Natural Perfume Academy Scholarship Program
Now Open: Four Scholarships Per Year — Celebrating the Solstices and Equinoxes
The Natural Perfume Academy is proud to announce a new scholarship initiative designed to open the doors of botanical perfumery to more passionate and committed students worldwide. Beginning this year, we will offer four scholarships annually, aligned with the rhythm of the natural world — the Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox, and Winter Solstice.
This initiative honours both accessibility and dedication. It is not a giveaway, but a path for those who demonstrate sincere passion, creativity, and commitment to the art and discipline of natural perfumery.
Step One: Walking the Kyphi Path
The journey toward a Natural Perfume Academy Scholarship begins with the Walking the Kyphi Path course — an immersive, sacred exploration of the history and creation of kyphi, the revered Egyptian temple incense. This foundational course is available in both English and Portuguese.
Cost: €80
Course Info & Registration: Walking the Kyphi Path
To be considered for a scholarship, you must:
Enrol in Walking the Kyphi Path
Complete the course at your own pace
Submit a case study with photographs of your completed kyphi, demonstrating your dedication, creativity, resourcefulness, and ability to work with basic materials
This step ensures that all scholarship applicants possess a grounding in botanical materials and the commitment to see a project through — as well as making an initial investment that reflects serious intent.
If you are unable to complete this step, it may be a sign that you are not yet ready to embark on the full NPA Diploma Course.
Please note: Completing the Kyphi course does not guarantee a scholarship. Eligibility is means-tested, and applicants will be asked to provide information about their financial circumstances during the application process.
What the Scholarship Covers
Recipients of the NPA Scholarship will receive 100% access to the CPD Certified Diploma in Natural Perfumery, a self-paced online course led by internationally respected perfumers.
In addition, successful applicants may be eligible for a Kit Grant — a partial subsidy towards the student essential oil kit. This is typically a 75% grant funded directly by the academy and its partners. The student is responsible for repaying the remaining 25%. Equipment must be proccured by the student themselves.
Please Note:
Kit grants are awarded on a case-by-case basis and depend on demonstrated need.
Scholarships are not transferable and cannot be deferred.
We are only able to offer four scholarships per year — so please ensure your application reflects serious intent.
Note for Scholarship Applicants:
If you are purchasing Walking the Kyphi Path as your first step in applying for the Natural Perfume Academy Scholarship, please understand that this course is the entry point to a competitive selection process. Only four scholarships are awarded per year—one per season—and each includes full tuition for the CPD Certified Diploma in Natural Perfumery (valued at €1,100), with the possibility of a 75% materials kit grant.
This is not a free sample or trial—it is a serious competition. We are looking for individuals who are resourceful, committed, and ready to show initiative. That means being able to save for the €80 course, source your own basic ingredients, and complete the course with passion, creativity, and care.
This course is non-refundable once accessed. If you’re unsure, unprepared, or not fully ready to step into the world of natural perfumery with heart and determination, we kindly ask that you wait until the time is right.
Estimated Completion Time & Scholarship Entry Deadlines
On average, students take 4 to 6 weeks to complete Walking the Kyphi Path from start to finish, not including the time it takes to gather materials. While this timeline can vary based on your pace and life commitments, we recommend allowing at least one month of focused effort.
To be considered for a scholarship award, your completed case study must be submitted by the 15th of the month in which the equinox or solstice falls. The next award will be made on or around the 21st of June (Summer Solstice). If you miss that deadline, don’t worry—your application will be automatically considered for the next award on the Autumnal Equinox in September.
Why Kyphi?
Kyphi isn’t just incense. It is a spiritual, artistic, and meditative process. It teaches sourcing, patience, formulation, and reverence — all core values of natural perfumery. It’s the perfect first step.
“Crafting Kyphi is more than a skill—it’s a journey into the heart of ancient traditions. Each blend tells a story, weaving together history, creativity, and personal expression.”
Important Dates:
Spring Equinox Scholarship —Announcement March 21st
Summer Solstice Scholarship— Announcement June 21st
Autumn Equinox Scholarship— Announcement September 23rd
Winter Solstice Scholarship— Announcement December 21st
Spread the Word This program is open to English and Portuguese-speaking students globally. We believe in nurturing a truly international community of natural perfumers — people who create with care, passion, and respect for the materials of the earth.
Know someone who should apply? Please share this opportunity!
For questions, or to learn more, please contact: info@npacertification.com
Let your journey begin — not with declarations, but with dedication.
Natural Perfume Academy
Learn. Create. Inspire.
The scholarship is such exciting news! When is the deadline for submission and how does one go about submitting? I’m currently enrolled and very excited about the opportunity.
Thank you!
Jennifer Butel
Hi Jennifer,
We’re absolutely delighted you’ve enrolled in Walking the Kyphi Path! Yes—you are definitely eligible to apply for the scholarship once you’ve completed the course and submitted your Kyphi case study.
Your case study helps us get a feel for your creative process, your dedication, and how you work with the materials—so it’s an essential part of the application journey. While we can’t guarantee a place (it is a competitive process), completing the course puts you firmly in the running.
We’re cheering you on and can’t wait to see (and smell!) what you create!
Warm wishes,
Ruth
On behalf of the NPA Team
Learn. Create. Inspire.