Short Courses Bursary and Scholarships

We want to ensure as many children, young people and adult learners as possible can access the performing and production arts education that is offered through Short Courses at RCS. Please see below for information about our Agnes Allan Bursary and James McAvoy Scholarships which may be able to support you to attend our courses.

Agnes Allan Bursary

We offer financial support to our applicants through the Agnes Allan Bursary which anyone, regardless of age, stage or level of ability, can apply for. The bursary support can be used towards tuition fees for any dance, drama, music, production or filmmaking short course including weekly classes, short study, audition preparation, credit rated courses and summer schools.

James McAvoy Drama Scholarship

The James McAvoy Drama Scholarship is available to support young people (aged 25 or under) residing in Scotland, regardless of level of ability, to access drama or acting short courses including weekly classes, short study, audition preparation, credit rated courses and summer schools.

Short Courses Drama Scholarship

The Drama Scholarship aims to support prospective performers and producers of theatre, television and film as they move towards a formal training, potentially at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

When do I apply?

Applications are now open for courses running in our 2023/2024 academic year. 

Bursary and Scholarship applications are reviewed by a panel once a month. If you are applying for a course which starts within the next 14 days, please continue to complete the online application form and email us at bursaryscholarship@rcs.ac.uk to let us know you have submitted it – we will process the application as soon as we’re able to.

How do I apply?

Students must look at the eligibility and information provided above for the Bursary and Scholarships we offer, and ensure that their situation matches the criteria required. Students are required to complete an online form giving as much information as possible to support their application.

Application forms can be found on the James McAvoy Drama Scholarship and Agnes Allan Bursary pages.

Criteria and Eligibility

Detailed information can be found here in the Short Courses Bursary Criteria 2024. The document is designed to help you determine the amount of financial support you could apply for to help you with your fees for Short Courses tuition, and we encourage you to read this before making an application.

Please also read the Bursary FAQs and T&Cs before you apply. This outlines how your application will be processed and what happens if you are successful or unsuccessful.

Contact us

If you have any further questions about financial support offered by Short Courses, please contact us directly at bursaryscholarship@rcs.ac.uk and we will be happy to help.

Please note that we are a small department who experience a high volume of emails. We aim to respond to all communications within 7 days but it may take a little longer during busier time periods — we appreciate your patience in these instances.