Tertiary Scholarships, Bursaries and Financial Supports
What’s a music scholarship?
Music scholarships, grants, and bursaries are awarded to undergraduate and postgraduate students on the basis of their musical talent, whether as a vocalist or playing an instrument. The RIAM has set aside financial assistance for incoming students each year under tuition fee scholarships. Tuition fee scholarships are based on the ranking of applicants at the audition.
If you’re interested in a music scholarship or bursary, you’ll be expected to demonstrate your raw ability as part of your RIAM application, including how you’ve applied this at an advanced level. For example, have you performed at school, in your local community, or in competitions.
Apply early for consideration!
To apply for a RIAM scholarship, you must first apply for your chosen course through the RIAM application portal and complete your audition. Scholarships are then awarded based on the audition and your interview with the specific closing date provided on the application page.
Complete your Application for Admissions to RIAM at
https://www.riam.ie/degrees-programmes/third-level-applications/how-to-apply
Scholarship awards are made to individuals on the basis of their talent, potential and personal financial need.
All scholarships must be applied for on an annual basis, and continuing students will need to apply for each year that they are enrolled at the RIAM. For some courses, a scholarship award may be given for the full duration of studies.
Tuition fee scholarships will be deducted from the balance of the fees, which will be noted on your RIAM/Classter account in September upon completion of RIAM registration.
Please be advised that by Irish tax regulations, prizes, scholarships and grants of this nature may be considered taxable income. It is the student’s responsibility to declare their award to Irish Revenue and funding bodies such as SUSI.
Subsidised On-Campus Accommodation Scheme
RIAM will offer a small number of en suite study bedrooms free of charge* or at a discount in the on-campus student residences to students.
*Subject to availability of rooms
BVOF | RIAM John Pollard Bursary
Blackwater Valley Opera Festival and the Royal Irish Academy of Music have announced a transformative new music prize to support the studies of two master's students every year at Ireland's National Music Conservatoire
The largest bursary of its kind in Ireland, each year the BVOF | RIAM John Pollard Bursary will select one vocal studies student and one instrumental student to each receive €24,000 over two years. This new award will assist each winner to complete their two-year Master in Music Performance programme at the RIAM.
The award is open to vocal and instrumental students worldwide who apply to study on the Masters in Music Performance programme at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, with a particular focus on applications from tenor/countertenors for the vocal award. Recipients will be chosen through their RIAM audition to receive the award, which will be provided as €12,000 in Year 1 and €12,000 in Year 2.
Soprano Abigail LaDuke and pianist Ella Nagy were the first recipients of the Bursary. Tenors Seán Tester and Rory Lynch are the 2023/25 recipients of the Bursary and have completed their Masters Programme. They have now been joined by 2024/26 recipients, double bass player Savannah Hilterbrandt and violaist Remi Ludick, who are currently in the first year of their Masters Programme.
“We are thrilled to partner with BVOF and the John Pollard Foundation to offer this astonishingly generous bursary to some truly talented and remarkable musicians. The award opens the doors of the RIAM to students across the globe, who may not otherwise have the means to study at Ireland’s oldest conservatoire, right in the heart of Dublin.” – Deborah Kelleher, RIAM Director
More information on how to apply and audition requirements can be found on riam.ie/apply. Applications for MMus will be automatically considered for this award. There is no separate application process.
To find out more about the Bursary recipients click here.
Class of 2028 Masters Scholarships
RIAM is proud to announce new Class of 2028 Scholarships available to outstanding students joining our 2-year Master in Music programme in September 2026 and completing in June 2028. These scholarships are designed to support exceptionally talented musicians from Ireland and around the world, removing financial barriers to help you fully focus on your studies and artistic growth.
Successful applicants will receive financial assistance covering tuition fees for the two-year programme, along with opportunities to represent RIAM in performances as a scholar. In return, scholarship recipients will engage in meaningful outreach work, sharing their music with the wider community through performances and educational initiatives. This is a chance to excel in your studies and make a positive impact through your artistry.
Apply Now
To be considered for a Class of 2028 Scholarship, you must submit your Master in Music programme application by December 5, 2025. All applicants will be considered for a Class of 2028 Scholarship. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to live auditions and interviews in January and February 2026, where our expert panel will assess artistic potential and suitability for scholarship support.
Don't let financial challenges stand in the way of your ambition. Take the next step toward an extraordinary future in music by applying for the Master in Music program and scholarship opportunities today. For more information contact thirdlevel@riam.ie.
Higher Education Scholarships for Adult Learners
Uversity is a Registered Charity that has been awarding Higher Education Scholarships to Adult Learners since 2018. As of September 2023 more than 220 Scholarships have been awarded of which 51 Scholars have already graduated their courses, many having received 1st Class Honours.
Uversity’s Scholarships are for adult learners who wish to complete a Bachelor’s (Ordinary or Higher) Degree, for the first time, that will help transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
Scholarships enable successful candidates to pursue a degree, in any discipline, in selected institutions on the island of Ireland. Preference is given to candidates enrolling on full-time programmes. Part time or blended programmes will also be considered.
RIAM is one of the 36 selected institutions on the island of Ireland to offer Uversity’s Scholarships. To find out more and to apply, please visit www.uversity.org/. Please note that interested parties apply directly to Uversity and not through the RIAM application & audition process.
Financial Support Hardship Fund
A Student Hardship Fund is available to Irish/EU passport holders and Non-EU students that find themselves in an unexpected financial difficulty. Should you need to discuss your financial situation, please email padraigrynn@riam.ie