The Royal Television Society has announced its 2025 scholars, awarding 40 undergraduate bursaries to nurture future industry talent.
With this latest cohort, a total of 413 scholars are now supported by the RTS throughout their studies and future careers.
This year’s recipients hail from 32 different institutions across the UK, with 30 students selected for the TV Production and Journalism Bursary (TVPJ) and 10 for the Digital Innovation Bursary (DI).
Two TVPJ recipients were also awarded the prestigious named scholarships: Alyssa Gava, receiving the Steve Hewlett Scholarship, and Alexander Byford the Beryl Vertue Scholarship, introduced by the RTS in 2022 for talented and committed television production scholars.
The full list of scholars is available on the RTS website.
5 is joining as a new partner, to support six scholars across the TVPJ and DI Schemes over the next three years.
This latest partnership follows the announcement of The Andy Taylor Foundation, which joined the Digital Innovation panel in 2025 to provide support to two scholars who are looking to start their career in digital media.
All3Media, Apple TV, the Steve Hewlett Memorial Fund, Hartswood Films and STV are all continuing their support from previous years.
Theresa Wise, CEO of the Royal Television Society, said: “Education remains a key focus for the RTS and continuing to widen access to the television industry goes hand in hand with this.
“We are delighted to have 5 onboard to provide support for 2025 alongside our other fantastic partners, and we look forward to working closely with the new scholars and watching them flourish and join the ranks of our ever-growing community of bursary scheme graduates thriving as industry practitioners.”
The successful scholars receive financial support to assist with their expenses and living costs, access to events and a free RTS membership while studying, with an additional year after graduation.
The RTS will also set up mentoring opportunities, matching each awardee with an industry professional. Upon graduating, the recipients will also be given complementary access to the RTS Mini MBA, an industry-led online course which provides a comprehensive business understanding of the television and streaming media sector.
Kirsty Dunlop, a 2025 bursary graduate and trainee set dress and prop maker at Aardman, said: “Being part of the RTS Bursary Scheme has honestly been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The guidance, opportunities, and contacts I’ve gained through the scheme have played a huge part in helping me get to this point – and I’m so, so grateful. It’s hard to put into words how much it all means to me.”
To date, the RTS has invested over £1 million in the schemes, which attract widespread industry backing in the form of donations to fund bursaries and in-kind support, such as mentoring, hosting networking events, and offering internships and work experience.
More information on the bursary schemes and eligibility for 2026 is available on the RTS website.
