SIXTH-formers and undergraduates from South Gloucestershire will be eligible for bursaries of up to £2,000 starting in October.

Applications for the RW Barnes Bursary Fund are now open for young people reading maths, physics and engineering or about to start a degree in these subjects with a cut-off date of August 3.

Priority will be given to those attending or about to attend Bath, Imperial College London, and Cambridge universities.

Students’ home addresses will need to be within a 40-mile radius of Frome in order for them to be considered for the bursary.

The fund was established in 2006 by a local donor through the Quartet Community Foundation to provide opportunities for youths who may not otherwise have gone to university due to financial constraints.

Jilly Edwards of Quartet Community Foundation said such a grant was invaluable at a time when tuition fees had seen their biggest hike ever. She added that students from families on low incomes or those with no history of higher education were particularly welcome to apply.

"Many undergraduates, especially those from low-income families struggle to meet these costs," she said. "We are delighted to be working with a local donor who has recognised this problem and is targeting his financial assistance at undergraduates. It means students don't have so much financial pressure and can focus more on their studies whilst at university. "

Last academic year £20,300 was awarded to 21 students attending a number of different universities across the country. The bursary can be used to purchase study materials as well as contribute to living expenses.

To find out if you are eligible contact Jilly Edwards on 01225 420300 or email jilly.edwards@quartetcf.org.uk To download guidelines and an application form visit www.quartetcf.org.uk