Chelsea Arts Club Trust MA Materials and Research Award

Chelsea Arts Club Trust MA Materials and Research Award

You get a one-off payment of about 2,900 EUR (£2,500) to help pay for the research, materials and final degree show of your master's in art or design. The money supports the work you make during your final year, up to the moment you present it at the end of the academic year. The award comes from the Chelsea Arts Club Trust, an independent London charity that funds new artists and designers. Several awards are given each year across its partner art schools. Note that it does not cover your tuition fees.

Who can apply

• Level: You are on an MA or MFA (master's) programme in art or design.
• Field: You study a visual arts or design subject, such as Fine Art, Painting, Sculpture, Graphic Design or Fashion. The exact eligible courses depend on the school.
• School: You study at one of the partner schools in London. These have included the Royal College of Art, the Royal Academy Schools, Chelsea College of Art and Design, Goldsmiths, the Slade School of Fine Art (UCL) and Kingston University. Partners can change from year to year.
• Timing: At most schools you apply in your first year, so the money funds your final year.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply, both UK and international students.

How to apply

How you get the award depends on the school. At most partners, such as the RCA, Royal Academy, Chelsea, Goldsmiths and the Slade, you do not apply yourself. Instead, professors at your school nominate students. At Kingston University you apply directly with a written statement and portfolio. Selection there looks at your results so far, your portfolio and how the money would help your work. The Kingston deadline for the September 2026 intake is 4 October 2026.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is cut narrowly. You must already be on a master's programme at one of a handful of specific London art schools, so the eligible group is small. At most schools you cannot apply unless a professor puts you forward, which is out of your hands. Where you can apply directly, as at Kingston, a strong portfolio and a clear case for how the money helps your final-year work give a well-matched applicant good prospects.