Students who have accepted a place on the BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician, BA Applied and Contemporary Theatre, BA Musical Theatre, and BA Theatre Production programmes will be eligible to apply for this scholarship to the value of £3,000 per year for the 3 years of their undergraduate training at GSA.
Students joining our one-year CertHE programmes in Acting and Musical Theatre will also be eligible to apply for this scholarship to the value of £2000.
These scholarships are to support students from underrepresented groups to study and train at GSA, to attract and retain the very best talent, and in so doing support and nurture emerging artists from all walks of life.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Applicants must be UK/Home students who have accepted a place on the BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician, BA Applied and Contemporary Theatre, BA Musical Theatre, BA Theatre Production, CertHE Foundation Acting or CertHE Foundation Musical Theatres programmes at GSA for the 2024-25 academic year.
- Applicants in receipt of another University or GSA bursary or scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year, may not be considered for one of these bursaries.
- Applicants must fall into at least ONE of the following specific Widening Participation categories to be considered for one of the scholarships. These groups are:
- Areas of high Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Quintile 1 *
- Areas of Low Participation in Higher Education (LPN) POLAR4 Quintile 1 **
- Students from a low-income family (eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years)
- Estranged students
- Care Experienced students
- Young Carers (provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who could not cope without your support)
- Students with a disability
- Students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
- Students from a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater (GRTSB) community Refugee or asylum seeker
- Eligible for the 16-19 bursary
You will also be invited to submit a supporting statement (up to 300 words) which will be taken into account in the selection process.
How to apply
A call for applications will be sent out close to the beginning of the academic year; applications will be reviewed by a panel.
Contact Details: gsascholarships@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
Level: Undergraduate
Subject details: BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician, BA Applied & Contemporary, BA Musical Theatre, BA Theatre Production, CertHE Foundation Acting & CertHE Foundation Musical Theatre
Fee Status: Home
Award Type: Bursary
Students who have accepted a place on the BA Musical Theatre programme will be eligible to apply for this bursary of £2,000 awarded for their first year at GSA. Bursaries are awarded on a combined basis of merit and need. This Scholarship is funded by Stephen Barlow and Julian Woolford.
Eligibility criteria
Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Applicants must be UK/Home students who have accepted a place on the BA Actor-Musician, BA Musical Theatre or BA Theatre Production programmes at GSA for the 2024-25 academic year.
- Applicants in receipt of another University or GSA bursary or scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year, may not be considered for one of these bursaries.
- Applicants must fall into at least ONE of the following specific Widening Participation categories to be considered for one of the scholarships. These groups are:
- Areas of high Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Quintile 1 *
- Areas of Low Participation in Higher Education (LPN) POLAR4 Quintile 1 **
- Students from a low-income family (eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years)
- Estranged students
- Care Experienced students
- Young Carers (provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who could not cope without your support)
- Students with a disability
- Students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
Applicants will also be invited to submit a supporting statement; shortlisted applicants will be invited to audition.
Students who have accepted a place on the BA Actor-Musician, BA Musical Theatre and BA Theatre Production programmes will be eligible to apply for one of two ATG Scholarships each worth £5,000. Scholarships are awarded on a combined basis of merit and need. This Scholarship is funded by the Ambassador Theatre Group; further details on the Foundation’s work may be found here: https://www.atg.co.uk.
Eligibility criteria
Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Applicants must be UK/Home students who have accepted a place on the BA Actor-Musician, BA Musical Theatre or BA Theatre Production programmes at GSA for the 2024-25 academic year.
- Applicants in receipt of another University or GSA bursary or scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year, may not be considered for one of these bursaries.
- Applicants must fall into at least ONE of the following specific Widening Participation categories to be considered for one of the scholarships. These groups are:
- Areas of high Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Quintile 1 *
- Areas of Low Participation in Higher Education (LPN) POLAR4 Quintile 1 **
- Students from a low-income family (eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years)
- Estranged students
- Care Experienced students
- Young Carers (provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who could not cope without your support)
- Students with a disability
- Students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
- Students from a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater (GRTSB) community Refugee or asylum seeker
- Eligible for the 16-19 bursary
You will also be invited to submit a supporting statement (up to 300 words) which will be taken into account in the selection process.
Shortlisted applicants will be further assessed on their performance in an audition or interview with the awarding panel.
How to apply
A call for applications will be sent out close to the beginning of the academic year and shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview/audition with a selection panel.
Contact Details: gsascholarships@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
Level: Undergraduate
Subject details: BA Actor-Musician, BA Musical Theatre, BA Theatre Production.
Fee Status: Home
Award Type: Scholarship
Students enrolled on all programmes at GSA may apply for one of 20 £1,000 bursaries for the 2023-24 academic year. Bursaries are awarded to applicants on the basis of need, widening participation criteria and personal statement. These Bursaries are funded by the Doris and Hilda Farmer Charitable Trust.
Eligibility criteria
Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Applicants must be students (including UK/EU and International) enrolled on a programme of study at GSA for the 2024-25 academic year.
- Applicants in receipt of another University or GSA bursary or scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year, may not be considered for one of these bursaries.
- Applicants must fall into at least ONE of the following specific Widening Participation categories to be considered for one of the scholarships. These groups are:
- Areas of high Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Quintile 1 *
- Areas of Low Participation in Higher Education (LPN) POLAR4 Quintile 1 **
- Students from a low-income family (eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years)
- Estranged students
- Care Experienced students
- Young Carers (provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who could not cope without your support)
- Students with a disability
- Students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
- Students from a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater (GRTSB) community Refugee or asylum seeker
- Eligible for the 16-19 bursary
You will also be invited to submit a supporting statement (up to 300 words) which will be taken into account in the selection process.
How to apply
A call for applications will be sent out close to the beginning of the academic year; applications will be reviewed by a panel.
Contact Details: gsascholarships@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
Level: CertHE, Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Subject details: All GSA subject areas
Fee Status: Home/EU/International
Award Type: Bursary
The Ella Balinska Scholarship is an award of £2,000 to a first-year student on the BA Acting programme from the Global Majority. Applicants will be invited to express an interest in being considered for the Scholarship prior to the start of their course. If you have any queries, please email gsascholarships@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
This Scholarship is offered by GSA graduate, Ella Balinska and is intended to provide support and an affirmation of the student’s right to immerse in actor training as an individual and is designed to offer time for self-reflection, research and deepening understanding of cultural identity and authenticity in relation to training and their craft.
“I hope that this scholarship will be a part of enabling students of the Global Majority to thrive in authenticity. I hope it encourages other students to broaden their knowledge and embrace their cultural influence throughout their training and into their career. Finding our truth as artists starts by having the opportunity to look at ourselves. Through a deeper level of understanding, we can tell real, meaningful stories and honestly reflect the world we live in. As a result, I hope this inspires generations of talent to come; seeing themselves represented throughout the industry." - Ella Balinska.
Students enrolled on all programmes at GSA may apply for one of ten £1,000 bursaries for the 2024-25 academic year. Bursaries are awarded to applicants on the basis of need, widening participation criteria and personal statement. These Bursaries are funded by the Mary Woolfe Charitable Trust.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Applicants must be students (including UK/EU and International) enrolled on a programme of study at GSA for the 2023-24 academic year.
- Applicants in receipt of another University or GSA bursary or scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year, may not be considered for one of these bursaries.
- Applicants must fall into at least ONE of the following specific Widening Participation categories to be considered for one of the scholarships. These groups are:
- Areas of high Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Quintile 1 *
- Areas of Low Participation in Higher Education (LPN) POLAR4 Quintile 1 **
- Students from a low-income family (eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years)
- Estranged students
- Care Experienced students
- Young Carers (provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who could not cope without your support)
- Students with a disability
- Students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
- Students from a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater (GRTSB) community Refugee or asylum seeker
- Eligible for the 16-19 bursary
You will also be invited to submit a supporting statement (up to 300 words) which will be taken into account in the selection process.
How to apply
A call for applications will be sent out close to the beginning of the academic year; applications will be reviewed by a panel.
Contact Details: gsascholarships@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
Level: CertHE, Undergraduate, Postgraduate
Subject details: All GSA subject areas
Fee Status: Home/EU/International
Award Type: Bursary
Students who have accepted a place on the MA Musical Theatre programme or MFA Musical Theatre programme, entering their first year of study in 2024-25, will be invited to apply for a Bursary of £1,000 for the 2024-25 academic year.
Bursaries are awarded on a combined basis of merit and need. This bursary is funded in memory of Ray Cook, musical director, composer, conductor, pianist and arranger for many years in numerous West End shows and composer of several notable film scores.
Eligibility Criteria:
Students who have accepted a place on the MA or MFA Musical Theatre programme will be eligible to apply. Applications will be assessed and prioritised on the following criteria:
- Applicants must be UK/Home students entering their first year on the MA Musical Theatre or MFA Musical Theatre programme for the 2023-24 academic year.
- Applicants in receipt of another University or GSA bursary or scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year, may not be considered for one of these bursaries.
- Applicants must fall into at least ONE of the following specific Widening Participation categories to be considered for one of the scholarships. These groups are:
- Areas of high Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Quintile 1 *
- Areas of Low Participation in Higher Education (LPN) POLAR4 Quintile 1 **
- Students from a low-income family (eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years)
- Estranged students
- Care Experienced students
- Young Carers (provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who could not cope without your support)
- Students with a disability
- Students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
- Students from a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater (GRTSB) community Refugee or asylum seeker
- Eligible for the 16-19 bursary
You will also be invited to submit a supporting statement (up to 300 words) which will be taken into account in the selection process.
How to apply:
A call for applications will be sent out close to the beginning of the academic year; applications will be reviewed by a panel.
Contact Details: gsascholarships@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
Level: Postgraduate
Subject details: MA/MFA Musical Theatre
Fee Status: Home
Award Type: Bursary
GSA students in their first or second year on the BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician and BA Musical Theatre programmes will be eligible to apply for a South Square Trust Scholarship. One scholarship will be awarded on a combined basis of merit and need to the value of £5000. This Scholarship is funded by the South Square Trust; further details on the work of the SST may be found here: www.southsquaretrust.org.uk
Eligibility criteria
Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Applicants must be UK/home-domiciled students enrolled in their first or second year on the BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician and BA Musical Theatre, programmes in the 2022-23 academic year.
- Applicants in receipt of another University or GSA bursary or scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year, may not be considered for one of these bursaries.
- Priority will be given to applicants who fall into at least ONE of the following specific Widening Participation categories to be considered for one of the scholarships. These groups are:
- Areas of high Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Quintile 1 *
- Areas of Low Participation in Higher Education (LPN) POLAR4 Quintile 1 **
- Students from a low-income family (eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years)
- Estranged students
- Care Experienced students
- Young Carers (provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who could not cope without your support)
- Students with a disability
- Students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
- Students from a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater (GRTSB) community Refugee or asylum seeker
- Eligible for the 16-19 bursary
You will also be invited to submit a supporting statement (up to 300 words) which will be taken into account in the selection process.
All applicants will be further assessed on their performance in an audition and interview with the awarding panel.
How to apply:
First and second year students will be invited to apply and will be sent full details in the spring of the current academic year. Applicants will be invited to attend an audition and interview with the awarding panel.
Contact Details: gsascholarships@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
Level: Undergraduate
Subject details: BA Acting, Actor-Musician, BA Musical Theatre.
Fee Status: Home
Award Type: Scholarship
*Applications are now open for 2024-25. Current students will be sent a link to apply, applications close on 18 March.
GSA students in their first or second year on the BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician and BA Musical Theatre programmes will be eligible to apply for a McGrath Charitable Trust Scholarship. Several scholarships are awarded to applicants on a combined basis of merit and need. These Scholarships are funded by the McGrath Charitable Trust; further details on the work of the McGrath Charitable Trust may be found here: https://www.themcgrathcharitabletrust.co.uk/
Eligibility Criteria:
Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Applicants must be students (including UK/EU and International) enrolled in their first or second year on the BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician and BA Musical Theatre, programmes in the 2024-25 academic year.
- Applicants in receipt of another University or GSA bursary or scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year, may not be considered for one of these bursaries.
- Priority will be given to applicants who fall into at least ONE of the following specific Widening Participation categories to be considered for one of the scholarships. These groups are:
- Areas of high Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Quintile 1 *
- Areas of Low Participation in Higher Education (LPN) POLAR4 Quintile 1 **
- Students from a low-income family (eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years)
- Estranged students
- Care Experienced students
- Young Carers (provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who could not cope without your support)
- Students with a disability
- Students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
- Students from a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater (GRTSB) community Refugee or asylum seeker
- Eligible for the 16-19 bursary
You will also be invited to submit a supporting statement (up to 300 words) which will be taken into account in the selection process.
All applicants will be further assessed on their performance in an audition and interview with the awarding panel.
How to apply:
First and second year students will be invited to apply and will be sent full details in the spring of the current academic year. Applicants will be invited to attend an audition and interview with the awarding panel.
Contact Details: gsascholarships@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
Level: Undergraduate
Subject details: BA Acting, Actor-Musician, BA Musical Theatre.
Fee Status: Home/EU/International
Award Type: Scholarship
*Applications are now open for 2024-25. Current students will be sent a link to apply, applications close on 18 March.
GSA students in their first or second year on the BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician and BA Musical Theatre programmes will be eligible to apply for a Redgrave Foundation Scholarship. Several scholarships are awarded to applicants on a combined basis of merit and need. These Scholarships are funded by the Sir Michael Redgrave Foundation.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Applicants must be students (including UK/EU and International) enrolled in their first or second year on the BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician and BA Musical Theatre, programmes in the 2024-25 academic year.
- Applicants in receipt of another University or GSA bursary or scholarship for the current academic year may not be considered for one of these bursaries.
- Priority will be given to applicants who fall into at least ONE of the following specific Widening Participation categories to be considered for one of the scholarships. These groups are:
- Areas of high Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Quintile 1 *
- Areas of Low Participation in Higher Education (LPN) POLAR4 Quintile 1 **
- Students from a low-income family (eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years)
- Estranged students
- Care Experienced students
- Young Carers (provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who could not cope without your support)
- Students with a disability
- Students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
- Students from a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater (GRTSB) community Refugee or asylum seeker
- Eligible for the 16-19 bursary
You will also be invited to submit a supporting statement (up to 300 words) which will be taken into account in the selection process.
All applicants will be further assessed on their performance in an audition and interview with the awarding panel.
How to apply:
First and second year students will be invited to apply and will be sent full details in the spring of the current academic year. Applicants will be invited to attend an audition and interview with the awarding panel.
Contact Details: gsascholarships@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
Level: Undergraduate
Subject details: BA Acting, Actor-Musician, BA Musical Theatre.
Fee Status: Home/EU/International
Award Type: Scholarship
*Applications are now open for 2024-25. Current students will be sent a link to apply, applications close on 18 March.
GSA students in their first or second year on the BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician and BA Musical Theatre programmes will be eligible to apply for an Ian Ricketts Student Support Fund Scholarship. One scholarship will be awarded to an applicant on a combined basis of merit and need. These Scholarships are funded by the Ian Ricketts Student Support Fund.
Applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
- Applicants must be students (including UK/EU and International) enrolled in their first or second year on the BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician and BA Musical Theatre, programmes in the 2024-25 academic year.
- Applicants in receipt of another University or GSA bursary or scholarship for the current academic year may not be considered for one of these bursaries.
- Priority will be given to applicants who fall into at least ONE of the following specific Widening Participation categories to be considered for one of the scholarships. These groups are:
- Areas of high Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Quintile 1 *
- Areas of Low Participation in Higher Education (LPN) POLAR4 Quintile 1 **
- Students from a low-income family (eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years)
- Estranged students
- Care Experienced students
- Young Carers (provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who could not cope without your support)
- Students with a disability
- Students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
- Students from a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater (GRTSB) community Refugee or asylum seeker
- Eligible for the 16-19 bursary
You will also be invited to submit a supporting statement (up to 300 words) which will be taken into account in the selection process.
All applicants will be further assessed on their performance in an audition and interview with the awarding panel.
How to apply:
First and second year students will be invited to apply and will be sent full details in the spring of the current academic year. Applicants will be invited to attend an audition and interview with the awarding panel.
Contact Details: gsascholarships@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
Level: Undergraduate
Subject details: BA Acting, Actor-Musician, BA Musical Theatre.
Fee Status: Home/EU/International
Award Type: Scholarship
Students who have accepted a place on the BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician, BA Applied and Contemporary Theatre, BA Musical Theatre, and BA Theatre Production programmes will be eligible to apply for The Jill James Bursary to the value of £2,000 per year for the 3 years of their undergraduate training at GSA. This Bursary is to support a student from an area of high deprivation who also meets other widening participation criteria, to attract and retain the very best talent and in so doing, support and nurture emerging artists from all walks of life.
Eligibility criteria
This Bursary is to support a student from an area of high deprivation who meets other widening participation criteria which might include the following:
- Applicants must be UK/Home students who have accepted a place on the BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician, BA Applied and Contemporary Theatre, BA Musical Theatre, BA Theatre Production, CertHE Foundation Acting or CertHE Foundation Musical Theatres programmes at GSA for the 2024-25 academic year.
- Applicants in receipt of another University or GSA bursary or scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year, may not be considered for one of these bursaries.
- Applicants must fall into at least ONE of the following specific Widening Participation categories to be considered for one of the scholarships. These groups are:
- Areas of high Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) Quintile 1 *
- Areas of Low Participation in Higher Education (LPN) POLAR4 Quintile 1 **
- Students from a low-income family (eligible for Free School Meals in the last six years)
- Estranged students
- Care Experienced students
- Young Carers (provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who could not cope without your support)
- Students with a disability
- Students from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
- Students from a Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Showman or Boater (GRTSB) community Refugee or asylum seeker
- Eligible for the 16-19 bursary
You will also be invited to submit a supporting statement (up to 300 words) which will be taken into account in the selection process.
How to apply
A call for applications will be sent out close to the beginning of the academic year; applications will be reviewed by a panel.
Contact Details: gsascholarships@gsa.surrey.ac.uk
Level: Undergraduate
Subject details: BA Acting, BA Actor-Musician, BA Applied & Contemporary, BA Musical Theatre, BA Theatre Production
Fee Status: Home
Award Type: Bursary
See other financial support here.
Visit the University of Surrey Scholarships and Bursaries page for other available funding.