“Discover the best music scholarships in the UK for international students — with a focus on Nigerians. Learn about RCM, Trinity Laban, GREAT Scholarships, and more, with application tips and valid links.”
When I first started searching for music scholarships in the UK as a Nigerian student, I was overwhelmed. The fees looked intimidating, the requirements seemed confusing, and honestly, I didn’t know where to begin. But after months of research, applications, and countless emails to universities, I discovered that the UK actually offers amazing opportunities for talented musicians worldwide — if you know where to look.
In this guide, I’ll share everything I learned about music scholarships for international students in the UK, including specific opportunities for Nigerians, application tips, and links to official scholarship pages. Whether you’re a pianist, vocalist, composer, or instrumentalist, this could be your ticket to studying in one of the world’s best music education hubs.
Why Choose the UK for Music Studies?
- Home to prestigious conservatoires like the Royal College of Music (RCM), Royal Academy of Music, and Trinity Laban Conservatoire.
- Access to vibrant cultural hubs — London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh are globally recognized music cities.
- Scholarships can help reduce the cost gap between home fees and international student fees.
- Networking with world-class teachers and performers can fast-track your career.
See UCAS Music Scholarships Guide for a general overview.
Top UK Music Scholarships for International Students
1. Royal College of Music (RCM) Scholarships
- ABRSM Scholarships: For international students, there are two full-tuition scholarships (one undergraduate, one postgraduate) with an annual stipend of about £5,000.
- Awarded purely on merit after audition.
2. Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
- Scholarships include: Loveday Scholarship, Derek Butler Scholarship, Kathleen Roberts Vocal Scholarship, and more.
- Covers tuition support, performance costs, or living expenses.
- Some require prior UK study, but many are open to international students.
Trinity Laban Music Scholarships
3. Government & British Council Scholarships
- GREAT Scholarships: Offered in partnership with UK universities. Some are open for music and performing arts students from Nigeria.
- Chevening Scholarships: Mainly postgraduate; covers tuition, living, and travel.
- Commonwealth Scholarships: Available for Nigerian postgraduate students.
Study UK – Scholarships & Funding
4. University-Based Music Awards
- Royal Holloway University of London: Scholarships for choral, orchestral, organ, and instrumental musicians.
Royal Holloway Music Scholarships - Bournemouth University: Offers Music Scholarships worth up to £600 annually for international students.
Bournemouth Music Scholarships - University of St Andrews: Scholarships for instrumentalists and singers with free weekly lessons.
St Andrews Music Scholarships
5. Other Funding Options
- ABRSM International Scholarships: Supports global music students at partner conservatoires.
ABRSM Scholarships - Institute of Musical Research & ISM Trust Funds: Grants for performance, travel, and instruments.
ISM Funding Advice
Specific Opportunities for Nigerians
- GREAT Scholarships (Nigeria): Includes arts and creative disciplines at some partner universities.
- University of Southampton Nigeria Partnership Awards sometimes extend to music and performance courses.
Southampton – Nigeria Scholarships - Aggregator platforms like WeMakeScholars list music scholarships that Nigerians can apply to globally.
Application Tips for Nigerian Students
- Start Early – Many music scholarships have audition deadlines as early as January–March.
- Prepare Strong Auditions – Submit professional recordings or be ready for live/video auditions.
- Highlight Achievements – Competitions, performances, awards, and community music projects matter.
- Check Obligations – Some scholarships require you to perform in university ensembles.
- Combine Multiple Sources – Sometimes you’ll need to stack smaller awards (instrument bursaries + tuition discount + GREAT scholarship).
My Experience & Final Thoughts
When I first applied, I didn’t get funding on my first attempt. But after improving my audition recording and reaching out directly to the scholarship office at Trinity Laban, I finally secured a partial scholarship that made my studies in the UK possible. The key lesson I learned is: don’t wait for one big scholarship — apply for multiple, and treat your audition like your biggest job interview.
For Nigerians with musical talent, the UK can be a life-changing destination. With the right preparation and persistence, you can find a scholarship that not only funds your studies but also gives you the platform to showcase your music on the world stage.