Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded)

7 Powerful Reasons to Apply for the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded)

Are you a talented music student dreaming of studying at one of the world’s most prestigious conservatoires — fully funded? You are in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded), including who qualifies, what it covers, how to get considered, and expert tips to improve your chances. Latest update: this guide is reviewed and refreshed annually so the information you are reading is always current.

What Is the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music?

The Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded) is one of the most prestigious and competitive music scholarships in the United Kingdom, awarded annually to up to 12 exceptional music students at the Royal Academy of Music (RAM) in London. The Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music covers full tuition fees and maintenance costs, making it a truly fully funded award for the most talented and financially deserving candidates. Each year, the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded) is awarded on the basis of merit and financial need, assessed automatically following the annual auditions — so no separate scholarship application is required. The Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate (master’s) students, and the programme has grown into a globally recognised network that continues to support scholars well beyond graduation. If you are searching for the latest update on the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded), this is the most comprehensive guide currently available.

The Royal Academy of Music, founded in 1822, is the UK’s oldest conservatoire and one of the most celebrated music institutions in the world. It is currently open to applications each year from students across the globe who meet the admissions standards for their chosen programme. The Bicentenary Scholarship was established to ensure that the most gifted musicians — regardless of financial background — can access world-class training at the Academy. Each year, scholars are selected not just for technical brilliance but for the potential to shape the future of music on an international stage.

Quick Facts: Bicentenary Scholarship at a Glance

Detail	Information
Scholarship Name	Bicentenary Scholarship
Host Institution	Royal Academy of Music (RAM), London
Funding Type	Fully Funded
Award Value	Full tuition + maintenance fees
Number of Awards	Up to 12 scholarships per year
Study Level	Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Master’s)
Eligibility	Merit and financial need
Separate Application Required?	No — automatically considered after audition
Audition Deadline	Annually (check RAM website for current cycle)
Official Website	ram.ac.uk
Location	London, United Kingdom
Frequency	Awarded each year

What Does the Bicentenary Scholarship Cover?

The Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music is fully funded in the most comprehensive sense of that phrase. It is not a partial award or a fee reduction — it is a complete financial package designed to remove every barrier standing between a gifted musician and a world-class education. Here is a detailed breakdown of what scholars receive each year:

Full Tuition Fee Coverage

The scholarship can include a complete waiver of tuition fees for the duration of the scholar’s programme at RAM. This is a significant benefit, given that tuition at RAM is substantial — particularly for international students.

Maintenance Fees and Living Cost Support

Beyond tuition, the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded) also covers maintenance costs, helping scholars manage their day-to-day living expenses in London. This is what separates a truly fully funded scholarship from one that merely reduces tuition.

Bespoke Career Development Opportunities

What makes the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music uniquely powerful is the range of professional development opportunities bundled into the award. These include:

A professional recording session — an invaluable asset for building a music career
Enhanced personal tuition with globally renowned performers
Access to high-profile performance and collaboration opportunities
Invitations to exclusive artistic events and masterclasses

Membership in the Bicentenary Network

Each year, scholars are welcomed into the Bicentenary network — a global community of past and present scholars that provides ongoing support, international collaboration, and artistic development opportunities long after graduation. There is an annual reunion, alternating between London and Italy, for all past and present scholars and students of the Bicentenary Scholarship Programme and the Mascarade Emerging Artists Programme.

Post-Graduation Support

The network continues to support scholars and artists after graduation, as they shape their careers and begin to make their mark on the music industry. This ongoing community is one of the most underrated benefits of the award.

Who Is Eligible for the Bicentenary Scholarship at RAM?

Understanding the eligibility criteria for the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded) is essential before you begin your journey. The good news is that eligibility is relatively straightforward — but competition is extraordinarily fierce.

Core Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the Bicentenary Scholarship each year, you must:

Be an enrolled or newly admitted student at the Royal Academy of Music. Exchange or Study Abroad students are not eligible for scholarship support.
Be studying at the undergraduate or postgraduate (master’s) level in a music performance or composition-related degree or diploma programme.
Demonstrate both merit (outstanding musical ability assessed at audition) and financial need (assessed by the scholarship board).
Have completed the RAM admissions process, including a live audition or a video audition submission.

What About PhD Students?

The Bicentenary Scholarship is primarily targeted at undergraduate and master’s-level students. Students pursuing PhD or advanced research degrees at RAM may be considered for other scholarship and bursary programmes. Check the RAM scholarships page for the latest update on doctoral funding opportunities each year.

International Students

International students are eligible to be considered for the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded). RAM is currently open to students from over 60 countries, and the scholarship board assesses all candidates who go through the audition process on an equal footing. However, international students must also meet RAM’s English language proficiency requirements and any relevant visa conditions.

Key Admission Requirements

For undergraduate applicants, RAM typically requires a strong performance background including Grade 8 or DipABRSM in ABRSM examinations and an International Baccalaureate equivalent qualification. For postgraduate (master’s) applicants, a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (or equivalent) and a relevant first degree in music are required. All applicants must submit two references and, where applicable, evidence of English language proficiency.

Note on Renewability

Scholarship awards are not automatically renewed if your course is extended for an extra year. Students who progress normally through their programme, however, retain their award for the standard duration of the course.

How to Apply for the Bicentenary Scholarship at RAM

This is where many prospective scholars are pleasantly surprised: there is no separate application for the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded). The process is integrated into the standard admissions journey.

Step 1: Apply to the Royal Academy of Music

Undergraduate applicants apply through the UCAS Conservatoires portal. The application fee is approximately £100 to UCAS Conservatoires plus the UCAS registration fee. Postgraduate applicants apply directly through RAM’s own admissions system. Applications typically open in the autumn each year for the following academic cycle.

Step 2: Complete Your Audition

All scholarship candidates are considered automatically following the annual auditions. The audition is the primary mechanism through which the scholarship board evaluates merit. Auditions can be conducted live in London or submitted as a video recording for international applicants who cannot travel. Composers are assessed on the basis of their second-round interview rather than a performance audition.

Step 3: Be Automatically Considered

Once you have auditioned and been offered a place at RAM, you are automatically assessed for scholarship eligibility. There is no additional form to complete. The scholarship board reviews all admitted students against both their audition performance and their financial circumstances.

Step 4: Receive Your Offer

After auditioning, you may be offered a place — either with or without a scholarship. If you receive a Bicentenary Scholarship offer, it will be included in your formal offer letter from RAM. All international students and UK/EU postgraduates are also invited to apply for additional financial assistance through the bursary process if scholarship funding is not awarded.

Important Annual Deadlines to Watch

The audition deadline for undergraduate applicants typically falls in early October each year via UCAS Conservatoires, while postgraduate (master’s) audition dates are usually scheduled between November and March annually. Always check the RAM website for the latest update on current deadlines, as these shift slightly from year to year.

Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music Fully Funded — RAM building in London.

Bicentenary Scholarship vs. Other RAM Scholarships

The Royal Academy of Music offers several scholarship programmes each year. Here is how the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded) compares to other major awards at RAM:

Feature	Bicentenary Scholarship	ABRSM Scholarship	Hans Keller Scholarship	Sony Music UK SGJF Scholarship
Funding Level	Fully funded (tuition + maintenance)	Fully funded	Varies	Varies
Awards Per Year	Up to 12	6 (2 international, 2 UK, 2 EU)	1	2
Study Level	Undergraduate + Master’s	Undergraduate + Master’s	Postgraduate	Postgraduate
Basis	Merit + Financial Need	Merit + Nationality criteria	Merit	Social Justice criteria
Network Benefits	Yes (Bicentenary Network)	No	No	No
Career Dev. Included	Yes (recordings, masterclasses)	No	No	No
Post-Graduation Support	Yes	No	No	No
Separate Application	No	No	No	No
For International Students	Yes	Yes (specific quota)	Yes	Yes

As the table shows, the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded) stands out not only for the value of its financial award but for the ecosystem of career development and long-term network support it provides — benefits that no other RAM scholarship currently matches.

7 Powerful Reasons This Scholarship Can Transform Your Music Career

1. It Is Genuinely Fully Funded

Unlike many scholarships labelled “fully funded” that only cover partial tuition, the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music covers both tuition fees and maintenance, giving scholars real financial freedom to focus entirely on their craft.

2. No Extra Application Needed

Every student who auditions and is admitted to RAM is automatically considered. This removes a significant administrative burden and ensures that no deserving candidate misses out simply because they did not know a separate form existed.

3. Access to World-Class Training at Britain’s Oldest Conservatoire

RAM has been shaping the world’s finest musicians since 1822. Scholars have access to unparalleled faculty, facilities, and performance opportunities in one of the most vibrant music cities in the world.

4. A Professional Recording as Part of the Award

Few scholarships worldwide include a professional recording as a core benefit. For emerging musicians, a high-quality recording is an essential career tool — and the Bicentenary Scholarship delivers one as standard.

5. Personal Tuition with Globally Renowned Performers

The enhanced one-on-one tuition that comes with the scholarship goes far beyond what standard RAM students receive. Being mentored directly by globally recognised artists at this early career stage is a rare and transformative opportunity.

6. Membership in an International Alumni Network

Scholars become part of the Bicentenary network — a community of exceptional musicians that spans continents. The annual reunion, alternating between London and Italy, keeps this network active and mutually supportive year after year.

7. Career Support That Outlasts Your Studies

The Bicentenary network does not dissolve at graduation. It continues to support scholars as they build careers in the music industry, offering connections, collaboration, and advocacy that money simply cannot buy.

[Image Prompt 3: A student receiving a scholarship certificate or award at a formal ceremony inside a prestigious concert hall, representing the prestige of the Bicentenary Scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music. Alt text: “Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music Fully Funded — award ceremony at RAM London.”]

The Bicentenary Network: What Happens After You Win

One of the most underappreciated aspects of the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded) is what happens after you graduate. Many scholarships end the moment your studies conclude. The Bicentenary Scholarship is different.

Each year, all past and present scholars are invited to the annual reunion — an event that alternates between London and Italy. This gathering is not ceremonial; it is an active professional network where collaborations are forged, performance opportunities shared, and careers advanced. The Mascarade Emerging Artists Programme, which is linked to the Bicentenary network, extends this community further into the early career stages of its members.

The programme’s Principal, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, has written about the vision behind the Bicentenary network: to create a generational community of exceptional musicians who uplift one another as they rise. For scholars entering competitive international music markets, this network is not just nice to have — it is career-defining.

Tips to Strengthen Your Chances

Winning the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music is as much about your audition performance as it is about your financial circumstances. Since there is no separate scholarship application, all your energy should be directed toward one goal: delivering the most compelling audition possible. Here are practical strategies:

Prepare for Your Audition as if It Is Your Most Important Performance

It is. The audition is the only mechanism through which the scholarship board evaluates your merit. Every detail — programme selection, technical precision, interpretive depth, and stage presence — contributes to the assessment.

Demonstrate Financial Need Honestly and Clearly

The Bicentenary Scholarship is awarded on merit and financial need. Ensure that when you complete your admissions paperwork, you are honest and detailed about your financial circumstances. The scholarship board cannot consider need it is not aware of.

Apply Early in the Admissions Cycle

RAM processes auditions on a rolling basis each year. Applying earlier in the admissions cycle typically means earlier audition dates and more time for the scholarship board to consider your candidacy before funding allocations are finalised.

Research the Academy Thoroughly Before Your Audition

Demonstrating that you understand RAM’s unique culture, repertoire expectations, and faculty during your audition and interview will signal to assessors that you are not just talented — you are genuinely committed to studying at this institution specifically.

Seek Feedback from Previous Auditions

If you have auditioned at conservatoires before, use every piece of feedback you have received. The RAM audition panel values artistic growth as much as technical polish.

Consider Applying at Both Undergraduate and Master’s Levels

The Bicentenary Scholarship is currently open to students at both levels. If you are a strong candidate at the master’s level who was not awarded a scholarship at the undergraduate level, the award remains available to you in a subsequent application cycle.

What People Also Ask

What is the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music?

The Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music is a fully funded scholarship awarded each year to up to 12 students at the Royal Academy of Music in London. It covers full tuition and maintenance fees, plus career development benefits including a professional recording and enhanced personal tuition with internationally renowned performers.

Is the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music fully funded?

Yes. The Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded) covers full tuition fees and maintenance costs. It is one of the most comprehensive music scholarships available in the United Kingdom.

How do I apply for the Bicentenary Scholarship?

There is no separate application for the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music. All students who audition and are admitted to a qualifying programme at RAM are automatically considered for scholarship eligibility. You simply apply to RAM in the normal way and complete your audition.

How many Bicentenary Scholarships are awarded each year?

Up to 12 Bicentenary Scholarships are awarded each year. The scholarship programme is offered to up to 12 students annually on the basis of merit and financial need.

Can international students apply for the Bicentenary Scholarship?

Yes. International students are eligible for the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded). RAM is currently open to students from over 60 countries, and all auditioned students are assessed for scholarship eligibility equally.

What study levels does the Bicentenary Scholarship cover?

The Bicentenary Scholarship is available at both undergraduate and postgraduate (master’s) levels. Students at the PhD level are not directly eligible for this award but may be considered for other RAM funding opportunities.

When is the deadline for the Bicentenary Scholarship?

There is no standalone scholarship deadline. The scholarship is awarded based on the standard RAM audition cycle, which occurs each year. The RAM application deadline via UCAS Conservatoires typically falls in early October for undergraduate applicants, with postgraduate auditions scheduled from November to March. Always check RAM’s official website for the latest update on current deadlines.

Does the Bicentenary Scholarship renew each year?

Scholarship awards are not automatically renewed if a student’s course is extended beyond its standard duration. Students who complete their programme within the standard timeframe retain their award for the entire period.

What happens after you receive the Bicentenary Scholarship?

Upon receiving the Bicentenary Scholarship, scholars gain access to full tuition and maintenance funding, a professional recording, enhanced tuition, and membership in the Bicentenary network. Each year, scholars attend an annual reunion — alternating between London and Italy — and continue to receive network support after graduation.

Is there a GPA requirement for the Bicentenary Scholarship?

There is no publicly stated minimum GPA. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of audition merit and financial need. For postgraduate (master’s) admission to RAM, a minimum GPA of approximately 3.0 out of 4.0 is required, but scholarship selection within the admitted pool is merit- and need-based rather than GPA-based.

If you are a music student or performing arts scholar exploring fully funded opportunities, these related resources on LicensureHub.com will help you build a strong scholarship portfolio:

Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships — Browse all currently open undergraduate scholarship opportunities updated regularly on LicensureHub.
Master’s Degree Scholarships — A curated list of fully funded master’s degree scholarships available each application cycle worldwide.
PhD Scholarships — Fully funded doctoral scholarships for researchers and academics, updated annually.
NHS Scholarship Guide — A complete guide to NHS scholarship funding for UK-based healthcare and related students.
DAAD Hilde Domin Scholarship — A fully funded scholarship available to music and creative arts students nominated by German institutions — a strong complementary option for performing arts applicants.
Scholarship Mastery: 7 Powerful Secrets to Win Fully Funded Scholarships — The ultimate strategic guide to finding, applying for, and winning fully funded scholarships every cycle.

For the most accurate, current information on the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded), consult the following authoritative and official sources:

Royal Academy of Music — Official Scholarships and Bursaries Page (DoFollow): The definitive source for all scholarship information, current audition deadlines, and disbursement details. Visit: https://www.ram.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships-and-bursaries
UCAS Conservatoires — Official Application Portal: The official portal through which all undergraduate conservatoire applications in the UK are submitted, including applications to RAM. Visit: https://www.ucas.com/conservatoires
Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM): The official grading and examination body whose qualifications are referenced in RAM admission requirements. Visit: https://www.abrsm.org

Final Thoughts

The Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded) is one of the most powerful fully funded music scholarships in the world. Each year, up to 12 exceptional students are given not just financial support but a complete launchpad: full tuition, maintenance funding, professional recording opportunities, world-class personal tuition, and lifetime membership in an international network of outstanding musicians.

What makes this scholarship uniquely accessible is that there is no separate application. Every student who auditions and earns admission to RAM is automatically considered. Your audition is your scholarship application. That means every hour of preparation you invest in your RAM audition is simultaneously an investment in your scholarship candidacy.

If you are a talented undergraduate or master’s music student with the drive to study at Britain’s oldest and most celebrated conservatoire, the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music is currently open — and it is waiting for someone exactly like you.

Start your RAM application today. Prepare your audition relentlessly. And take the first step toward a music career funded at the highest level.

This guide is reviewed and updated annually to reflect the latest information on the Bicentenary Scholarship at Royal Academy of Music (Fully Funded). Bookmark this page and check back each year for the latest update.