Bursaries and scholarships
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WSET's UK bursary scheme
Our UK bursary scheme is managed by The Drinks Trust.
The Drinks Trust offer practical support to individuals in the drinks industry experiencing financial hardship through its DEVELOP programme. As part of the programme, our bursary scheme helps remove financial barriers for UK-based students who want to begin and sustain a long-term career in the hospitality industry through taking a WSET qualification. Funding is available for WSET Levels 1-3 Award in Wines, Spirits and Sake, and Levels 1-2 Award in Beer.
WSET’s US bursary scheme
Our US bursary scheme is managed by Women of the Vine & Spirits Scholarships (Americas).
The Women of the Vine & Spirits Foundation WSET Certification Scholarship is designed to elevate and empower women in the beverage alcohol industry by removing financial barriers to professional advancement. Awarding scholarships ranging from $325 up to $8,500, this opportunity helps recipients take the next step in their education journey by covering the cost of Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses.
Whether you're just starting out or ready to deepen your expertise, this scholarship supports WSET Levels 1-2 in Beer, Levels 1-3 in Sake, Levels 1–3 in Spirits and WSET Levels 1–4 in Wines. Applicants must specify their intended WSET Level when applying, as scholarship amounts vary by course level.
WSET SCHOLARSHIPS & BURSARY PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY OTHER ORGANISATIONS
Explore the additional scholarships and bursaries available to support you on your WSET journey. The directory below includes opportunities delivered by our collaborators and local charities across different regions. Click on the programme links below for further details and information on eligibility criteria and how to apply.
DRINKLUSIVE (UK)
DRINKLUSIVE is the drinks industry’s first Inclusivity Mentorship programme aimed at increasing the representation of drinks personalities from all diverse communities. The programme was founded by Aidy Smith and The Three Drinkers and is supported by industry leaders such as Jancis Robinson, Global Brands, WSET, The Independent, London Wine Fair and more.
The Equal Measures Project (UK)
Equal Measures supports marginalised people in the UK drinks industry with access training and career support, including WSET spirits training (Levels 2 and 3), personal licence courses and three-month mentorships with industry leaders.
The programme supports minority ethnic groups, queer and genderqueer people, neurodivergent individuals and others facing systemic barriers.
Women in Beer mentorship (UK)
Founded in 2018, Women in Beer creates safe and inclusive spaces for women to explore and enjoy craft beer. The group organises the Women in Beer Festival (WiB Fest) and offers a mentorship programme connecting newcomers to experienced professionals across hospitality, brewing, marketing, and more. As part of the programme, mentees have the opportunity to take the WSET Level 1 Award Beer.
Restaurant Association of Ireland Bursary
The Restaurants Association of Ireland Benevolent Fund supports individuals facing financial barriers who work in restaurant and hospitality industry in the Republic of Ireland. Through the bursary scheme beneficiaries can apply to take the Level 2 Award in Wines or Spirits.
Roots Fund (USA)
The WSET Spirits Scholarship provides individuals from underrepresented communities with funding for WSET qualifications, tutoring, and mentorship, supporting The Roots Fund’s mission to increase diversity in the spirits industry.
Culinary Apprentice & Scholarship (USA)
In collaboration with Love in the Park charity and Charm City Wine School, the programme offers young adults with access to industry‑recognised wine and beverage certifications through a one‑year culinary apprenticeship programme aimed at building skills, improving employability and supporting long‑term economic mobility. As part of the programme students take the Level 1 Award in Wines.
Pinotage Youth Development Academy (South Africa)
In Stellenbosch, at the heart of South Africa’s wine country, the Pinotage Youth Development Academy (PYDA) helps young people from historically disadvantaged backgrounds gain the skills, confidence and experience needed to thrive in the wine, tourism and related industries.
PYDA’s curriculum combines personal growth, hands-on experience and technical learning including the WSET Level 2 in Wines delivered by local educators at the IWEC.
Angola scholarships
In collaboration between Sogrape Wine Academy, the Gérard Basset Foundation (GBF) and WSET, the Angola scholarships supports the development and career progression of local professionals through accessible, high-quality drinks education.
Courses are delivered in Portuguese and combine preparatory training with the WSET Level 1 Award in Wines, helping participants build knowledge, confidence and practical skills. The programme brings together professionals from across restaurants, hotels and wine retail, creating opportunities for shared learning and industry connection.
Scholarship Support for Women in Uttarakhand (India)
In collaboration with the Green Institute, the initiative empowers young women from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds in Uttarakhand by providing funding for the WSET Level 1 Award in Wine.
The goal of the programme is to remove financial barriers, promote gender equality in the hospitality sector, and prepare female students for global careers in hotels, restaurants and airlines.
The Worshipful Company of Distillers (UK)
The Worshipful Company of Distillers provides the following annual bursaries for WSET spirits qualifications:
- 8 x Level 3 Award in Spirits bursaries
- 12 x Level 2 Award in Spirits bursaries
The Drinks Trust manages these bursaries for The Worshipful Company of Distillers and WSET. Applications are now open.