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Study in UK | Royal College of Arts Scholarships for 2026/27

December 29, 2025 10:53 am

Study in UK | Royal College of Arts Scholarships for 2026/27

For aspiring artists and designers aiming to study at a world-leading institution, significant financial support is available. The Royal College of Art has released its comprehensive scholarship guidance for the 2026/27 academic year, offering multiple funding pathways for postgraduate students. This flexible framework is designed to support talented applicants from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder creative and academic excellence at this prestigious London institution.

A Flexible and Comprehensive Funding Structure

RCA scholarships provide various levels of support tailored to student circumstances. The available funding options include:

Full Tuition Fees + Maintenance: Complete coverage of academic costs plus a contribution towards living expenses.
Full Tuition Fee Coverage: A full waiver of all course fees.
Tuition Fee Discounts: A partial reduction of overall study costs.
Maintenance-Only Awards: Financial support specifically for living costs.

Furthermore, the RCA participates in the prestigious GREAT Scholarships programme, offering two awards valued at £10,000 each as a tuition fee discount for eligible one-year Master’s students from India and Turkey.

Two Primary Routes to Funding

Understanding the application route is key to securing support.

1. Academic Merit Scholarships

This route requires no separate application. If you apply for an RCA postgraduate programme in Round 1 or Round 2 of admissions, the college automatically considers you for merit-based awards. The decision is based solely on the strength of your programme application—your portfolio, personal statement, and interview performance. Successful candidates receive their scholarship decision alongside their offer of admission.

2. Financial Need & Under-Represented Group Scholarships

These awards are for applicants facing financial hardship or structural barriers to education. To apply, you must first hold an offer to study at the RCA. Eligibility is demonstrated through circumstances such as:

Receipt of means-tested government benefits or student finance.
Experience of unavoidable financial hardship.
Living with a disability or chronic health condition.
Holding refugee, asylum, or humanitarian protection status.
Being care-experienced or having primary caring responsibilities.

The Step-by-Step Application Timeline

Securing funding follows a clear, structured process aligned with RCA admissions:

Apply for Your RCA Programme: First, you must submit a complete application for your chosen Master’s programme in Round 1 or Round 2 of the admissions cycle.
Receive Your Programme Offer: Once you hold an offer of admission, the RCA will invite you via email to complete a single, unified scholarship application in Spring 2026.
Submit the Unified Scholarship Form: This one application automatically assesses your eligibility for all relevant scholarships, including merit, need-based, and GREAT awards.
Await the Outcome: Decisions for financial need and GREAT Scholarships are typically communicated from late May 2026.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

How to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application

A strategic approach significantly increases your chances. For merit-based consideration, invest exceptional effort in your programme application portfolio and statements, as these documents serve as your scholarship submission. If applying for need-based support, use the personal statement section of the scholarship form to clearly and compellingly explain your circumstances, your preparation for study, and the transformative impact the award would have on your career and community.

The RCA’s scholarship programme demonstrates a deep commitment to making world-class art and design education accessible. By understanding the routes, preparing a standout programme application, and thoughtfully completing the unified scholarship form, you can unlock the financial support needed to launch your creative future in London. For the most detailed and up-to-date information, always refer to the official RCA Scholarships and Awards page.