ABRSM Scholarships

ABRSM Scholarships are need-based and merit-based awards funded by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM), providing partial to full tuition for outstanding musicians studying at the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music, Royal Northern College of Music, and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. More than 70 scholars benefit from ABRSM funding each year.

How ABRSM Scholarships Work

ABRSM is a UK-registered charity and the world's leading provider of music exams. A portion of its revenue is reinvested into music education through scholarships and bursaries at the four Royal Schools of Music. The scholarships are administered directly by each institution, not by ABRSM itself.

The four participating schools are:

• Royal Academy of Music (RAM): Offers ABRSM-funded scholarships for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Auditions for 2026 and 2027 entry are currently open, and every applicant is automatically considered for scholarship funding.
• Royal College of Music (RCM): Every student applying for a performance or composition course commencing in 2026 or 2027 is considered for a scholarship, whether auditioning in person or by video.
• Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM): Offers ABRSM bursaries alongside other named scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
• Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS): Provides ABRSM-supported funding for students in performance, composition, and academic music programs.

ABRSM also funds a separate scholarship at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, supporting students across all four years of undergraduate study.

Eligibility

Eligibility varies by institution, but common requirements include:

• Acceptance into a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate program at one of the four Royal Schools
• Demonstrated musical excellence through audition
• Financial need (for bursary components)
• Open to both UK/EU and international students, though funding amounts may differ

Real-World Example

A violinist accepted into the Royal College of Music's Bachelor of Music program for 2026 entry would be automatically considered for an ABRSM scholarship during the audition process. If awarded, the scholarship could cover a substantial portion of the annual tuition fee, which for international students at RCM exceeds GBP 30,000 per year. A UK student receiving a full ABRSM bursary could see their entire tuition covered, reducing their annual costs to living expenses only.

The first ABRSM scholarship was awarded in 2012 to seventeen-year-old Andy Chung Hok-Chun, who received funding for all four years of his undergraduate studies at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you are a serious musician planning to study in the UK, applying to one of the four Royal Schools automatically puts you in contention for ABRSM funding. You do not submit a separate ABRSM application. The key is to perform well in your audition and clearly communicate your financial need through each school's financial aid process.

For international students, the savings can be significant. UK conservatoire tuition for non-UK students ranges from GBP 25,000 to GBP 35,000 per year. A partial ABRSM scholarship of 50% reduces your annual cost by roughly GBP 15,000, and a full scholarship eliminates tuition entirely.

Start preparing your audition repertoire at least 12 months before the application deadline. Contact the admissions office of your target school to confirm ABRSM scholarship consideration and ask about additional bursary opportunities.

Related Opportunities

• ASCAP Foundation Scholarships for songwriters and composers in the US
• Music Scholarships Directory for the full list of funding opportunities
• Performing Rights Organizations Directory to understand how PROs support musicians
• Streaming Royalty Calculator to estimate your post-graduation earnings
• Visit the ABRSM Scholarships page for official details