Personal/Industry Development Bursary

1. Purpose of the Bursary

• To support individual development: Provide financial assistance for members to pursue professional certifications, advanced training, or higher education in highway engineering or related fields.
• To advance the industry: Encourage members to undertake innovative research, pilot projects, or knowledge-sharing initiatives that can shape the future of highway engineering.
• To promote inclusivity: Provide opportunities for members from underrepresented backgrounds or those facing financial barriers to access development opportunities.

2. Bursary amount

An amount between £1,000 and £20,000 is available depending on requirements. Any awards of more than £5,000 will be subject to the approval of IHE Board. 

3. Expected outcomes

The bursary aims to achieve the following: 

• Empower individuals to excel in their careers, driving innovation and excellence within the highway engineering profession.
• Foster advancements in the industry, such as improved sustainability practices, smart infrastructure solutions, and enhanced safety measures.
• Create a culture of lifelong learning and development within IHE, encouraging members to continuously enhance their expertise.

4. Scope of Funding

The bursary may cover costs such as: 

• Tuition fees for accredited courses, certifications, or degrees.
• Costs associated with research activities or pilot projects (e.g., materials, software).
• Attendance at national/international conferences or workshops.
• Developmental activities such as mentorship programs or leadership training.

5. Eligibility Criteria

• IHE Members: Individuals who are active members of the IHE at any membership grade (e.g. Associate, Member, Fellow).
• Must be a member for at least six months prior to application.
• Applicants pursuing activities aligned with one or more of the following:
  • Professional development (e.g. training courses, or certifications).
  • Research projects or innovative initiatives in highway engineering.
  • Development of skills to address emerging challenges in the industry (e.g., sustainability, digital transformation, smart infrastructure).
  • Financial Need: Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating financial need or those from underrepresented sectors of the profession.

6. Application Process

• Candidates should submit a detailed proposal (max 1,500 words) outlining the intended use and expected impact of the bursary.   
• For research / developmental opportunities, a business case (see IHE template) may be used as additional supplementary information.  
• Evidence of any outlay costs required (eg. training/course details, quotations, price lists, calculation sheets etc).
• Provide a timeline for expected outcomes upon receiving/implementation of the bursary.
• Upload CPD records for the previous 24 months.
• Upload supporting statements from two sponsors to verify candidate’s commitment to the profession. 

7. Assessment Criteria

Applications will be assessed based on the following: 

• the extent to which the proposed activity supports the applicant’s professional development in highway engineering or a related field;
• the relevance and quality of the proposed course, certification, training, research, project, or other development activity;
• the likely benefit of the proposed activity to the IHE and wider highway engineering profession, including its potential to advance knowledge, innovation, or good practice;
• the applicant’s commitment and ability to share learning or outcomes for the benefit of the IHE and others in the sector;
• the extent to which the bursary would address financial barriers or improve access to development opportunities;
• the contribution the award would make to promoting inclusivity and widening participation within the profession; and
• the overall feasibility, value for money, and likely impact of the proposal.

8. Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals and academics from the IHE Board.   

Award decisions will be based on the assessment criteria above. The decision of the panel is final. 

For awards over £5,000, full Board approval will be sought.  

9. Terms and Conditions

Bursary recipients must: 

• Use the funds solely for the approved purpose outlined in their application.
• Provide receipts or evidence of expenditure where applicable.
• Submit a report within six months of completion, detailing how the funding contributed to their development or the advancement of the industry.
• Where applicable, present their findings, projects, or developmental outcomes at IHE events or through articles published in the IHE journal.
• You must be a member of the IHE for at least six months prior to application.
• Applicants agree that, if awarded a bursary, the IHE may use their name and details of their bursary application for the purposes of announcing, publicising, and promoting the bursary award, including on its website, newsletters, press releases, and social media channels.

The IHE reserves the right to discharge all or part of a bursary award by making payment directly to a training provider, supplier, or other relevant third party for approved training, materials, goods, equipment, or services. 

The deadline for submissions is Friday 9th October 2026 at 5pm. 

Failure to comply with these terms may result in recovery of the bursary funds. 

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