The 2019 bursary scheme opened today for application until 30th June 2019, and for the first time not only will applications be open to individuals starting their course of study in 2019, but also to students who began their degree in 2018.

The number of bursaries offered for 2019 will increase substantially with STV funding 10 additional bursaries each year for students studying in Scotland.  

In addition to this generous funding, STV will provide mentors for bursary students and incredible internship opportunities at STV News, STV Productions and STV Digital. STV join All3Media, Disney and the Steve Hewlett Memorial Fund who also contribute to the bursary schemes

The RTS offers two mentor-led bursary schemes for eligible applicants from a household with a total income of £25,000 or below for the Television Production and Journalism bursary and £30,000 or below for the Technology bursary.

The Television Production and Journalism bursary is for individuals studying, or about to study, television or film.

For the first time this year applications will also be accepted from students wishing to study a ScreenSkills accredited higher national diploma.

The Technology bursary accepts applications for Computer Science, Engineering and Electronic Engineering courses and for the first time this year Physics and Mathematics students may also apply.

To date, the RTS has 125 bursary students and graduates, with the scheme running since 2014.

Over the past four years, the total money pledged to the schemes has doubled, with this year’s total being approximately £149,000.

In addition to the financial contribution, the students receive RTS membership and are paired with an industry mentor providing invaluable support throughout their studies.

The Technology bursary students have the invaluable opportunity to take part in a ‘Summer Tour’ of the industry, visiting nine television and broadcasting infrastructure companies including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Youview, Virgin Media, Arqiva, STV and The IET.

Theresa Wise, Royal Television Society CEO says: “RTS Futures and our bursary schemes are extremely important to us as we strive to encourage and guide new talent from low income and diverse backgrounds into the industry.

"We are delighted that STV has agreed to fund 10 additional bursaries, helping us expand our opportunities and grow our community of students and graduates supported by the Royal Television Society.”

Simon Pitts, CEO of STV, said: “It’s a hugely exciting time for Scotland’s creative industries and this new investment from STV will see students from right across Scotland become part of a unique network of emerging creative talent.  

“With the fantastic support of the Royal Television Society the aim of the new STV Bursary Programme is to develop an even stronger and more diverse pool of creative talent in Scotland, make it easier for people to launch careers in television whatever their backgrounds, and help drive Scotland’s future creative economy.”

Florence Watson, Bursary Recipient 2014, said: “Applying to the RTS bursary before university was one of the best decisions I ever made. The mentoring and support I have received, both at university and since graduation has provided me with opportunities that would otherwise be inaccessible.

"The financial reward allowed me to buy a camera and take internships that I won’t have been able to afford without the help of RTS. I am now working full time as a script editor on Channel 4’s Hollyoaks something I never thought achievable before university”

To apply click here. The deadline for entries is June 30th 2019.