Partially funded

Children's Book Illustration Inclusivity Bursary & Mentorship

Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom

Scholarship overview

The Children's Book Illustration Inclusivity Bursary & Mentorship encourages talented UK students from disadvantaged or under-represented groups to study the MA Children's Book Illustration at ARU's Cambridge School of Art. These groups are significantly under-represented both in the profession and on the course.

The bursary is a one-off £10,000 cash award towards living costs or tuition fees, plus a year of bespoke post-graduation mentorship from Picture Hooks, an organisation supporting emerging picture book illustrators. It is supported by individual donors and companies through the ARU Foundation.

Award Information

  • Applying for or offered a place on the part-time MA Children's Book Illustration as a UK-fee student, starting in 2026-27.
  • From a group under-represented in children's book publishing, for example Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students; care leavers; disabled students; students with significant physical or mental health challenges; students from low-income backgrounds; first-generation students; students from higher education cold-spot areas; students with significant caring responsibilities.
  • UK citizen.
  • To receive the bursary: accepted an offer on the part-time course, registered as a student and begun the course.
  • £10,000 one-off cash award, paid in instalments (one per trimester), towards living expenses or tuition fees.
  • One-year bespoke mentorship from Picture Hooks after graduation.

Closing date: 5pm on 3 August 2026 (2026-27 entry).

  1. Apply for the part-time MA Children's Book Illustration.
  2. Download the application form (PDF or Word) and complete it.
  3. Email the form with a PDF portfolio (10–15 images of drawings, preferably from observation, paintings and/or illustrations) or a website link by 5pm on 3 August 2026.
  4. If selected, sign the bursary terms and conditions form.

Official links

Documents you will need

  • Completed application form.
  • PDF portfolio of 10–15 images, or a link to your website.
  • Evidence of household income.

How selection works

  • Diverse characteristics.
  • Strength of portfolio and personal statement.
  • Future plans and career aspirations.
  • Availability of other financial support.
  • Evidence of household income.
  • Proposed use of the bursary.
  • Recipients must report leave of absence or withdrawal (or may repay), provide quotes for ARU publicity and allow progress updates to donors.

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