US Scholarships

Financial support for talented international students studying in the US.  Applications are now open for all US Scholarships.

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Applications are now open.

US Scholarships

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Want to get into film, games or TV? Let us help you.

As part of BAFTA’s charitable activity, we run scholarship programmes supporting talented creatives looking to enter the screen industries. Our financial assistance helps create opportunities for successful applicants to study at select schools in the US.

Applications are currently open for all US Scholarships and are due Friday 26 June, 2026.

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Why apply for a US scholarship programme?

BAFTA scholars benefit from a unique package of assistance which includes both financial and career support. Since the first US programme was set up in 2013 it has grown to offer multiple types of scholarships;

Pigott/BAFTA Scholarship

Applications are now open until Friday 26 June, 2026.

Are you enrolled in a filmmaking programme that will lead to a Master’s at a US graduate school? If so, as a Pigott/BAFTA scholar you could receive $10,000 towards their annual tuition and expenses. Year-round career support is also provided by BAFTA.

The centerpiece of BAFTA’s US Scholarship Program, this scholarship is for British graduate students studying in the US full-time for Master’s degrees in disciplines leading to production roles in filmmaking. This could include directing, writing, producing, cinematography, production design, editing, costume design, composing, visual effects, and animation. Students of acting are not eligible for this scholarship.

Set up in 2015 by industrialist and philanthropist Mr. Mark Pigott KBE this scholarship program is funded by endowment in perpetuity, ensuring many talented students will benefit from earning their graduate degrees from outstanding American Universities for years to come.

You can apply if you meet the following criteria:

  • You must be working towards a postgraduate degree. We do not offer scholarships to diploma courses or undergraduate degrees
  • You can be currently enrolled, recently accepted, or awaiting word of acceptance on your program of study. If you are awaiting word of acceptance at the time of applying, we will require proof of acceptance before you can be awarded a scholarship
  • You cannot apply if you have received the Pigott/BAFTA Scholarship before

If you are unsure whether you qualify based on the above criteria or have any difficulty filling out the application, please contact: initiatives.us@bafta.org.

Start your application

Fulbright-BAFTA Postgraduate Scholarship

Applications are open for 2027-28, and will close on 5 May 2026 at 5pm BST

Are you a UK student pursuing a Master’s in film, or a discipline related to the practical art forms of the moving image? If the answer is yes, and you are attending an accredited US university, you can apply for financial support through the Fulbright Commission.

See full details on how to apply via the Fulbright Commission site.

BAFTA Ben Jorgensen Scholarship

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Credit: Jorgensen family

Applications are now open until Friday 26 June, 2026.

Are you a graduate student studying a filmmaking or filmmaking related degree at a New York university or recognised institute? If so, you can apply for the BAFTA Ben Jorgensen Scholarship which awards one student $10,000 each year in honour of Ben Alexander Jorgensen who was born in London and raised in New York and worked in film and television throughout his life.

You can apply if you meet the following criteria:

  • you are a graduate student studying towards a filmmaking or filmmaking related degree at a New York university or appropriate institute
  • you are studying acting, directing, writing, producing, cinematography, production design, editing, costume design, composing, visual effects or animation.
  • you are currently enrolled or recently accepted on your program of study

Please note: US/British citizenship is not required to apply.

If you are unsure whether you qualify based on the above criteria or have difficulty completing the application, please contact: initiatives.us@bafta.org.

Start your application

BAFTA Bridge Scholarship

Applications are now open until Friday 26 June, 2026.

Are you a graduating high school senior or current undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor’s degree? If so, you may be eligible to apply for the BAFTA Bridge Scholarship, which awards $10,000 to students who demonstrate financial need.

The BAFTA Bridge Scholarship is an extension of our Bridge programs where we work with local grade schools with bespoke presentations given by our members to students on various aspects of the screen industries.

While applicants may pursue any field of study, this scholarship prioritizes students who demonstrate a strong passion for film, television, games, or the arts through extracurricular involvement, creative work, or community engagement.

You can apply if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are a graduating high school senior planning to pursue an undergraduate degree, or a current undergraduate student.
  • You demonstrate financial need.
  • You are able to provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, mentor, manager, or other professional reference.
  • You have not previously received the BAFTA Bridge Scholarship.

Please note: Postgraduate students will be automatically disqualified.

If you are unsure whether you qualify based on the above criteria or have difficulty completing the application, please contact: initiatives.us@bafta.org.

Start your application

Get Inspired

We are proud to have supported and championed a wide range of talented creatives since the US programmes launched. Check out some of our current and past cohorts and get inspired to apply.

Meet BAFTA's US Scholars

US Scholarship FAQs

  • The first BAFTA US Scholarship was established in 1993, supporting a single British student enrolled in the prestigious MFA Screenwriting program at UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television. Following the success of this initial award, the program expanded to support more emerging talent across film, games, and television throughout the United States.

  • After the success of the first scholarship, we have been able to grow the programme to help even more creative talent from across film, games and TV.

    In 2012, the New York Scholarship Program launched to support undergraduates in the Film & Media Studies Department at Hunter College. Today, it awards graduate scholarships to students at universities across New York, including NYU Tisch School of the Arts, the School of Visual Arts, and Brooklyn College.

    Then in 2014, BAFTA Los Angeles introduced its first perpetual scholarship, the Pigott/BAFTA Scholarship. Funded by a $1 million endowment from industrialist and philanthropist Mark Pigott KBE, the scholarship will support students studying film in the United States for generations to come.

    Last year, BAFTA North America scholars received funding packages of up to $60,000, alongside mentorship and access to BAFTA’s global creative network.

  • Many scholarship recipients have gone on to become working professionals in the film and television industry after graduating. Alumni include Charlotte Wells (Aftersun), Sacha Gervasi (The Terminal, Anvil! The Story of Anvil), Joby Harold (Awake, Edge of Tomorrow), Gil Kenan (Monster House, City of Ember), Aneil Karia (Surge, Pure) and William Stefan Smith (Top Boy, Avenue 5).

  • Yes. There is no age limit for applicants. However, you must be able to provide proof that you are currently enrolled in, or have been accepted to, an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate degree program, depending on the scholarship you are applying for.

  • Yes. If your course begins between August 2026 and January 2027, you may still apply for a scholarship this year. Please upload a letter confirming that you have applied to the course as part of your scholarship application, even if you have not yet received an acceptance decision. If you are awarded a scholarship, you will be required to submit proof of enrolment before the award can be confirmed.

  • Unfortunately, we cannot grant any extensions nor accept any applications after the deadline.

  • Due to the volume of applications, we’re unable to give individual feedback. However, we provide generalised feedback to all unsuccessful applicants.

  • Yes. Applicants may apply for more than one BAFTA scholarship if they meet the eligibility requirements for each program. However, applicants may only receive one BAFTA scholarship award in a given academic year.

  • Application requirements may vary by scholarship but typically include:

    • Proof of enrolment or acceptance to an eligible program
    • A letter of recommendation
    • A personal statement
    • Additional supporting materials depending on the scholarship, such as portfolios or examples of previous work (scripts, films, etc.)

  • Applications are reviewed by anonymous industry professionals and BAFTA members as part of a competitive selection process.

  • Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application no later than August 2026.

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