Vaughan Williams Bursaries, of up to £6,000 each, have been awarded annually since 1984. Bursaries are given to talented students who have been accepted on their first taught Masters’ courses in composition at British universities or conservatoires and who anticipate a career as a professional composer.
Meet the 2024 VW Bursary holders
Entry is open to British or Irish composers, or those who have been resident in the UK for a minimum of three years. Priority is given to composers under the age of 30, though, in exceptional circumstances, composers under the age of 35 may be considered.
Applicants are asked to complete an online registration form; submit three original scores; at least one recording of a performance; a short personal statement and two references – full details are in the guidelines.
- Unfortunately, we are NOT able to support the following:
Courses in TV/film/gaming composition
Courses teaching only electro-acoustic composition
Performance courses or courses where composition is not the sole focus
Research courses centred on musicology or analysis
PhDs
Courses outside the UK
HOW TO APPLY
Bursary Applications for 2025-6 courses will reopen in December 2024. If you are interested in applying in the future please read our guidelines which detail the application process.
