University of Cambridge - Choral Scholarship

What you get

As a choral scholar in the choir of a college chapel in Cambridge, you will receive an annual singing stipend of approximately 115 EUR (GBP 100). The stipend is paid for the duration of your studies, which is usually 3 years. The amount of money is small, but the overall package is what makes it worthwhile: paid or free singing lessons with a first-class singing teacher (some colleges cover up to around 900 EUR/GBP 800 per year), subsidised or free meals after church services, as well as free or heavily subsidised places on the choir’s concert tours. You can also earn some extra money through concerts and radio recordings. The individual colleges award the scholarship as part of a joint ‘Intercollegiate Choral Awards Scheme’, in which 23 colleges in Cambridge take part.

Who can apply

• Where you study: You will be studying at the University of Cambridge and have been offered a place at one of the participating colleges.
• Academic offer first: You have already been offered a place at a college in Cambridge prior to submitting your application. The Choral Award process is separate from your regular application for a place at university.
• Level: You are a student on an undergraduate or postgraduate programme.
• Field of study: Any subject. Most universities do not impose any restrictions on the choice of subject, although there are a few exceptions.
• Voice: Any vocal range (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).
• Singing level: You’re a very good singer, good enough for traditional choral music, whether sacred or secular.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• Religion: Most universities do not require applicants to provide details of their denomination or religious beliefs.

How to apply

Please complete the online form for the Choral Award by 15 February. Please list the university from which you have received your offer as your first choice. Your reference and your video recording (a short piece with accompaniment, maximum 4 minutes) must then be submitted by 10 March. If you pass the preliminary selection, you will take part in the live auditions, the ‘Choral Trials’, at the end of March. These consist of sight-singing and aural tests in front of two or more music directors.

How realistic are your chances?

There is one key requirement for this award: you must already have secured a place at Cambridge and then perform to a very high standard in the auditions. The pool of eligible applicants is therefore small, and the judges assess singing ability on the day of the audition rather than solely on the basis of grades. If you’re a really good singer, have already been accepted onto a degree programme and prepare the pieces for the audition carefully, your chances are good.