Bursaries
NYB Bursaries
We are excited to be able to offer a range of bursaries to help support those most in need of financial assistance.
NYB Bursary Fund
We support a diverse range of applications by removing financial barriers; bursaries are available for applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds that meet our eligibility criteria.
NYB Travel Grant
This year we offered up to five travel grants to dancers taking part in our RPC And RPC Intensive in Birmingham. They were awarded to dancers for whom geographical location was a barrier to access. In line with our environmental policy, the travel grants could not be used for petrol or diesel.
Pat Prime Bursary
This award was originally donated by Patricia Prime’s family with the intention of removing barriers for dancers of Black African and/or Black African-Caribbean descent who are under-represented in our art-form. Since 2021 we have been delighted to support ten young people with a Pat Prime Award. We continue to honour this award in Pat Prime’s name by offering one award each year for a dancer from a global majority background in recognition that this group continues to be underrepresented in our artform.
“Pat Prime believed in supporting people to be their best and worked tirelessly to inspire others. She knew that if people had access to opportunity and belief then the art would follow. This award was created from donations from friends, family, colleagues and ex-pupils, and is a reminder that inclusion and joy in dance need to be strived for.”
Sian Prime, Pat’s daughter
“I want to be the difference and show that black girls can do ballet too. It was an honour to be one of the first dancers to be awarded the Pat Prime Award… I learnt so much about what it is like to be a part of a professional ballet family. I’m grateful for the opportunity NYB has provided for me.”
Lauren Beharie, Pat Prime Award Winner
Assessment Process
All of our bursary applications are anonymised and assessed by an awards panel. All awards are assessed against socio-economic indicators to ensure that funding goes to those with the greatest level of need who meet the specific eligibility criteria for each award.
NYB Bursary Fund
The National Youth Ballet Bursary Fund is reserved for young dancers most in need of financial support. We want to actively encourage a diverse range of applications by removing financial barriers. Bursaries are available for applicants from low socio-economic backgrounds. Every year demand for bursaries increases. We can only continue to provide support for dancers of all backgrounds with help from our generous community of supporters. Every donation makes a big difference and removes barriers for young dancers. In 2026, thanks to the generosity of those who supported our Relevé Appeal, we are delighted to offer two Relevé Bursaries as part of our bursaries available.
Criteria
- Must be eligible according to application form criteria*
- Aged 10-21 (*by 5 September 2026) if applying for an RPC or RPC Intensive bursary
- Based in the United Kingdom
Application Process
To be considered for a 2026 Residential Performance Company or Residential Performance Company Intensive bursary please complete the application form by Friday 6 March 2026.
To be considered for a bursary for other NYB activity please complete the application form at the point of application and no later than the application deadline advertised.
In assessing each application the NYB panel will take into account a number of factors based on the Jerwood Foundation’s Toolkit for Socio-economic Diversity and Inclusion in the arts. NYB may require provision of financial evidence before deciding on any application. Typically this would include:
- Whether a family is living on significantly less than the national average wage, and/or in receipt of benefit or income support e.g. Universal Credit
- If they are receiving a bursary for dance study from any dance school
- Type of school attended
- Parental experience of higher education
- Parental occupation