Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship: terms and conditions

Go to an overview of the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship.

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Eligibility – who can apply?

You must:

  • Have applied for a full-time undergraduate or postgraduate taught course or already be studying a full-time undergraduate course at the University of Bristol.
  • Show exceptional ability within the fields of Drama, Music or Sport.

Important:

  • You do not need to study a subject related to your talent. For example, you can apply for a music scholarship while studying engineering.
  • Open to UK, EU, and international students.
  • Postgraduate students are not currently able to apply for a Drama scholarship.

Who cannot apply?

  • If you choose the University of Bristol as your insurance choice through UCAS, you are not eligible.
  • If you will spend any part of the scholarship year studying abroad, on a year in industry, or intercalating at another university, you are not eligible.
  • Students who temporarily join the University of Bristol from another university (intercalating) are not eligible
  • Students seeking to study a foundation course are not eligible.
  • Students seeking to undertake a PhD are not eligible.
  • Students seeking to study a Masters by research are not eligible.

Scholarship Types and Minimum Criteria

Music Scholarship

  • Minimum Grade 8 in ABRSM exams (or equivalent).
  • Evidence of musical distinction, for example:
    • Membership in national or county youth ensembles.
    • Recognition at regional or national level.

Drama Scholarship

  • Strong, long-term involvement in theatre-making (school or extra-curricular). Examples:
    • Qualifications (e.g., LAMDA).
    • Success in multiple roles (performing, directing, production).
    • Teaching or mentoring other students.

Sport Scholarship

  • Clear pathway to Commonwealth, Olympic, or professional representation.
  • Normally awarded to students with international honours at junior or senior level.
  • Must not hold other funded sporting grants.

Award Details

  • £1,552 in three instalments for one year only.
  • You can apply again in later years (up to three times during your studies).
  • Not means-tested and not linked to Student Finance.

Music scholars

Part of the award funds regular instrumental or vocal lessons. The Department of Music will help you arrange these.

How to Apply

Ensure one of the following applies to you:

    1. You have applied / will apply for any undergraduate course at the University of Bristol via UCAS by the UCAS deadline.

    2.  You have applied / will apply for a postgraduate taught course at the University of Bristol before the deadline.

    3. You are currently enrolled on an undergraduate course at the University of Bristol.

Complete the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship application form before it closes at 11:59 pm on Sunday 1 March 2025 .

You can apply for the scholarship before you receive your course offer.

Note: Applying for the scholarship will not affect your course application.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by Music, Theatre, and Sport departments.

  • Music: shortlisted applicants submit an audition video (certified by a teacher).
  • Sport: shortlisted applicants attend an interview in Bristol (expected April).
  • Drama: selection based on application only (no audition).

Departments will:

  • recommend for an offer
  • place on reserve list
  • mark unsuccessful

Decisions are final. No appeals or individual feedback.

Accepting your scholarship offer

You must email scholarships-bursaries@bristol.ac.uk to confirm your acceptance of the award by the deadline outlined in the award offer email.

You must also firmly accept your offer of a place on an eligible undergraduate course by 1 September in the year of entry.

If your offer of a place of study is conditional, you will need to fulfil any conditions and have your place confirmed by 1 September in the year of entry.

If you choose to defer your offer of a place of study, you are not able to defer an offer of a Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship. You will need to reapply the following year.

Reserve applicants

If an offer of a Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship award is declined, the award will be offered to a reserve applicant.

If you are placed on a reserve list and do not receive an offer by September, your application has not been successful.

Scholarship Conditions

If awarded, you must:

  • Music: join ensembles (e.g., Symphony Orchestra, university singers) and attend extra concerts/workshops.
  • Drama: contribute to university drama activities (e.g., Dramsoc, InterAct).
  • Sport: join your club, compete in BUCS league, and attend Performance Squad events.

Renewal

You can reapply each year (up to three times during your studies at the University of Bristol) if you continue to show excellence and commitment.

Payments

Change in Circumstances

Withdrawal or Suspension

  • If you withdraw or suspend, you will not be asked to repay any award already received.
  • If you suspend your studies:
  • If you withdraw, your scholarship will also be withdrawn.
  • If you reapply for a new course in a future year, you must reapply for the scholarship.

Transferring to a New Course

  • Transferring does not affect your award.

Repeating a Year

  • If you repeat a year due to exceptional circumstances approved by your faculty, you may be considered for an extra award (case-by-case).
  • Awards are not normally available if you repeat for academic reasons.

Changing to Part-Time

  • If approved by your faculty, you may be eligible for an extra award in your additional part-time year.
  • Payments may be adjusted pro-rata due to budget limits.