Today we're excited to announce the highly anticipated return of our Diversity Scholarship Programme for 2026, dedicated to empowering talented young individuals carving a career in music production and sound engineering. The scholarship will cover full tuition fees and provide a contribution toward living expenses for two students from underrepresented groups to join Abbey Road Institute London’s intensive one-year Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering, commencing in the Summer of 2026.

This initiative is one of the cornerstones of our learning programmes, fostering access and greater diversity within the music industry. It complements established initiatives like Equalise and Amplify, which provide free events, hands-on workshops, and mentorship, working with schools and charities across the UK to broaden access and opportunities for young people in the music industry.

Applicants have until Friday 13 March 2026, 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 2026 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:

1. Submit your completed application for the Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering.
2. 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.
3. Require financial support to enrol on the Diploma.
4. Be a UK passport holder.
5. 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.

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Estefany Guiterrez and Olly Gandy were awarded the two Abbey Road Studios Scholarships in 2025, and are currently studying on the Advanced Diploma:

“Getting the Abbey Road scholarship felt like someone finally saw the real me — not just my music, but the journey it took to get here. That sense of belonging means everything. And it pushes me forward to be better." - Olly Gandy

Sally Davies, Managing Director at Abbey Road, said: "As we embark on the fifth year of the Abbey Road Studios Scholarship, we are continually 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: “Each year we are blown away by the creativity, ambition and potential shown by applicants to the Abbey Road Diversity Scholarship. This programme opens doors for two talented individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity to study on our Advanced Diploma in Music Production and Sound Engineering. It’s more than financial support — it’s about helping to cultivate the next generation of diverse producers and engineers who will shape the future of the music industry.”