Background and purpose
Students from a range of backgrounds are currently significantly under-represented both in the profession of children’s book illustration, and in the student cohort of the MA Children’s Book Illustration course at ARU’s Cambridge School of Art.
The purpose of the ARU Children’s Book Illustration Inclusivity Bursary and Mentorship is to encourage and support talented UK students from disadvantaged and/or under-represented groups to study our MA Children’s Book Illustration course.
It aims to help overcome some of the barriers that currently prevent students from under-represented groups from taking up this course of study, and subsequently progressing into a successful career as a children’s book illustrator.
Amount
The Bursary is a one-off award of £10,000 (paid to the recipient in instalments – one instalment for each trimester of study) which is intended to contribute towards either student living expenses or the tuition fees for study on the MA Children’s Book Illustration course at ARU’s Cambridge School of Art.
It also includes one-year bespoke Mentorship to help the recipient find their footing in the industry after graduating. This is provided by Picture Hooks, an organisation offering opportunity and development for emerging picture book illustrators.
Eligibility criteria and selection process
The eligibility criteria to apply for this Bursary are that you:
- are applying for or have been offered a place on the MA Children’s Book Illustration course (part-time) at ARU’s Cambridge School of Art as a UK student (eligible for UK fees), starting in the 2026-27 academic year
- are from a group that is currently under-represented in children's book publishing. Examples of under-represented groups include Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students; care-leavers; students with any form of disability; students who have experienced significant physical or mental health challenges; students from low-income backgrounds; students who are the first in their family to go to university; students living in areas where fewer people go to university than the national average (higher education 'cold-spot' areas); students with significant caring responsibilities. (Note: this is not intended to be a comprehensive list.)
- are a UK citizen
To be eligible to receive the Bursary and Mentorship, you must additionally have:
- accepted an offer of a place on the MA Children’s Book Illustration part-time course
- registered as a student
- begun your course.
Selection will be based on evidence supplied in the application form on:
- diverse characteristics
- strength of portfolio and personal statement
- future plans and career aspirations
- availability of any other sources of financial support
- evidence of household income
- proposed use of the Bursary.
Bursary terms and conditions
As an exempt charity, it is vital that we are accountable to our donors for the way in which their donations are used, and that we ensure that the ARU Children’s Book Illustration Inclusivity Bursary & Mentorship is used appropriately by the recipient selected by the award panel.
If successful, you will be asked to sign a form confirming your acceptance of this bursary’s Terms and Conditions and outlining your responsibility to the ARU Foundation (ARUF) Committee (which oversees and manages the use of all funds donated to ARU by supporters).
- You will need to satisfy the criteria for this bursary as stated above.
- The bursary is a cash award of £10,000, which will be paid to you in instalments (one instalment for each trimester of study).
- You will inform the Children’s Book Illustration Course Director immediately if you take a leave of absence or withdraw from the course. If you fail to do this, you may be asked to repay the bursary.
- You will agree to provide quotes (can be anonymous) for use in ARU promotional material and publications, and on ARU’s website.
- You will agree to allow regular progress updates to be provided to the donors.
How to apply
Please complete an application form and email it to [email protected], and submit a PDF portfolio of your work (10-15 images of drawings, preferably done from observation, paintings and/or illustrations) or a link to your website if you have one. The closing date for applications is 5pm on 3 August 2026.
Download an application form (PDF)
Download an application form (Word)
If you have any questions, please contact the course director of MA Children’s Book Illustration by email at [email protected].
Support the bursary
If you'd like to support our Children's Book Illustration Inclusivity Bursary, please visit our Donate a gift page. Every penny of your donation allows us to provide life-changing opportunities. Along with our individual supporters, we are grateful to the following companies who make the bursary and mentorship possible.
