WaterBear AudioActive Community Scholarship 2026
WaterBear X AudioActive Community Scholarship 2026
Now in its third year, the WaterBear x AudioActive Community Scholarship continues to support emerging talent from across Sussex. In 2026, WaterBear has once again partnered with AudioActive to offer one outstanding artist a fully funded scholarship to study at WaterBear Brighton.
The WaterBear x AudioActive Community Scholarship Award 2026 will cover full tuition fees for the duration of a 3-year, on-site BA (Hons) Professional Music degree. Eligible courses include Performance, Production, Electronic Music, Music Business and Songwriting.
Applications for the AudioActive x WaterBear Scholarship Award are exclusively open to AudioActive artists, supporting members of the community who are already developing their craft through the programme.
AudioActive is a non-profit music organisation with a strong community presence across Sussex, including hubs in Brighton and Worthing. Since 1999, they have been empowering young people through music, creating opportunities for creative development, career progression and positive social change. Their work supports improved mental health, increased engagement in education, reduced inequality and provides a vital outlet for self-expression.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to widening access to music education and supporting the next generation of artists to develop sustainable careers in the music industry.
Scholarship Winner – Yesha
We are delighted to welcome AudioActive artist Yesha to WaterBear Brighton to study BA (Hons) Professional Music (Performance), bringing her unique blend of neo-soul and drill influences. She’s been making music for around four years and also plays the clarinet, incorporating both into her artistry to develop her own sound.
“Hey, I’m Yesha. I’m a singer, artist, musician and songwriter, and I’m so grateful to have been awarded the WaterBear Audioactive Scholarship. I’ve been making music on and off for about four years, but I’ve always loved singing. I also play the clarinet, and I like to incorporate both into my artistry. I’d describe my music as neo-soul with a bit of drill soul. I like creating my own unique sound. I’m really grateful and excited for this opportunity because I didn’t get the chance to go to uni when I was younger, so this feels like a second chance. I’m just so excited to be around like-minded musicians and have dedicated time to develop my music and take things further.” Yesha
Scholarship Details
Please complete the form below providing a personal statement outlining your background, your music, and why you would benefit from this scholarship. You should also tell us where you would like to take your music in the future.
Your application can be submitted as either:
- A written statement (approx. 1000 words), or
- A video submission (approx. 5 minutes)
Please include links to at least three filmed or recorded performances. These can be studio or live performances—phone footage is acceptable, provided the audio is clear enough to identify your performance. If submitting collaborative work, please clearly identify your individual contribution.
You must also confirm in your application that you have read and understood the AudioActive Community Scholarship Terms & Conditions (see below).
All completed applications must be submitted by 23:59 on Friday 24th July 2026.
AudioActive and WaterBear will review all submissions and be in contact following the deadline with the outcome of your application.
The 3-year BA (Hons) on-site degrees are designed to give you the perfect blend of artistic freedom alongside practical strategies to forge your own career. The degree is built on three fundamental elements – your music, your career and your projects. It deals with what really matters in the industry. It will expand your options and push you to create original, boundary-shifting music. It’s fully accredited and run-in close partnership with one of the UK’s leading specialist universities for the creative industries, Falmouth University. For details of our 3-Year BA (Hons) Professional Music degree courses please see our BA (Hons) courses here.
Applications to the WaterBear x AudioActive Community Scholarship by students enrolling on a 3-year BA (Hons) on-site degree are subject to the following Terms and Conditions:
The AudioActive Community Scholarship place is available for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. The successful recipient of the Scholarship award will be selected by an independent industry panel whose decision will be final.
The Scholarship award application is open to new students applying to study the 3-year BA (Hons) on-site degree.
Applications can be submitted until 23:59 on Friday 24th July 2026.
Please read the full Standard Scholarship Terms & Conditions.
WaterBear X AudioActive Community Scholarship 2026
If you are an AudioActive artist and interested in applying for this scholarship, please complete the application form below. Before submitting, please read the terms and conditions carefully and include all requested information.
This scholarship is now closed
If you require any further assistance, please contact the WaterBear enquiries team on
01273 726230 or email [email protected].