AFTRS scholarships open for 2026

AFTRS 2025 scholarship recipients (Top L-R) Sasha Louise Parlett, Juno Shean, Sian Pannach, Kwame Slusher, Christina Booth, Saul Stavanger, Ricky Townsend; (Bottom L-R) Angie Geng, Emily Weeks, Dania Jordan, Claire Hazzard, Rebecca Graham, Jai, Helena Ivy Williams.

Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has announced that scholarship applications are now open for 2026 Award Course student intakes.

Emerging creatives across Australia have the opportunity to apply for more than 40 scholarships, providing financial and practical support to help students from all walks of life access AFTRS’ world-leading screen and audio education.

Delivered in partnership with the AFTRS community, industry leaders, and alumni, the scholarships prioritise access and equity and are a powerful investment in the future of Australian storytelling.

Among a raft of recent and long-standing scholarships, the prestigious Onbass Giant Steps Scholarship returns for its sixth year in 2026, with an increase in value from $22,500 to $30,000, escalating its mission to support gifted storytellers experiencing financial need.

Head of Fundraising and Development Andrew Markwell said support from people such as Greg Basser, Founder and CEO of the Gentle Giant Media Group and a director of the Onbass Fund, and his wife Kiera O’Neill was vital in fulfilling AFTRS’ commitment to creating greater access to world-class education and building a more inclusive and representative screen industry.

“We know scholarships can be life-changing – they help break down barriers to education to ensure talent is recognised and nurtured,” Andrew said. “AFTRS invites individuals, organisations and industry leaders to join our community and support future creatives. By donating or establishing a scholarship, you can help ensure that a career in screen and audio is accessible to all Australians – regardless of background, location and circumstance.”

AFTRS’ growing scholarship opportunities included four new scholarships in 2025, delivered in partnership with The HOYTS Group, the Dylan Alcott Foundation, Anita Jacoby and Constellation Creatives, the latter two of which will again be offered in 2026.

Students pursuing a career in radio and broadcasting also have access to a range of scholarships dedicated to radio studies: the Glenn Daniel Smooth FM; Glenn Wheatley EON Innovation; Pariya Taherzadeh Radio and Podcasting; and CRA Regional Radio scholarships. These scholarships expand and enrich the school’s student community by recognising and supporting outstanding Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting students, selected based on creative excellence and interest in radio news or journalism, innovation and representation.

Applications for AFTRS 2026 award courses and scholarships are now open. More info on how to apply for the variety of scholarships on offer at AFTRS here.