Study Art and Design in the UK: Apply now for the fully funded Royal College of Arts (RCA) Scholarship 2026/27
Are you a creative individual dreaming of honing your craft at the world's leading art and design university? If so, the Royal College of Arts (RCA) Scholarship programme for the 2026/27 academic year is an opportunity that should be explored. The scholarship programme is growing significantly, with over 400 financial awards available to support the next generation of artists and designers.
These awards are designed to support students with financial needs as well as those from underrepresented groups, including students with disabilities and those with refugee or asylum seeker status. Furthermore, this initiative ensures that the most talented individuals can pursue their education regardless of their financial background. Consequently, if you are looking to study in London on a scholarship, the RCA offers a diverse range of funding options.
Scholarship Details at a Glance
- Host Country: United Kingdom (UK)
- University: Royal College of Arts (RCA)
- Academic Year: 2026/27
- Number of Awards: Over 400
- Target Group: International Students (Specifically India & Turkey for certain awards), Underrepresented Groups
- Deadline: Dependent on Admission Rounds
Comprehensive Financial Benefits
The RCA offers a variety of scholarship tiers to assist students. The specific benefits are determined based on the type of scholarship awarded and the student's financial need.
- Full Funding: Some scholarships cover full fee payment plus a contribution to living costs.
- Fee Waivers: Full fee payment or partial fee payment options are available.
- Living Support: Contributions towards living costs are also provided in certain categories.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2026 Royal College of Arts Scholarship, specific criteria must be met by the applicants.
- Admission Offer: You must hold a Round 1 or Round 2 offer for a one-year taught Master’s programme at the RCA.
- Nationality: For specific international scholarships under this scheme, applicants must be passport holders of India or Turkey.
- Fee Status: Applicants must be classified as Overseas fee-paying students.
- Diversity: The programme strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
Required Documents
The documentation required varies depending on the specific scholarship. However, most applications will require the following:
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Short Statements: Applicants are required to provide short statements (approx. 150 words each) covering:
- Your background.
- Your financial planning.
- The potential benefits of the scholarship for you.
- Your future career goals.
- Note: Specific requirements will be made available on the website under each opportunity.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
The application process is integrated with the admission procedures of the college.
- Check Eligibility: First, visit the university’s scholarship website to select the available scholarships and ensure your eligibility.
- Apply for a Course: Next, you must apply for your desired Master’s or PhD program and submit your full application.
- Assessment: Applicants will be marked against the criteria for the different scholarships available.
- Matching: You will be matched to a scholarship based on your score.
- Notification: If you are awarded an academic merit scholarship, you will be informed alongside your official RCA offer.