Imperial College London - Ash Music Scholarship

Ash Music Scholarship

During the three-year duration of your Bachelor’s degree, you will live in South Kensington, right next to Imperial College London. In exceptional circumstances, the duration of your studies may be longer. The top scholarship holder each year also receives the Coldstream Guards Scholarship, worth approximately 118 EUR (£100) per year. The Imperial College Trust funds the programme and awards up to five scholarships each year. As a scholarship holder, you will take part in the College’s musical life, usually in the Imperial College Symphony Orchestra or one of the choirs.

Who can apply

• New entrants only: You are starting the first year of your first Bachelor’s degree at Imperial College. If you are already enrolled, you cannot apply.
• Full-time study: You are a full-time student.
• Music level: You must have passed the ABRSM exam at level 8 with a ‘Distinction’ or hold an equivalent international music qualification. Please submit a copy of your exam paper, not the certificate. In exceptional cases, a ‘High Merit’ grade may also be accepted, provided you have excellent references.
• Field of study: Any subject at Imperial is fine.
• Nationality: Both applicants from the UK and from abroad are welcome to apply.

How to apply

Please send your application by post to the Blyth Music and Arts Centre by 28 February of the year in which you wish to start. Please apply for only one instrument and enclose a letter of recommendation from your teacher, as well as a letter detailing your musical experience. This will be followed by a shortlisting process, followed by auditions during the Easter holidays. You will perform two contrasting pieces lasting up to ten minutes in total, as well as a sight-reading test. If you live abroad and are unable to travel to London, you may submit a video instead.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is given to very few people: only five are awarded each year. You must be so musically accomplished that you have passed the 8 level examination with distinction and, at the same time, have been offered a place at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. If you clearly meet the musical requirements and are in your first year of university, you have a real chance. As only the very best candidates pass the entrance exam, you should prepare your two pieces carefully and apply in good time.