Choosing to pursue a creative career can be thrilling, transformative… and daunting! Especially when it comes to finances. Whether you're a late-entry artist, a bold career switcher or someone using storytelling or sound to amplify underrepresented voices, we know one of your biggest questions is: how will I fund my studies?

At Catalyst, our scholarships are designed to do more than reduce tuition fees. They’re here to recognise your creative potential, support your journey and help you make that pivotal leap into the arts.

So, if you're asking:

“Are there scholarships for creatives in Berlin?”

“Can I get funding as a career switcher or mature student?”

“Are there scholarships that support underrepresented voices in film, music or psychology?”

“What kind of financial support does Catalyst offer for international students?”

This guide is for you.

What does a Catalyst scholarship offer?

Each scholarship includes a €2,000 tuition fee reduction per academic year for Bachelor’s degrees (totalling €6,000 over 3 years) or a €2,000 reduction in total for Master's programmes.

Scholarships are reviewed on a rolling basis – meaning the earlier you apply, the better your chances. Awards are granted first come, first served, and cannot be combined with our Early Enrolment Bonus.

View full funding guidance and public support options

Who are Catalyst scholarships for?

Our scholarships are for applicants showing creative potential, clear motivation and a desire to contribute meaningfully to their field. We offer both general scholarships and targeted awards tied to specific pathways, backgrounds or themes. Here’s a breakdown based on discipline:

Music & Sound scholarships

1. Cultural Sound & Heritage
Are you drawing from your heritage or community traditions in your music practice? This scholarship supports students exploring diasporic, non-Western or regional sonic traditions, particularly those underrepresented in music education and production.

2. Equity in Audio & Music Technology
Aimed at FLINTA*, BIPOC and other structurally excluded creatives entering electronic music, sound design or audio engineering. For those who’ve been learning on their own and are ready to level up professionally.

3. Experimental & Interdisciplinary Sound Practice
For sonic innovators using tools like modular synthesis, field recordings or audio-visual storytelling. If you’re blending sound with film, installation or other media, this is for you.

4. Creative Pathways (Career Switchers)
Have you worked in a completely different field and are now shifting into music, sound or audio? This scholarship values transferable skills and creative reinvention.

Film, acting & visual media scholarships

1. Global Stories & Cultural Perspectives
For storytellers from diasporic, Global Majority or non-Western backgrounds telling stories rarely seen in mainstream media.

2. Equity in Film & Visual Media
Designed to support applicants facing intersectional barriers in screen or performance arts – including queer, FLINTA, BIPOC, mature or late-entry creatives*.

3. Social Justice & Documentary Storytelling
For artists exploring themes like climate justice, migration or inequality through long-form, activist or community-driven storytelling.

4. Narrative Reinvention (Career Switchers)
Have a background in law, tech, education or another sector and are now pivoting into film or acting? Bring your life experience into your creative voice.

Applied creative psychology scholarships

1. Community Healers
For those with real-world experience in mental health, peer support or community care, now integrating those insights into academic and creative practice.

2. Perspectives in Psychology
For students whose lived experience – especially around identity, marginalisation or social justice – shapes their approach to psychology.

3. Lifework Reimagined (Career Switchers)
If you’re transitioning into psychology from another field and ready to make a new kind of impact, this scholarship supports your shift into human development and creative wellbeing.

What do I need to apply to scholarship at Catalyst?

All applicants must submit:

• A completed Catalyst application for their chosen programme
• A scholarship motivation letter
• A creative portfolio or relevant documentation (as specified per scholarship)
• Evidence of eligibility if applying for a targeted award (e.g. self-identification, background or experience)

We look for applicants who are as talented as self-aware, reflective and committed to growing their practice and contributing to their communities.

Can international students apply?

Yes. All scholarships are open to both EU and non-EU applicants. Our diverse student community includes creatives from over 75 countries, and we’re committed to expanding access to arts education for all backgrounds.

Final tips: how to increase your chances

• Apply early – spaces are limited and assessed on a rolling basis
• Be specific – tell us clearly how your background and practice align with the scholarship
• Show your process – we value potential, self-directed learning and initiative as much as polished work
• Demonstrate commitment – whether you're changing careers or refining your craft, show us what fuels your creative journey

Still wondering if Catalyst is right for you?

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Many of our students come from unconventional backgrounds, have taken detours or are just beginning to articulate their creative voice. That’s what makes this space so vibrant.

Catalyst is not your typical university experience. We’re an institute grounded in experiential learning, collaborative practice and artistic exploration – and our scholarships are designed to support that journey from the very start.

Explore our programmes:
→ View all BA, MA and short courses

Join an open day or info session:
→ Discover events at Catalyst

Ready to apply?
Start your scholarship application and take the next step in your creative life.
🎓 How to apply for a BA/HE Certificate
🎓 How to apply for a Master's degree
💸 Funding & finance
📝 Scholarships at Catalyst