Royal Television Society - RTS Bursary Scheme

What the RTS Bursary Scheme gives you

You receive £1,500 per year (about 1,750 EUR) if your household income is low and you are heading into a TV, film, journalism or digital-media career. Some named scholarships pay £2,500 per year (about 2,900 EUR): the Steve Hewlett Scholarship (quality journalism and documentary), the Beryl Vertue Scholarship (TV production) and the Andy Taylor Foundation Scholarship (digital media, which also adds a MacBook). The money is paid each February for the length of your course: up to 3 years for TV Production and Journalism bursaries, up to 4 years for Digital Innovation and STV bursaries. Beyond the cash you get free RTS membership during your studies and for one year after, free entry to RTS events, screenings and lectures, and a mentor from the industry (an experienced professional who advises you) in your second or third year. You also get UK travel to RTS events reimbursed and free access to the RTS Mini MBA once you graduate. Digital Innovation scholars can also join a 10-day fully funded summer tour of tech, TV and digital-media companies. The scheme is run by the Royal Television Society.

Who can apply

• Level of study: You are studying, or applying to study, for an undergraduate degree or a Level 5/6 Higher National Diploma (HND). Postgraduate students cannot apply.
• Time left: You have at least two academic years of study still ahead of you.
• Field of study: Any subject is welcome, as long as you want a career in TV, film, digital content or related media. The TV Production and Journalism strand suits journalism, film, humanities and social-science interests. The Digital Innovation strand suits STEM, computer science, software, AI, cyber security, gaming, VFX and digital media.
• Financial need: Your gross household income before tax is £35,000 (about 41,000 EUR) or less. You must prove this if selected.
• Residence: Student Finance (or an equivalent body) classes you as a Home/UK student. This means you are a UK national with settled status or have the permanent right to live in the UK.

How to apply

You apply through the online RTS form. You name a referee who is a tutor or employer (not a friend or family member) and upload work samples such as a portfolio or video links. If shortlisted, you have a short phone or Zoom interview, and a panel of industry experts picks the winners. Applications for 2026 are closed and are expected to reopen in February 2027. The exact deadline for that round has not yet been announced.

How realistic are your chances?

This award targets a specific group: undergraduates from households earning £35,000 or less who want to work in TV or digital media. That keeps the applicant pool narrower than for open scholarships. If you clearly meet the income and residence rules and can back up your interest with strong work samples, your prospects are solid. The interview and portfolio matter, so make your motivation and creative work concrete, and apply as soon as the 2027 round opens.