The British Academy of Film and Television Arts  has opened applications to a scholarship programme that enables talented Chinese nationals from mainland China or Hong Kong to take an industry-accredited course in film, television or games in the UK. 

The scholarships aim to encourage cross-cultural exchange between British and Chinese nationals. British citizens will also be funded to study similar courses in mainland China or Hong Kong.

Chinese nationals can apply for up to £24,000 towards course fees at an industry-recognised UK institution, plus up to £10,000 for living expenses. The Chinese scholarship recipients will also be mentored by a British industry professional, and have free access to BAFTA events. In return, the BAFTA Scholars will share their learning experiences on BAFTA Guru, BAFTA’s online learning resource (www.bafta.org/guru), and participate in BAFTA outreach to young people.

For the first time in 2016, BAFTA awarded scholarships to two students from mainland China. 

Qingling Zhang from Shanghai, is studying Production Design at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in Beaconsfield, near London. Qingling’s mentor is the BAFTA and Oscar-winning production designer Eve Stewart (The King’s Speech, Les Misérables). Qingling said: “To be awarded the BAFTA Scholarship is the greatest honour I have ever received. The incredible scholarship gives me huge support and encouragement, so I am more confident to pursue new challenges and achieve my ambitions in production design.”

Li Gong, from Lanzhou in Gansu Province, is studying Film Directing at Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh, in Scotland. Li’s mentor is the BAFTA Scotland Award-winning producer Sarah Howitt (Chinese School, Lost Kingdoms of Africa).  Li Gong said: “I chose to study in the United Kingdom because it is a country which values creativity and provides millions of opportunities for youngsters to make their voices heard. Without the financial support from BAFTA, I wouldn’t have been able to come to Edinburgh and be inspired.”

In 2014 BAFTA awarded a scholarship to a student in Hong Kong:

Hong Kong resident Wan Pin Chu studied the Master of Composition (MComp) in Composition for Screen at the Royal College of Music in London. His mentor was music supervisor Maggie Rodford (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Cinderella). Since receiving his scholarship, which was additionally supported by the Yip Foundation, Wan has co-scored a BBC documentary, collaborated on projects with a British BAFTA Scholar who studied in Hong Kong and, on behalf of BAFTA, performed in front of Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and President Xi Jinping during a Chinese state visit to the UK.

Read more about our scholars here.

Sara Putt, Chair of BAFTA’s Learning and New Talent Committee, said: “We’re delighted to offer talented Chinese individuals the chance to study, share their knowledge and collaborate with their peers in the UK, and to learn from leading figures in the British film, television and games industries. The BAFTA Scholars from mainland China and Hong Kong have been wonderful additions to our scholarship programme. We encourage anyone with a talent, whatever their background or circumstances, to apply.”

The BAFTA Scholarship Programme in China has been made possible by the generous support of the Academy Circle and individual donors.