About the Open Call

The Drawing Year is a full-scholarship postgraduate-level programme offering 4 terms of tuition and studio practice. It is designed to provide artists and creatives a transformative next step in their practice. Applicants must demonstrate a strong portfolio and a commitment to drawing, with a willingness to engage creatively and critically. The programme includes tuition and studio space, with living grants also available. The Royal Drawing School is unable to sponsor Student Visas, so international applicants must already hold an appropriate visa or settlement status (Settled/Pre-Settled Status or a Graduate Visa) for the UK.

What is Offered

Full scholarship, free tuition, studio practice, and living grants available.

Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate a strong portfolio and a commitment to drawing, with a willingness to engage creatively and critically. Requirements include completing an online application, paying an application fee, uploading a digital portfolio of 20 pieces (10 drawings, 10 additional works created within the last three years, JPEG/PNG, max 200dpi, 5MB per file; short video files max 2 mins, 250MB accepted for additional works), submitting two sketchbooks (physical or digital video/PDF max 20 pages, 10MB), a personal statement (max 500 words), and contact details for two referees. International applicants must hold a valid UK visa or settlement status (e.g., Settled/Pre-Settled Status or Graduate Visa).

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application form and submit an application fee. They need to upload 20 pieces of work (10 drawings, 10 additional works) and submit two sketchbooks. Sketchbooks can be submitted digitally, in person during designated drop-off days (April 15-17, 2026, 10am-6pm at Royal Drawing School, Shoreditch, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London, EC2A 3SG), or by post to arrive by the drop-off deadline. A personal statement (max 500 words) and contact details for two referees are also required. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in May 2026, where they must bring their physical portfolio and sketchbooks.