We're proud to announce the return of our Diversity Scholarship programme for 2025, which supports upcoming young talent looking to pursue a career in music production and sound engineering.

The scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees and a contribution towards living expenses for two students from underrepresented groups to join Abbey Road Institute London’s one-year Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering in the Summer of 2025.

The scholarship is part of the iconic London studio’s established programme of initiatives to drive greater diversity within the music industry, including the Equalise and Amplify programmes. These initiatives include free events, practical workshops and mentoring, working with schools and charities across the UK to increase opportunities, all of which aim to open the door for more young people into careers in music.
This unique opportunity offers support to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds looking to study music production and sound engineering.

Eligibility includes under-25s from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, women and those from low-income households. The committee awarding the scholarship will specifically look to help those who don’t have the financial resources to study on the course or study for a year in London.

Abbey Road Institute has a strong track record in developing young people for a career in the music industry. Among the school's graduates are multiple Grammy nominees and award winners, as well as recipients of MPG and Billboard Top 10 recognition. ARI alumni are working with artists across the globe including Stormzy, Ezra Collective, Madonna, Little Mix, Adele, Burna Boy, The Smile, J Hus, and Ms Banks.

Sally Davies, Managing Director at Abbey Road, said: “As we embark on the fifth year of the Abbey Road Scholarship, we are truly inspired by the remarkable talent and ambition emerging from the programme. Abbey Road is dedicated to nurturing the creative talent of tomorrow and committed to empowering the next generation of producers, engineers and artists who will shape the future of the music industry.”

Darren Suckling, Campus and Admissions Manager, Abbey Road Institute, said: “I’m amazed every year by the quality of applicants this scholarship attracts. The scholarship creates opportunities for two individuals who may not otherwise be able to undertake a course like this. The course truly provides the skills and knowledge that you need to succeed in this field. If you’re passionate about music making and recording, I strongly encourage you to apply.”

Jasmine Wilson and Onkar Riyat were awarded the two Abbey Road Scholarships in 2024, and are currently studying on the Advanced Diploma:

- Jasmine Wilson: -“I’ve learnt to be confident in my individual music style, the power of collaboration and how to turn my technical skills into good use in a studio environment.”_

- Onkar Riyat: "My biggest highlight has been engineering in Angel Two using the SSL console. Up until this year, I’ve always worked in the box, so it’s fascinating to now use patch bays and outboard gear in a professional recording studio.”

- For more details on the Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering: abbeyroadinstitute.co.uk/courses

- For full details on the scholarship programme, eligibility criteria and the application process: abbeyroadinstitute.co.uk/scholarship

HOW TO APPLY
Applicants have until Friday 14 March 2025, to submit their application for the Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering and the Abbey Road scholarship programme. Applicants will need to evidence how they meet the entry criteria in a supporting scholarship statement submitted along with their application.

The admissions team at Abbey Road Institute London are on hand to offer support and guidance with the scholarship application process. The successful applicants will be announced in April 2025 and will enrol at the end of May 2025.

To be eligible to apply for the scholarship, you will need to meet the following scholarship criteria:
- Submit your completed application for the Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering

- Be from a background underrepresented in the field of audio and production, this includes but is not limited to those from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic Backgrounds, women and those from low-income households

- Require financial support to enrol on the Diploma

- Be a UK passport holder

- Be aged between 18 – 25

Abbey Road Institute is deeply committed to supporting and preparing young talent entering the music industry. We provide practical hands-on learning through our education programmes, access to the knowledge and insights from our industry network and a range of funding opportunities through scholarships to create accessible routes into rewarding careers.