Central Film School Scholarships for Indian Students [Updated]
- Central Film School offers two flagship full-tuition scholarships: the Global Lens Scholarship for international postgraduate students and the Access & Equity Scholarship for UK and Republic of Ireland undergraduates from underrepresented backgrounds.
- Both scholarships require a two-stage application process involving a self-tape and a creative project proposal, and they are highly competitive, with only two awards given annually per category.
- In addition to in-house awards, Indian students can apply for several prestigious external scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, GREAT, Aga Khan Foundation, and KC Mahindra scholarships, offering full or partial tuition and living cost support.
Central Film School London offers a focused range of scholarships to support both international and UK students who are passionate about pursuing careers in film, television, and screenwriting. With a mission to improve access to high-quality film education, the school provides full-tuition scholarships designed to remove financial barriers and recognise students with exceptional talent, resilience, and creative ambition.
Whether you’re planning to begin an undergraduate or postgraduate course, this guide outlines all the available scholarships, including eligibility, award amounts, deadlines, and how to apply, helping you take the next step toward a future in the screen industries.
Central Film School Scholarships for International Students
Central Film School offers prestigious full-tuition scholarships to support Indian students who demonstrate creative potential, personal resilience, and a commitment to making an impact in the screen industries. Each scholarship is offered for eligible undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
| Scholarships | Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| CFS Global Lens ScholarshipCFS Global Lens Scholarship | 100% tuition fee (1–2 years) | Applications closed for 2025 |
| CFS Access & Equity Scholarship | 100% tuition fee (2 years) | Applications closed for 2025 |
CFS Global Lens Scholarship
This flagship scholarship celebrates exceptional international talent and supports emerging filmmakers with a vision to contribute to the global screen industries. Two full-tuition scholarships are awarded to postgraduate students annually.
- Scholarship Amount: 100% tuition fee reduction for the first and (if applicable) second year
- Deadline: TBA
- Application Process: Apply on the scholarship portal
- Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a postgraduate degree course
CFS Access & Equity Scholarship
Aimed at breaking down barriers to higher education, this scholarship supports students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds in the UK or Ireland. Two scholarships are awarded annually.
- Scholarship Amount: 100% tuition fee reduction for the first and second year of study
- Deadline: TBA
- Application Process: Apply on the scholarship portal
- Eligibility: Must be enrolled in a UG/PG course
Central Film School External Scholarship
Indian students are also given several external scholarship opportunities at the Central Film School. We’ve provided a summary of each, including award amounts, eligibility, application details, and deadlines.
| Scholarships | Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver | TBA for 2026–27 |
| Commonwealth Scholarship | Up to 100% tuition fee waiver | TBA for 2026–27 |
| Great Scholarships | GBP 10,000 (tuition fees) | TBA for 2026–27 |
| Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | 50% grant and 50% loan (covers full tuition and living expenses) | Typically, in March each year |
| KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad | INR 8,00,000 (interest-free scholarship); INR 10,00,000 for top candidates | Typically, in March each year |
Chevening Scholarship
The UK government provides Chevening Scholarships to Indian students who aspire to become future leaders, influencers, and key decision-makers in their chosen fields.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the Chevening Portal on their official website.
- Eligibility: Students must return to India for at least 2 years after course completion. Students must also have an unconditional offer letter and have work experience of at least 2,800 hours.
Commonwealth Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship, awarded by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), fully funds Indian students to pursue their studies at Central Film School.
- Scholarship Amount: Up to 100% tuition fee waiver
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the Commonwealth Portal
- Eligibility: Applicants need to have an undergraduate honours degree of at least upper second class (2:1)
GREAT Scholarships
The GREAT Scholarship is a UK-funded financial assistance program for Indian students enrolled in one-year postgraduate courses. It is available across a range of subjects and is offered by several UK universities, including Central Film School.
- Scholarship Amount: GBP 10,000 (tuition fees)
- Deadline: TBA for 2026-27
- Application Process: Apply through the British Council Portal
- Eligibility: Applicants need to have an undergraduate degree
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation annually offers a limited number of scholarships for postgraduate studies to exceptional students from certain developing countries, including India, who lack alternative financial support for their education.
- Scholarship Amount: 50% grant and 50% loan basis (full tuition and living expenses)
- Deadline: Typically in March each year.
- Application Process: Apply through the local Aga Khan Foundation office in India.
- Eligibility: Indian nationals under 30 years of age with excellent academic records and genuine financial need.
KC Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad
The KC Mahindra Education Trust provides scholarships to Indian students undertaking postgraduate studies overseas across a range of disciplines.
- Scholarship Amount: INR 8,00,000 (interest-free scholarship); INR 10,00,000 is awarded to the top candidates.
- Deadline: Typically in March each year.
- Application Process: Apply online through the official website
- Eligibility: Indian nationals with a first-class degree or equivalent diploma and admission to a recognized university abroad.
Cost of Study at Central Film School
Studying at Central Film School is a significant academic investment, with tuition fees for international students ranging from approximately GBP 16,000 to GBP 20,000 per year for undergraduate programs, and GBP 19,000-25,000 for postgraduate courses, depending on the field of study.
In addition to the tuition fee, students should budget between GBP 12,000 and GBP 14,000 per year for living expenses, including accommodation, food, transport, and personal costs.
| Scholarships | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (Per Year) | GBP 16,000-20,000 (undergraduate) GBP 19,000-25,000 (postgraduate) |
| Living Expenses in London (Per Year) | GBP 12,000-14,000 |
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
Central Film School London offers a small but impactful selection of scholarships that open doors for talented and ambitious students from diverse backgrounds. Whether you’re an international applicant seeking a full-tuition award for a postgraduate programme or a UK-based student overcoming personal or financial barriers, these scholarships are designed to support your creative aspirations and help you thrive in the competitive screen industries.
By understanding the eligibility criteria and preparing your application thoughtfully, you can take a meaningful step towards launching your filmmaking journey at one of the UK’s leading specialist film institutions.
FAQs
What scholarships are available at Central Film School London?
Central Film School offers two main scholarships: the CFS Global Lens Scholarship (for international postgraduate students) and the CFS Access & Equity Scholarship (for UK and Republic of Ireland undergraduate students). Both cover 100% of tuition fees.
Are the Central Film School scholarships full or partial?
Both the Global Lens and Access & Equity scholarships are full-tuition awards, meaning they cover 100% of the tuition fees for the eligible course duration (1 or 2 years, depending on the programme).
Do I need to submit a separate application for these scholarships?
Yes, applicants must complete a two-stage process: a self-tape video submission followed by a creative project proposal if shortlisted. These are separate from the general course application.
Who is eligible for the Access & Equity Scholarship?
This scholarship is open to UK and Republic of Ireland applicants applying for undergraduate programmes who meet at least one of several criteria related to social disadvantage, including receiving free school meals, having refugee status, or living in a low-participation neighbourhood.
When is the deadline to apply for scholarships?
For the 2025 entry, applications for both scholarships have closed. However, students are encouraged to check the Central Film School website regularly for updated deadlines for future intakes. Early preparation is recommended due to the competitive nature of the awards.
