The RCM offers a wide range of scholarships to support both undergraduate and postgraduate students—including international applicants—based on artistic merit and financial need. More than 50% of students receive funding, helping them focus on their music rather than finances Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+8Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+8Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+8.
1. Performance & Composition Scholarships
- Who qualifies? All applicants (undergraduate or postgraduate) auditioning or submitting video auditions/portfolios for performance or composition courses in 2025–26.
- How to apply: No separate application—scholarships are automatically considered during the audition/interview process Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+1Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+1.
- Award notification: You will receive a scholarship award letter (if chosen) within 10 days of your formal offer Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+7Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+7Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+7.
- Payment:
- Postgraduate & international students: Scholarships are deducted from tuition fees.
- UK undergraduates: You can choose to apply awards towards tuition or living costs. Payment starts in September Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+2Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+2Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+2.
2. Undergraduate Bursaries (UK Only)
- Who’s eligible? UK-resident Bachelor of Music students with household income assessed by the Student Loans Company (SLC):
- ≤ £25,000 → £3,000/year
- £25,001–35,000 → £1,500/year
- Care leavers get an extra £1,000 for years 1–3 Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+6Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+6Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+6
- How to apply: No separate bursary application. Just apply for your SLC loan before October Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
- Payment: Awarded in two instalments: November and February (care-leaver top-up in June) Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
3. Black, Asian & Ethnically Diverse Scholarship (UK BMus)
- Target group: UK home-fee BMus applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Award coverage: Full tuition fees each year.
- How to apply: Apply for BMus and audition by October—eligible applicants invited via email Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
- Notification: Award letters sent before Christmas. Payment options mirror undergraduate bursaries Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
4. ABRSM Scholarships (Undergraduate & Postgraduate)
- Awards include:
- UK/EU undergrad → £6,000/year
- UK/EU postgraduate → Full fees covered
- International undergrad/postgrad → Full tuition + £5,000 living stipend Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+1Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+1
- How to apply: No separate application—eligible at audition (Nov–Dec auditions in London) Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
- Notification: Awarded by email ~10 days after offer Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+1Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+1.
5. Doctoral Bursaries & Studentships
- Who’s eligible: Research degree students (PhD/MPhil).
- How to apply: After receiving an offer, apply via the RCM portal.
- Duration: Annual bursaries—up to three years FT (or six years PT) Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+9Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+9Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+9.
- Studentships: Specific doctoral awards may be available; check the RCM research site Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
🚨 Important Deadlines & Notes
- Performance & composition scholarships: Awarded automatically upon audition—no separate deadline.
- Undergrad bursaries: Apply for SLC loan before October each year Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+4Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+4Royal Central School of Speech and Drama+4.
- BASED scholarships (e.g. Black, Asian & Diverse): Auditions by mid/late November.
- ABRSM scholarships: Eligible applicants auditioning in main audition period (Nov–Dec).
- Doctoral applications: Awarded annually—check individual program announcements.
âś… Final Tips
- Audition as early as possible in the main RCM audition window (typically Nov–Dec).
- UK undergrads: Ensure SLC loan application is completed by October to qualify for bursaries.
- No separate apps needed for many awards—just audition or submit academic/portfolio materials.
- International students: These scholarships are open to you; support covers fees and, in some cases, living costs.
- Expect official notification of any scholarships about two weeks after your RCM offer.
đź”— Learn more on the official RCM Scholarships and Awards page:
https://www.rcm.ac.uk/apply/feesandfunding/scholarships/