoires. 

Awards are not usually made to students studying a second undergraduate degree, a postgraduate taught degree or a postgraduate research degree unless there are outstanding and extraordinary circumstances. 

Funding is also awarded to young people undertaking projects or practical studies that are not a mandatory element of a higher education course. 

The Cross Trust operates as a charitable body and seeks to support young Scots, through financial awards offered to individuals and organisations. 

Sir Alexander Cross founded the trust in his name in 1943 and sought to help young people who were of Scottish birth or heritage, to broaden their worldview and become fulfilled members of society. 

His belief that, when young Scots are provided with opportunities to gain insights on human life, in all its forms, they are able to contribute to society in more meaningful ways. Today, this remains the founding principle of all activities The Cross Trust carries out. 

Applications made to The Cross Trust must be supported by specific pieces of evidence. Efforts to secure funding from other sources, in addition to The Cross Trust are also required to be demonstrated throughout an application. 

The submission of applications is managed through an online form from The Cross Trust that can be found here. As a part of the application process, three sections must be completed in full. These are: 

• Financial circumstances of an applicant
• Passport photo/scan
• References 
  • One academic reference is compulsory
  • One character reference is optional

The Cross Trust makes awards based on: 

• Individual merit as shown within an application
• Financial hardship that undertaking study or projects proposed may incur on an applicant and/or their family

Consequently, full information of financial circumstances is required including details of applications which have been made to other organisations and Trusts and also, where relevant, of Local Education Authority Awards, Career Development loans and Student loans. Applicants are expected to take advantage of the maximum amounts of Career Development Loans or Student Loans available to them.