Radio Academy Festival Bursaries

The Audio Academy is a charity, dedicated to the promotion of excellence in the radio and audio industry in the UK. We exist to support people at all stages in their careers. We believe in the importance of training and development throughout your career, and that these opportunities should be open and accessible to all.

Our Bursaries are aimed at people in the audio community who might not have the means to pay for training or development events out of their own pocket. This might include ticket costs, transport and/or accommodation costs, whether in part or in full.

On Thursday 1st October 2026, we will be hosting The Audio Academy Festival in Central London.

The Festival is our annual day of inspiration, reflection, and discussion, that brings together those who are at the forefront of UK radio and audio today - the decision-makers, the presenters, the producers, and the leading creatives in our incredible industry.

Across 4 spaces, the Festival offers something for everyone within industry - from insights from award-winning producers and documentary makers to keynotes from industry and fascinating panel discussions about the key topics impacting audio today and in the coming year. With over 400 radio and audio people from across the UK to share ideas and connect with, you're bound to leave feeling invigorated, inspired and motivated about your next steps.

So, why not join us?

We are providing ten Audio Academy Bursaries which will include a ticket to the Festival, a contribution towards transport costs if needed, and a year's free affiliate membership of the Audio Academy.

The deadline for submitting this form is 9th August and decisions will be communicated by 21st August. The Festival takes place on Thursday 1st October.

Over to former bursary recipient, Alexandra Forrest: "It's no exaggeration to say receiving the bursary to attend the Festival in 2022 was a game-changer for me. As an independent podcaster living outside London, attending industry events often felt out of reach, so I was delighted to learn bursaries were available to support those starting out in the industry. After completing a really straight-forward application, I was over the moon to be given the opportunity to attend. I found the whole day a total joy and left feeling inspired at what I'd heard at the talks, energised by the conversations I'd had with people across industry and it completely reaffirmed my decision to switch careers and move into the wonderful world of audio. Apply!"

Apply for a Bursary

2026 Festival Bursaries

Bursary application form for 2026 Audio Academy Festival

Name*
Pronouns*
Email*
Contact Phone Number*
About you and your career so far*
Tell us about your interest in the radio or audio sector; please include voluntary roles and any other relevant audio work in training or education. What excites you about pursuing a career in this industry? (500 chars)
What do you hope to get out of attending the Audio Academy Festival 2026?*
Tell us why attending the Audio Academy Festival would help you develop your career, what you hope to learn and how else might you benefit from it? Include details about how you feel the Festival is relevant to your current work and future aspirations. (500 chars)
Eligibility - Please read and confirm*
The Audio Academy has created these bursaries to help people who can not afford to attend the event themselves. Please tick the box to confirm that the following are true: a) I am based in the UK; b) I am unable to afford the ticket price myself; c) I have confirmed that my employer is not willing to fund my ticket. We are a charity, and operate our bursaries on an honesty system - if you tick this box, we will believe you.
- I understand and confirm this applies to me
Transport Bursary
If you are based outside London and will require support with travel and/or accommodation costs, you can request a contribution as part of your application. This is offered to ensure that the event is accessible to all and applying for travel/accommodation support will not affect your bursary application. You will need to purchase up-front and provide a receipt for reimbursement. We will only cover public transport, unless agreed otherwise. If you anticipate additional requirements, such as provision for a registered carer or help with booking your ticket, then please let us know in the box below.
- I am based outside London, and would like to request a contribution towards my travel/accommodation fares if I am successful in receiving a bursary to attend the event.
- I am based outside of London and do not require support to travel to the event.
- I am based in London and understand that I am therefore not eligible for travel support.
Have you attended the Festival on a bursary before?
- Yes
- No
Select one
Anything else you want to tell us?
Is there anything else you want us to know about your financial situation or other barriers to attending the Festival? (250 chars)