Scholarships at the Essential School of Painting are awarded to artists who demonstrate commitment, curiosity, and a strong engagement with their practice. Our scholarships are intended to support talented individuals at different stages of their artistic development and to widen access to sustained, studio-based study. The information below outlines how to apply and what to expect from the selection process.
The ESOP Young Artists Scholarships1 are composed of two types of scholarships
- The ESOP Advanced Painting Young Artist Scholarship 2026-28 – last date to apply 18th Aug 2026
- The ESOP Young Artist Scholarship 2026-27 – last date to apply 31st Aug 2026
- Please note places are given on an ongoing basis therefore although the deadline is 18th August or 31st August respectively places may be filled up before that date. We strongly recommend early applications
1: The ESOP Advanced Painting Young Artist Scholarship 2026-28
This scholarship provides for 50% of the annual course fee per year over the two years of the Advanced Painting Course 2026-26 (AP).
To apply you please follow the application process as detailed in the PDF document below.
Please click here for details of the Advanced Painting course.
Click above image for more
2: ESOP Young Artist Scholarship 2026-27.
Open to all applicants of all levels of experience. Successful candidates will receive a full or part-funded academic scholarship on one of our part-time once a week yearlong courses over the academic year 2026-27 .
You are welcome to apply for two or more of the courses in your application, however if successful the scholarship will only be offered for one of the courses.
All applications are to be emailed to our admin team. Click the button below to do this
How-to-Apply-for-Scholarships-2026Click here for application terms and conditions.
Some of ESOP Scholars past & present
1 The two scholarships are open to artists between 20-30 years1 This is the age you are or will be at the start date of the course.
2 Please note both type of the scholarship are course specific and are not transferable between individuals.
3 On the AP You will have a studio space within a studio that is sub-divided into individual studio-pods.