Edinburgh University Music Scholarship
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Overview of Edinburgh University Music Scholarships
Edinburgh University Music Scholarship: The University of Edinburgh offers a range of music scholarships—spanning undergraduate prizes to PhD‑level awards—through its Reid School of Music and the central Registry Services. Awards may include tuition waivers, annual stipends, travel grants, or performance‑based prizes. All scholarships aim to support exceptional musicians in performance, composition, and research.
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Undergraduate & Postgraduate Prizes (e.g., Anderson Organ Prize, John Robert Mackay Piano Scholarship) reward excellence by recital or entrance competition, with values from £200–£500 The University of Edinburgh.
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Travel & Research Grants (Clutterbuck Travel Scholarship, Helen Doig Scholarship) fund study, performance, or research both within and outside the UK, offering between £100–£1,000 per award The University of EdinburghThe University of Edinburgh.
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Postgraduate Taught Master’s Awards (Jean Kennoway Howells Scholarship, Andrew Grant PG Scholarship) provide substantial tuition‑fee reductions plus stipends up to £15,000 or £10,500 respectively The University of EdinburghWorld Opportunities.
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PhD Research Scholarships (Bucher‑Fraser Scholarship, ECA PhD Scholarships) cover full fees at home or overseas rates and annual UKRI‑level stipends (~£17,668), tenable for up to three years The University of EdinburghThe University of Edinburgh.
Key Scholarships & Prizes
1. Anderson Organ Prize
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Value: £400
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Eligibility: Full‑time undergraduate or postgraduate in Department of Music
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Selection: Competition by recital The University of Edinburgh.
2. John Robert Mackay Piano Scholarship
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Value: £500 every four years at entrance
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Eligibility: Pianists on entry, judged on overall excellence The University of Edinburgh.
3. Clutterbuck Travel Scholarship
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Value: £100–£1,000
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Eligibility: BMus graduates or undergraduates post‑first examination
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Use: Fund study/research outside Scotland or travel to enrich musical experience The University of Edinburgh.
4. Helen Doig Scholarship
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Value: ~£400 per year (renewable up to three years)
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Eligibility: Matriculated postgraduate studying Scottish music
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Requirement: Residency in Edinburgh during terms The University of Edinburgh.
5. Jean Kennoway Howells Scholarship
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Value: £15,000 (fee deduction + living stipend)
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Eligibility: New applicants to full‑time taught Master’s in Reid School of Music (2025–26) with UK 1st/2:1 or equivalent
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Deadline (Admission + Scholarship): Master’s application by 3 April 2025 The University of Edinburgh.
6. Andrew Grant Postgraduate Scholarships
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Value: £10,500 per award (tuition fee deduction + stipend)
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Eligibility: New postgraduate‑taught applicants in ECA, including Reid School of Music (full‑time, part‑time, distance)
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Deadline (Admission + Scholarship): Programme application by 11 March 2024 World Opportunities.
7. Bucher‑Fraser PhD Scholarship
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Value: Full fees (Home/Overseas rate) + UKRI stipend (~£17,668 pa)
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Eligibility: New PhD candidates in Music, Creative Music Practice, or Composition (on‑campus & distance)
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Application: PhD admission by 31 January 2023 for September intake The University of Edinburgh.
8. ECA PhD Scholarships (including Reid School of Music)
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Value: Varies by award; covers fees + stipend
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Eligibility: Applicants to any PhD programme in ECA, including the Reid School of Music
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Deadline: Scholarship application by 3 February 2025 (must have applied for admission first) The University of EdinburghThe University of Edinburgh.
Eligibility & Qualification Recognition
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Degree Equivalency: Non‑UK qualifications must be recognized via ANABIN (H+ status) or ZAB evaluation (£200–£400) The University of Edinburgh.
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Academic Merit: Most awards require a first‑class or upper‑second‑class bachelor’s degree, or equivalent.
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Enrollment Status: Scholarships are generally open only to students enrolled (or applying) in the specified Reid School of Music programmes.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
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Identify Eligible Scholarships:
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Use the Registry Services “Scholarship Search” tool and filter by “Reid School of Music” and your study level (undergraduate, postgraduate taught, postgraduate research) The University of Edinburgh.
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Secure Programme Admission:
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Apply for your chosen degree via the University’s online application portal before the programme deadline. You’ll receive a University login required for scholarship applications The University of Edinburgh.
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Gather Supporting Documents:
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Transcripts & Degree Certificates (officially translated if necessary)
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Proof of English Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc., if applicable)
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ANABIN/ZAB Equivalency Statement (for international qualifications)
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Portfolio/Performance Recordings (for performance‐based awards)
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Research Proposal (for PhD scholarships)
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Complete Scholarship Application Forms:
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Download forms (e.g., Gwen Clutterbuck & Leighton form) from the ECA scholarships page or Registry Services pages eca.ed.ac.uk.
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For online PhD awards, log into the scholarship portal with your University credentials The University of Edinburgh.
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Write a Compelling Personal Statement:
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Articulate your artistic vision, academic goals, and how the scholarship will advance your career.
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Tailor each statement to the specific award’s focus (performance, composition, research).
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Submit Before Deadlines:
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Adhere strictly to deadlines—missing a closing date (e.g., 3 April 2025 for Jean Kennoway, 3 February 2025 for PhD) will void your application The University of EdinburghThe University of Edinburgh.
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Interview/Audition (if required):
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Certain prizes (Organ and Piano Scholarships) require recital auditions before a panel.
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Be prepared with an appropriate repertoire and supporting documentation.
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Await Selection & Confirmation:
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Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email.
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Successful applicants receive formal award letters specifying value, tenure, and reporting obligations.
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Tips to Maximize Your Success
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Start Early: Begin identifying scholarships six months before application deadlines.
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Network with Faculty: Seek advice and endorsement from your prospective supervisors in the Reid School of Music.
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Showcase Distinctiveness: Highlight unique research interests (e.g., Scottish music studies for the Helen Doig Scholarship).
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Prepare Audition Repertoire: For performance awards, select contrasting pieces that demonstrate stylistic range.
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Proofread Carefully: Ensure forms and statements are error‑free and adhere to word limits.
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Follow Up: Confirm receipt of your application and clarify any outstanding documentation with the Registry Services office.