Vaughan Williams Scholarships of up to £8,000 each for postgraduate composition study will be awarded in 2025/6. They replace the Vaughan Williams Bursaries previously given only for Masters studies.
These scholarships are open to applicants who demonstrate exceptional compositional talent and who are intending to make composition their professional career. Scholarships are awarded towards the costs of study of a taught Masters course or PhD in composition at UK universities or conservatoires.
These are one-off scholarships and are not renewable. Entry is open to British or Irish composers, or those who have been resident in the UK for a minimum of three years. There is no age limit on applicants. Because of demand on our resources, we can not accept applications from previous Vaughan Williams Bursary recipients. Read 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
Courses outside the UK
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for the 2025-6 Vaughan Williams Scholarships are now closed. Applications for 26-27 will open in December 2026.
Before making your application you should read the full guidelines.
Application is a three part process:
1 Register
Register your application. The online registration form includes a 250 word personal statement and an online link to at least one recording of a performance. Once your registration form is submitted you will receive an email with a personal link to complete part two of your application: the upload of your scores and references.
2 Referees
Contact your referees immediately and ask them to upload their references. Please send them the upload link provided in your registration email and include the following instructions: “References must include the name; email address and phone contact of the referee and be in either pdf or MS Word formats. Reference file names should include the applicant’s name followed by the last name of the referee. References are confidential and should be personally uploaded by the referee and not the applicant.”
3 Upload
Upload your three scores and any other supporting information requested.
