Vaughan Williams Scholarships of up to £8,000 each for postgraduate composition study will be awarded in June 2026. Read about the 2025 recipients
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, music tech 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 2026 are now closed. Applicants will be contacted in June 2026.
2027 applications will open in December 2026.
Application is a three part process:
1 Registration – complete the registration form
2 Contact Referees
Contact your referees and ask them to upload their references.
3 Upload your scores
Upload three scores, and any other supporting information requested.
