International Student Funding
Important information: EU applicants and offer holders starting their studies from September 2021 onwards are now classed as international students and as such, are eligible for international fees.
International students who require a Student Visa must provide proof of sufficient cash funds to pay fees and support living costs. Up-to-date information about this can be found here.
A limited number of RNCM Bursaries are available for International and postgraduate students, allocated on the basis of need and merit. If you’re successful in gaining a Bursary, this will be deducted from your tuition fees, leaving you with a net balance to pay.
Additional country-specific funding may also be available, examples of which are outlined via the tabs below. For full details, visit ukcisa.org.uk.
Australia
The Australian Music Foundation is a charitable organisation that promotes and celebrates Australian musical life, offering scholarships and awards to Australian musicians pursuing their further musical education outside Australia. Applications should be made during April/May.
The Tait Memorial Trust offers awards/grants for postgraduate study, performance opportunities to young Australian musicians and performing artists and general help in the furtherance of their careers while resident in the UK.
Contact:
Mrs I Baring
Chairman
4/80 Elm Park Gardens
London
SW10 9PD
T 020 7351 0561
Canada
Most Canadian provinces offer some financial support if you are studying full-time outside the province.
The Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund (CCSF) provides awards ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 to Canadian men and women for academic and artistic study in the UK.
The Canada Council offers a broad range of grants and services to professional Canadian artists and arts organizations.
Global Education Management Services (GEMS) private loan assistance is available through GEMS in conjunction with the Royal Bank of Canada.
The Hnatyshyn Foundation is a private charity established by the late Right Honourable Ramon John Hnatyshyn, Canada’s twenty-fourth Governor General. Each year the Developing Artists Grants programme provides eight $10,000 scholarships to exceptional young Canadians in post-secondary performing arts training programmes.
Quebec, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut offer their own student financial assistance programs.
China
Please visit the China Scholarship Council for information on funding options.
Germany
There are various funding bodies open to German students wishing to study in the UK, including: Studienstiftung des deutschen volkes and Cartellverband der katholischen deutchen Studentebverbindungen
India
Private loan assistance for Indian students is available through Global Education Management Services (GEMS). The application form is available on the GEMS website, and all applicants will require an Indian relative as co-signer, with assets in India.
USA
Full information about US Loans and all supporting material can be found here.
Ireland
The Arts Council of Ireland is a useful start to exploring funding sources.
Spain
British Spanish Society: grants are available to students of either UK or Spanish nationality and are awarded for postgraduate studies in any discipline including any field related to the work of the Societies Principal Supporters who generously fund the scholarships. Applications are invited for four Scholarships of the order of £4,500, with a likely maximum of £5,000.
Turkey
The Dr Nejat Eczacibasi Foundation offers scholarship opportunities for prospective postgraduate students from Turkey.
Additional RNCM Funding
The RNCM provides and facilitates additional support and services for its students, including those listed below.
If you require any specific advice about any area of financial support, please contact Adam Croucher, Deputy Head of Registry, at [email protected].
Access to Learning Fund
The RNCM has a dedicated fund specifically for students who, without support, may have to withdraw or interrupt their studies. The support is non-repayable and will not affect statutory support. Applications should be made directly to Adam Croucher, Deputy Head of Registry.
Medical Bursaries
The RNCM has a dedicated fund specifically for students who have physical or mental health issues whilst studying. Applications and information can be sought from Jane Gray, Assistant Head of Registry (Wellbeing).