WE HAVE CURRENTLY SUSPENDED APPLICATIONS TO THE TRAVEL BURSARY SCHEME. WE WILL REOPEN ON 01 NOVEMBER 2026 TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR A 06 JANUARY 2027 DEADLINE. PLEASE ALLOW 8 WEEKS FROM THE CLOSING DATE FOR YOUR APPLICATION TO BE REVIEWED: THE EARLIEST TRAVEL THAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED WOULD THEREFORE BE 06 MARCH 2027.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Escalation in the Middle East has caused widespread travel disruption, including airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and concurrent increases in air fares. If you are a current Merlin, your travel plans may be affected, even if your destination is not in the Middle East. Please check the latest updates from your airline/travel operator before travelling, review your travel insurance for coverage, monitor local/international media for the latest information, and sign up for travel advice email alerts. Do check with the FCDO website for the latest updates: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice.