Scholarships and Bursaries

Each year, two students who have previously musically developed through an RNCM Engage project (RNCM’s under 18s programmes) are nominated to receive a 4-year continuing award for the duration of their study.

In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, the RNCM is offering three scholarships to students applying for postgraduate courses in music – one to students in India, one to students in Italy and one to students in the United States of America.

The GREAT Scholarships 2027 programme, launched by the British Council together with over 75 UK universities, supports postgraduate students from Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Germany, Ghana, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, USA and Vietnam in accessing world-class UK higher education opportunities.

The scholarship programme offers financial support of a minimum of £10,000 to students pursuing one-year postgraduate study in the UK. Students can apply for courses in a range of subjects, at over 75 institutions across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Students from India, Italy and USA, with a high level of performing/composition ability are welcome to apply for the Master of Music (Intensive), Master of Performance (Intensive) and Postgraduate Diploma: Advanced Studies programme via UCAS Conservatoires and follow the audition process. Applicants are automatically considered for this scholarship based on ability and potential demonstrated at audition.

Please note that applicants must be permanent residents and passport holders of India, Italy or USA.

For more information on the GREAT Scholarships 2027, please visit Study UK.

This dedicated fund supports students who have been displaced inside or have been forced to leave their home country within the last 3 years due to armed conflict or persecution.

These awards are offered to selected Cumbrian students from any year to receive financial support for one year, funded by the Benny Walker Foundation annually until 2029.

Over £230,000 per year of RNCM research funding is offered to PhD students, including the AHRC-funded Northwest Consortium Doctoral Training Partnership (NWCDTP) funding (3.5 years of UK fees and stipend); competitive AHRC-funded Crafting Care for a Healthy People, Place and Planet Doctoral Focal College (DFC); tuition fees (3.5 year at UK tuition fee rate); annual maintenance; reimbursement of research expenses and opportunities to apply for additional funding. All RNCM postgraduate research students have a yearly allocated research allowance (£125 for part-time and £250 for full-time students).

These scholarships are offered to students on the cusp of international careers, who are studying on the Postgraduate Diploma in Solo Performance/Vocal Studies and Opera (International Artist Diploma). This support can cover the full cost of tuition and is applied automatically for successful applicants to the programme.

The RNCM will act at the guarantor for accommodation within Sir Charles Groves Hall, or other specific residence for care leavers or vulnerable students.

Once graduated, if students are successful in gaining a position as a Junior Fellow, the RNCM has means tested financial support available (including living costs and subsistence) alongside the annual salary for up to 10 Junior Fellows who work for the RNCM for a year.

RNCM audition fee waivers are available for UK applicants who meet any of the following criteria:

• Applicants in receipt of UK government benefits
• Applicants with a combined household income of £35,000 or below
• Applicants who are eligible for free school meals (FSM)
• Applicants who are care leavers
• Applicants in receipt of Disabled Students Allowance (DSA)

UCAS application fee waivers are also available for applicants who have received UK government funded free school meals at any point during their secondary education, and care leavers up to age 26.