Funding Your Studies
The information set out below is for your guidance. It applies to the academic year 2010-2011.
Funding will be discussed with you as part of the interview process. We would urge you to apply as soon as you can, giving you maximum time to secure funding for your studies.
If you do not have access to the necessary funds you should research, identify and apply to relevant sources of funding.
These need to be investigated as early as possible so that letters and/or applications for funding can be sent immediately on receipt of the Principal’s letter offering you a place on the programme.
It is important to consider timescales. All potential funders will have their own timetable for making decisions on applications.
Applying for and securing funding is competitive. It is always worth having a Plan B to ensure you can fund your place at West Dean College.
Awards administered by West Dean College
Application forms for these awards can be obtained from the Principal’s office at interview stage.
Edward James Foundation – bursaries towards part of the tuition fees
Eligibility: UK and overseas students studying on any programme
BADA, Joan Eyles – a scholarship for one year’s tuition fees
Eligibility: UK students on one of the following programmes: Ceramics, Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork
A word from our Supporters ... Find out more about our relationship with BADA.
South Square Trust – a scholarship for one year’s tuition fees
Eligibility: UK students on the Metalwork programmes
Pilgrim Trust – a scholarship for one year’s tuition fees
Eligibility: UK and overseas students on a conservation programme
A word from our Supporters ... Find out more about our relationship with The Pilgrim Trust.
Monument Trust – a scholarship for one year’s tuition fees
Eligibility: UK and overseas students on any programme
PF Charitable Trust – a scholarship for one year’s tuition fees
Eligibility: UK and overseas students on any programme.
Sidney Sanders Charitable Trust – a scholarship for one year’s tuition fees
Eligibility: UK students on the Clocks and Metalwork programmes
Barrow – a bursary towards part of the tuition fees
Eligibility: UK and overseas students studying on the Books programmes
St Roche – a scholarship for two year’s tuition and accommodation fees (plus termly allowance)
Eligibility: UK and overseas students studying on the Clocks programme
Charitable Trusts and Foundations
Most grant-makers have very strict policies about whom they will and will not support. Take time to find out their guidelines and apply to relevant trusts only, otherwise you will be wasting your time (and theirs).
You should check:
As a starting point several charitable trusts are listed below, please note that this list is not exhaustive. Grant making Trust directories may be found in the reference section of public libraries.
Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) - makes awards to craftsmen and women of all ages to help them further their careers.
Anna Plowden Trust – supports the primary training of UK conservation students by awarding grants towards the cost of fees for full or part time conservation courses.
The Coats Foundation Trust – aims to relieve poverty and to assist those who do not have the financial means to fund their education.
The Skinners’ Company, Laurence Atwell’s Charity
Eligibility - aged between 16-25, UK national, refugee or asylum seeker, low income background
The Juliet Gomperts Trust
A small charity which gives financial support to artists who are resident in the UK.
The Eaton Fund
Provides funding for artists (not performing) ie. painters, potters, sculptors and Photographers.
Companies
Some employers may be willing to sponsor employees study if relevant to their field of work. If you are a Visual Arts student you may come to an agreement about loan or gifts of your work.
Funding from Individuals
You may be aware of a friend, family acquaintance or associate from any employment or commissions you have undertaken. They may be in a position to sponsor your studies and may be keen to do so, it is a recognised practice for individuals to support others and become their Patron.
Funding for International Students
If you are hoping for help with funding your studies in the UK, you need to get working on this as soon as you can – it is very difficult to make arrangements for financial support once you have left your own country. Start by enquiring with your own Ministry of Education or Department of Education, as they should have details of scholarship opportunities for students wishing to study overseas.
A booklet intended as a basic guide to possible sources of funding for international students who want to study in the UK can be downloaded from the British Council, more information can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs website.
There is no funding available from the British Council in the UK for international students. To apply for British Council funding you should apply to the office in your home country as a resident of that country. The address of offices in your home country can be found on the British Councilwebsite.
If there is not an office in your home country, you are not eligible for British Council funding. You should contact the British Embassy or High Commission in your country as they may be able to help you further.
The DirectGov website has funding information for EU Students.
Commonwealth Students can check out the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission for information on applications for General Scholarships in the United Kingdom. These should be made in the first instance to nominating agencies in the country of origin.
The Chevening Scholarships programme offers Foreign and Commonwealth scholarships and Fellowships. These are prestigious awards which enable overseas students to study in the United Kingdom.
The US-UK Fulbright Postgraduate Awards are open to all fields of postgraduate study in the UK.
The Rotary Club offer Ambassadorial Scholarships
Japanese students on an Arts programme should look at the Gen Foundation's funding programmes.
The Europe-Korea Foundation Scholarship Programme was set up to promote Europe as an academic centre for for South Korean students.
The Anglo-Korean Society through the Bursary Committee of the British Association for Korean Studies offers small bursaries on a competitive basis to post-graduate students.
The Anglo-Danish Society invites applications from students undertaking post-graduate courses of Danish Nationality for scholarships.
Please note that there may be an ‘Anglo-______’ society relevant to your country, it may be worth researching if this is the case and if they have funds available to support study in the UK.
The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing.
The Canadian Scholarship Fund grants awards ranging from £500 to £3,000 to Candian men and women for academic and artistic study in the UK.
Further Information
British Council Scholarship and Funding information
The Directory of Social Change publish a number of relevant funding guides.
Student Cash Point provides a comprehensive source of information on grants, loans, bursaries, scholarships and
If you have any queries about applying for funding, please contact:
Véronique Harris, West Dean College, West Dean, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 0QZ, England
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 818274 Email: veronique.harris@westdean.org.uk
