We know that it can be difficult to cover the cost of your studies and living expenses. The Art School has a number of bursaries available each year to support applicants, as well as students who are already with us. These bursaries have come about through generous donations from a number of organisations and individuals who value the commitment of the Art School to champion specialist subjects.
Please note that the majority of these bursaries are ‘means tested’, so if you are on a low income, for example, or are disabled, or are responsible for dependents, you would be prioritised in the selection process for these.
There are also a range of external grants that you may wish to consider to help fund your study. A list of sources of funding which the Art School has identified is available here, but you should also research other possibilities yourself, as grants are often applicable to specific or local circumstances.
You may also be able to get student finance even if you’re not from the UK. There are a number of International Scholarships available each year, which recognise excellence in the chosen field.
Over 40% of our students usually benefit from one of our grants in an average year, though please be aware we are not able to meet every bursary application or provide support to the level applied for. The award is typically 33% to 50% of the tuition fee for a year, though some cover a larger percentage. Please read the guidance carefully before making an application.
More information about grants and financial assistance for each course is available here:
Foundation Diploma Art & Design
BA (Hons) Fine Art
MA Fine Art
BA (Hons) Conservation: Stone, Wood & Decorative Surfaces
BA (Hons) Conservation: Books & Paper
MA Conservation
BA (Hons) Carving: Architectural Stone
BA (Hons) Carving: Woodcarving & Gilding
PgDip/MA Carving
GRANTS
If you have children or dependent adults, you may be able to get additional grants to help with things like childcare costs.
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. If you think you may be eligible, please check here.
HARDSHIP FUNDING FOR EXISTING STUDENTS
If you are an existing student and experience a change in circumstances that leads to unanticipated financial hardship, you may apply for financial assistance from our Hardship Fund. Our Hardship Fund is designed to provide short term support rather than financing your course. To find out more about our Hardship Fund, please contact us at admin@cityandguildsartschool.ac.uk
STUDENT LOANS
If you are a national of England, Scotland or Northern Ireland and planning to study for your first Honours degree with us, you are probably eligible for support from the Student Loan Company (SLC).
More information about student loans is available on the ‘Fees and Funding’ page for each course.
Students on our Foundation Diploma in Art & Design course are not eligible for any government loans provided by Student Loans Company nor the Advanced Learner Loan to support their tuition payments for the course, but we do have a number of bursaries specifically allocated to applicants for this course.
APPLYING FOR A GRANT OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Once you’ve accepted a place on one of our courses, you can apply for financial assistance. The application process starts from mid-January of the year your study commences. It is best to apply early and we would encourage you submit an application ideally by the end of May. You may apply until 30 November, but support will be contingent on funding still being available at this late stage.
HOW TO APPLY
To learn more about the application procedure and/or apply, please visit this page: Bursaries application form and guide
Email the following items to us at admin@cityandguildsartschool.ac.uk:
o your CV
o an Illustrated Statement (500-1000 words) describing your geographical, familial and educational background, and your achievements and future aspirations. Please also include a photograph of you and images of your artwork, if applicable, (with title, dimension, media, year of production)
o documentation to evidence your circumstances such as proof of household income, student loan agreement or benefits letter.
To help us process your application quickly, please include the following in the subject header of your email:
“GFA Application: your full name and your course title”
If we need to discuss any elements of your application with you, we’ll contact you. Otherwise we aim to let you know the outcome of your application as soon as possible.
HINTS AND TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION
Read all our guidance before completing your application form and submit your form as soon as you can.
It’s not possible to save your answers once you have started completing the application form, so we recommend that you review and prepare your answers in advance. You can find a link to the full list of questions here.
Many of our grants are supported by charitable funds and organisations who often have specific criteria about who can benefit from the support they provide. Make sure you send us all the supporting information we ask for, as well as the application form, so we have as much information about your circumstances as possible.
The donors who are providing the funding for our grants are investing in YOU, so help them get to know you and your passions, aims and ambitions in your illustrated statement.
Proofread your illustrated statement and other submissions before you send them to us to ensure there are no typos, spelling mistakes or missing information.
Make sure your contact information is correct otherwise we may struggle to get back in touch with you!
HOW STUDENTS BENEFIT
Luc Nonga, BA (Hons) Fine Art
For his full three years of study at the Art School, Luc received a grant funded by the Lawrence Atwell Charitable Trust, run by The Skinners’ Company.
“When I decided to apply to Art School, I was concerned about financing my studies, but the drive to become an artist was strong. After my interview I was so happy to be offered a place on the course!
At the interview I was helped to understand the student loan system and was invited to apply for a grant that I was successful in gaining. During my three years at City & Guilds of London Art School I was able to pay for my course thanks to the grant, without which I would have found it very difficult to study at this level.
I’m happy to say that because of the Art School I’m now building my way up professionally as an artist, thanks to the contacts I made at our final year show. I believe that because of my time there I’ve developed the ability to push boundaries as an artist without fear of making mistakes, something that I’m applying now in my current studio practice thanks to my tutors and Art School. Overall, City & Guilds of London Art School was a great experience and one that I’ll always cherish.”
Philip Green, BA (Hons) Historic Carving: Architectural Stone
“Following my passion and building on my stonemasonry background by studying Historic Carving at the Art School, simply wouldn’t have been possible for me without financial assistance. Thanks to generous support from several charities and organisations, I have been able to spend 3 years bettering myself, understanding historic styles, and improving my modelling, drawing and stone carving ability, with the aim to skilfully restore heritage buildings in the sympathetic way they deserve.”
Ffion Howells, BA (Hons) Conservation Studies
“Being a recipient of a generous bursary from the Lawrence Atwell enabled me to dedicate so much time to my studies. Sponsorship from the Zibby Garnet Travelling Fellowship, Venice in Peril, the Gabo Trust and the Clothworkers Foundation, took me to countries including Italy, Russia and Hong Kong. To have had the experience of witnessing conservation practice and meeting practitioners from around the world, has certainly broadened my horizons as well as my understanding of the profession within a global context.”
Anastasya Martynova, Diploma Ornamental Woodcarving & Gilding
“I was […] grateful to have received a bursary from the Drapers’ Company, which paid for my course fees while at the Art School, which meant I could fully focus on my studies and take on less Art Directing TV work. I was also delighted upon graduation to receive the William Wheeler Prize for Outstanding Work, which was a lovely send-off and gave me even more confidence.”
Joshua Dales, BA (Hons) Conservation Studies
“I received a bursary in my final year, providing help to cover my tuition fees. It was the busiest time of the course for me, and this allowed me to concentrate on my thesis and dedicate myself fully to completing my practical work.”