Student Funding

We know it's not easy funding your studies, and we work hard to provide as many opportunities as possible for you to apply for additional support when you're accepted to study for a degree or diploma here.

There are four ways to apply for support:

Apply for a scholarship or bursary that West Dean College awards on behalf of a third party funder. These each have different criteria which are set by the funder so you will need to check if you are eligible using the guidance in the tables below. You should not approach these organisations directly.
Apply to a fund which encourages students to apply directly. Find those you are eligible to apply to, and follow the links to their website to submit your application.
Apply to The Edward James Bursary Fund. This fund is open to anyone who is offered a place to study at West Dean College.
Apply for the West Dean College Scholarship. This is to enable students from underrepresented groups to access Degree and Diploma courses.

There are also additional funding opportunities for international students.

We have two application deadlines for those applying for degree and diploma funding - 1 April 2022 and 1 August 2022. Each scholarship and bursary will have the relevant deadline advertised next to it. Please make sure you adhere to this.

Please note, that over time, as other scholarships and bursaries become available this page will be updated. Please check back for updates.

Giving Tuesday

Join us on 30th November 2021 as we participate in #GivingTuesday across our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving, encouraging people everywhere including you, to do something to support the good causes that mean so much personally. It’s a chance to give back to the causes that mean so much personally.

We’ll be sharing your #MyGivingStory with you throughout the day across Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as current students say thank you to some of their funders and share how that financial support has enabled them to study at West Dean College.

If you are a Trust, Foundation, Livery Company, Business, Individual who has been inspired to support our students with a scholarship or bursary please contact heidi.hennessy@westdean.ac.uk

"I know that I couldn't have achieved all I have in my time here without the fantastic support I have received from the funding team and the organisations that have helped fund my studies. To have been awarded a scholarship from the Sidney Sanders Charitable Trust has taken the financial stress away from studying and has allowed me to make the most of my time at West Dean College."
Dale Sardeson, MA Conservation Studies, specialising in Clocks

Conservation scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships 2022-23		Books		Ceramics		Clocks		Furniture		Metalwork		CCCM
	Value	GD	MA	GD	MA	GD	MA	GD	MA	GD	MA	MA
BASET Endeavour Award	£10,000 per academic year (for up to two students)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship	£1,000									✓	✓
The South Square Trust Scholarship	Up to £7,000 to one student									✓	✓
West Dean College Scholarship	50% contribution towards tuition fees & 50% contribution towards accommodation fees	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

Bursaries 2022-23		Books		Ceramics		Clocks			Furniture		Metalwork		CCCM
	Value	GD	MA	GD	MA	GD	MA	PDD	GD	MA	GD	MA	MA
The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund	Based on individual need	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓		✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
The Harriet's Trust Bursary	Up to £20,000 (likely to be split between two or more students)					✓	✓
The George Daniels Horology Bursary	Up to £20,000 (may be distributed to up to two students)					✓	✓	✓
The Behrens Foundation	£5,000 (to be distributed to one student)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓		✓	✓	✓	✓
The Alan Whitaker Bursary	£5,000 (to be divided amongst one or several students)					✓	✓	✓

Read the full conservation scholarship and bursary information

Conservation Scholarships

All scholars are expected to agree to the terms and conditions.

Please note: To ensure you are eligible to apply for the scholarship you are interested in please review the information on the application form in conjunction with the scholarship and bursary information on the website. Applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the scholarship awards listed here.

The BASET Endeavour Award

Value: £10,000 match funded with the Edward James Foundation to be divided between two students. Where only one student, the award will be £5,000 match funded.
Deadline: 1 April 2022

This will be awarded to an Australian national wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms

BASET (The Britain Australia Society Education Trust) offers financial support to talented and deserving young people with skills and a passion in the applied creative industries. BASET supports these people to study and train on the other side of the world in order to increase those skills and to share knowledge and ideas - ultimately taking those skills home to continue their work while building valuable links between Britain and Australia.

"We are two great nations with strong connections and a bilateral desire to promote, maintain, preserve and conserve historical objects, artefacts and creative trades. BASET provides financial sponsorship where it "makes the difference" to support talented young people, both for the benefit of themselves and society as a whole."

Application: Australian nationals wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, on the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms, are invited to apply for this award. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development. Preference will be given to applicants intending to return to Australia after study. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the applicant such as name, course, work experience, education and personal statement will be sent to BASET for its approval before the award is made. BASET’s decision is final.

Terms: The award is for one academic year and will be paid directly to West Dean College. The applicant recognises that some additional funding from personal sources may be required and that transport, visa and living costs are the responsibility of the applicant. The successful applicant must provide regular updates to BASET and must produce an end of year report in their final term. They will be invited to be a part of the BASET community through its Helping Hands alumni network https://www.britain-australia.org.uk/baset.

The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship

Value: £1,000
Deadline: 1 April 2022

The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship will be awarded to a student under the age of 30 studying on either the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Metalwork, the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies - Metalwork or the MA Conservation Studies - Metalwork.

Application: Metalwork students applying to any of the above programmes are welcome to apply for this Scholarship. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to the Worshipful Company of Cutlers for approval.

Terms: The award is for one academic year; paid directly to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. Scholars are invited to attend the annual Scholars and Prize-winners Reception hosted by the Company, usually held in October. The scholar will be expected to produce an end of year report in the final term.

The South Square Trust Scholarship

Value: Up to £12,000 to be divided between two students as follows:

£7,000 to one student on the GD or MA Conservation Studies Metalwork
£5,000 to one student on the FdA Metalwork

Deadline: 1 August 2022

The South Square Trust Scholarship will be awarded to two students, one to be on the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Metalwork and one to be on either the Graduate Diploma (GD) or MA Conservation Studies Metalwork, who hold UK Nationality or those who have been mainly educated in the UK and who demonstrate a clear financial need and excellence.

Application: Applicants to study Metalwork at West Dean College can apply for this award and must meet the above criteria. Applicants must submit a completed West Dean College Scholarship Bursary Application Form to West Dean College alongside their CV, a brief summary of their financial circumstances, and where applicable, examples of their work.

The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to the Trustees of the South Square Trust for approval before individuals are informed.

Terms: The scholarship is for the academic year 2022-23 and will be paid directly to West Dean College in three termly instalments towards tuition fees. Scholars must produce a progress report at the end of each term and an end of year report. If there are no suitable candidates in a year, the Scholarship will not be paid and cannot be carried forward to the next year.

West Dean College Scholarship

Value: One award of a 50% contribution towards tuition fees & 50% contribution towards accommodation fees (on campus accommodation only, meals not included)
Deadline: 1 April 2022

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide support to students from underrepresented groups in Higher Education as set out in the College’s Access and Participation Strategy Statement.

Candidates who have accepted their place on a Diploma or Degree Programme and paid their deposit can apply for The West Dean College Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Foundation’s Grants Committee. All bursary and scholarship offers are subject to Terms and Conditions. Students who are offered a scholarship will be asked to sign an acceptance form.

See further details on the application form below.

Conservation Bursaries

All bursary-funded students are expected to agree to the terms and conditions.

Please note: To ensure you are eligible to apply for the bursary you are interested in please review the information on the application form in conjunction with the scholarship and bursary information on the website. Applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the bursaries listed below.

The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund

Value: Grants are given based on individual need.
Deadline: 1 April and 1 August 2022

If you need assistance to fund your studies, you can apply for a bursary from The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund once you have accepted a place to study at West Dean College. The Fund is financed by donations both from The Edward James Foundation itself as part of its charitable objectives and by other organisations and individuals who have made generous donations or bequests to support students.

Applicants should demonstrate a clear financial need and preference will be given to students who show that they are pursuing all possible avenues for raising the funds they will need, including applications to other grant-making trusts, part-time or holiday work and/or student loans. Preference will also be shown to students who have the potential to make a significant contribution to their chosen field.

Grants are given based on individual need. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they can finance any remaining accommodation and tuition fees not covered by their bursary award. The Grants Committee cannot consider an application without this information.

The Harriet's Trust Bursary

Value: Up to £20,000 (likely to be split between two or more students)
Deadline: 1 April 2022

Available to students studying on one of the Clocks programmes within the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA), Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development.

Application: Individuals studying on one of the Clocks programmes within the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA), Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation is made to the funder of bursary.

Terms: The award is for one academic year. Awardees must produce an end of year report.

The George Daniels Educational Trust Horology Bursary

Value: up to £20,000 (may be distributed up to two students)
Deadline: 1 April 2022

The George Daniels Horology Bursary is supported by The George Daniels Educational Trust (GDET), established by Dr George Daniels CBE, a world-renowned horologist and instrument maker and Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, it both honours his legacy and seeks to support a new generation of horologists.

Application: Individuals studying on the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Clocks, Professional Development Diploma, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies – Clocks specialisms, are invited to apply for this award. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to The George Daniels Educational Trust for their records.

Terms: The bursary is for one year and can be used to pay for tuition fees and/or living expenses.

The Behrens Foundation

Value: £5,000 (to be distributed to one student)
Deadline: 1 April 2022

Available to students studying on the Graduate Diploma or MA in Conservation Studies (all specialisms) or the Foundation Degree Arts, FdA, (all pathways). Applicants should demonstrate a clear financial need. In order to offer maximum impact from the award, students of any age or nationality are eligible to apply.

Applications: Individuals studying on a relevant programme are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to the The Behrens Foundation for their records.

Students are required to complete an end of year report on completion of the academic year in which they receive bursary support.

The Alan Whitaker Bursary

Value: £5,000 to be awarded each year within the clocks department to be divided amongst one or several students
Deadline: 1 April 2022

The Alan Whitaker Bursary will be awarded each year to one or several students applying for a second or third year of study on the Clocks programme all pathways: Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) – Clocks, progression to the Graduate Diploma or MA Conservation Studies - Horology, Clocks and Related Objects, progression to the Professional Development Diploma in Horology.

Application: To be eligible to apply students must be going into the second or third year of study on the Clocks programme all pathways (as above), must show ability, diligence, and application in their studies while at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for either their fees or their living expenses. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to funder for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year and will be paid directly to West Dean College to help offset fees or living expenses. The successful applicant will be expected to produce an end of year report in the final term.

(Information last updated 5 November 2021)

Arts scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships 2022-23		Foundation Degree in Arts				FDAD	DACC	Fine Art		Creative Writing and Publishing
Scholarships 2022-23		Clocks	Furniture	Metalwork	Musical Instruments	FDAD	DACC	Fine Art		Creative Writing and Publishing
	Value	FdA	FdA	FdA	FdA			GD	MA	MA
BASET Endeavour Award	£10,000 per academic year (for up to two students)	✓	✓	✓	✓
The South Square Trust Scholarship	Up to £5,000 to one student			✓
West Dean College Scholarship	50% contribution towards tuition fees & 50% contribution towards accommodation fees	✓	✓	✓	✓		✓	✓	✓	✓

Bursaries 2022-23		Foundation Degree Arts				FDAD	DACC	Fine Art		Creative Writing and Publishing
Bursaries 2022-23		Clocks	Furniture	Metalwork	Musical Instruments	FDAD	DACC	Fine Art		Creative Writing and Publishing
	Value	FdA	FdA	FdA	FdA			GD	MA	MA
The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund	Based on individual need	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
The Frances Lowe Bursary	Up to £5,000 (likely to be split between two or more students)					✓	✓	✓	✓
Derek Hill Foundation Bursary	£3,000 (award to be distributed to up to three students)							✓	✓
The George Daniels Horology Bursary	Up to £20,000 (may be distributed to up to two students)	✓
The Behrens Foundation	£5,000 (to be distributed to one student)	✓	✓	✓	✓
The Alan Whitaker Bursary	Up to £5,000 (likely to be split between one or several students)	✓
The Harriet's Trust Bursary	Up to £20,000 (likely to be split between two or more students)	✓

READ THE FULL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP AND BURSARY INFORMATION

Arts Scholarships

All scholars are expected to agree to the terms and conditions.

Please note: To ensure you are eligible to apply for the scholarship you are interested in please review the information on the application form in conjunction with the scholarship and bursary information on the website. Applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the scholarship awards listed here.

BASET - British Australian Society Education Trust

Value: £10,000 match funded with the Edward James Foundation to be divided between two students. Where only one student, the award will be £5,000 match funded.
Deadline: 1 April 2022

This will be awarded to an Australian national wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms

BASET (The Britain Australia Society Education Trust) offers financial support to talented and deserving young people with skills and a passion in the applied creative industries. BASET supports these people to study and train on the other side of the world in order to increase those skills and to share knowledge and ideas - ultimately taking those skills home to continue their work while building valuable links between Britain and Australia.

"We are two great nations with strong connections and a bilateral desire to promote, maintain, preserve and conserve historical objects, artefacts and creative trades. BASET provides financial sponsorship where it "makes the difference" to support talented young people, both for the benefit of themselves and society as a whole."

Application: Australian nationals wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, on the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms, are invited to apply for this award. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development. Preference will be given to applicants intending to return to Australia after study. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the applicant such as name, course, work experience, education and personal statement will be sent to BASET for its approval before the award is made. BASET’s decision is final.

Terms: The award is for one academic year and will be paid directly to West Dean College. The applicant recognises that some additional funding from personal sources may be required and that transport, visa and living costs are the responsibility of the applicant. The successful applicant must provide regular updates to BASET and must produce an end of year report in their final term. They will be invited to be a part of the BASET community through its Helping Hands alumni network https://www.britain-australia.org.uk/baset

The South Square Trust Scholarship

Value: Up to £12,000 to be divided between two students as follows:

£7,000 to one student on the GD or MA Conservation Studies Metalwork
£5,000 to one student on the FdA Metalwork

Deadline: 1 August 2022

The South Square Trust Scholarship will be awarded to two students, one to be on the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Metalwork and one to be on either the Graduate Diploma (GD) or MA Conservation Studies Metalwork, who hold UK Nationality or those who have been mainly educated in the UK and who demonstrate a clear financial need and excellence.

Application: Applicants to study Metalwork at West Dean College can apply for this award and must meet the above criteria. Applicants must submit a completed West Dean College Scholarship Bursary Application Form to West Dean College alongside their CV, a brief summary of their financial circumstances, and where applicable, examples of their work.

The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to the Trustees of the South Square Trust for approval before individuals are informed.

Terms: The scholarship is for the academic year 2022-23 and will be paid directly to West Dean College in three termly instalments towards tuition fees. Scholars must produce a progress report at the end of each term and an end of year report. If there are no suitable candidates in a year, the Scholarship will not be paid and cannot be carried forward to the next year.

West Dean College Scholarship

Value: One award of a 50% contribution towards tuition fees & 50% contribution towards accommodation fees (on campus accommodation only, meals not included)
Deadline: 1 April 2022

The purpose of the scholarship is to provide support to students from underrepresented groups in Higher Education as set out in the College’s Access and Participation Strategy Statement.

Candidates who have accepted their place on a Diploma or Degree Programme and paid their deposit can apply for The West Dean College Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the Foundation’s Grants Committee. All bursary and scholarship offers are subject to Terms and Conditions. Students who are offered a scholarship will be asked to sign an acceptance form.

See further details on the application form below.

Arts Bursaries

All bursary-funded students are expected to agree to the terms and conditions.

Please note: To ensure you are eligible to apply for the bursary you are interested in please review the information on the application form in conjunction with the scholarship and bursary information on the website. Applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the bursaries listed below.

The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund

Value: Grants are given based on individual need.
Deadline: 1 April and 1 August 2022

If you need assistance to fund your studies, you can apply for a bursary from The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund once you have accepted a place to study at West Dean College. The Fund is financed by donations both from The Edward James Foundation itself as part of its charitable objectives and by other organisations and individuals who have made generous donations or bequests to support students.

Applicants should demonstrate a clear financial need and preference will be given to students who show that they are pursuing all possible avenues for raising the funds they will need, including applications to other grant-making trusts, part-time or holiday work and/or student loans. Preference will also be shown to students who have the potential to make a significant contribution to their chosen field.

Grants are given based on individual need. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they can finance any remaining accommodation and tuition fees not covered by their bursary award. The Grants Committee cannot consider an application without this information.

The Frances Lowe Bursary

Value: £5,000 (to be distributed to up to three students)
Deadline: 1 April 2022

Available to students studying arts on the FDAD and DACC programmes. Graduate Diploma and MA students studying Fine Art will also be considered. Applicants should demonstrate talent and a commitment to their future career development. Applications are particularly encouraged from younger students (18-30).

Application: Individuals studying on a relevant art programme are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and recommendations along with a short precis including the applicant’s personal statement, name, course, age, references/tutor recommendation and portfolio are made to the funders for a final decision before any awards are confirmed.

The successful applicant must produce an end of year report in their final term.

The Derek Hill Foundation Bursary

Value: £3,000 (award to be distributed to up to three students)
Deadline: 01 April 2022

The Derek Hill Foundation Bursary will be given to a student studying Fine Arts, focussing on painting and drawing or sculpture or an interdisciplinary mix of the two. This is not available to students practising tapestry or textile art. Students must demonstrate financial need. Applicants can be of any age or nationality. Award to be distributed to up to three students.

Application: Students on the Fine Arts programme specialising in painting and drawing or sculpture or an interdisciplinary mix of the two are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominee will be sent to The Derek Hill Foundation for their records.

Terms: This bursary is for one academic year. The successful student must produce a report in the final term.

The George Daniels Education Trust Horology Bursary

Value: Up to £20,000 (may be distributed to up to two students)
Deadline: 01 April 2022

The George Daniels Horology Bursary is supported by The George Daniels Educational Trust (GDET), established by Dr George Daniels CBE, a world-renowned horologist and instrument maker and Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers, It both honours his legacy and seeks to support a new generation of horologists.

Application: Individuals studying on the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Clocks, Professional Development Diploma, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies – Clocks specialisms, are invited to apply for this award. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to The George Daniels Educational Trust for their records.

Terms: The bursary is for one year and can be used to pay for tuition fees and/or living expenses

The Behrens Foundation

Value: £5,000 (to be distributed to one student)
Deadline: 1 April 2022

Available to students studying on the Graduate Diploma or MA in Conservation Studies (all specialisms) or the Foundation Degree Arts, FdA, (all pathways). Applicants should demonstrate a clear financial need. In order to offer maximum impact from the award, students of any age or nationality are eligible to apply.

Applications: Individuals studying on a relevant programme are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to the The Behrens Foundation for their records.

Students are required to complete an end of year report on completion of the academic year in which they receive bursary support.

The Alan Whitaker Bursary

Value: £5,000 to be awarded each year within the clocks department to be divided amongst one or several students
Deadline: 1 April 2022

The Alan Whitaker Bursary will be awarded each year to one or several students applying for a second or third year of study on the Clocks programme all pathways: Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) – Clocks, progression to the Graduate Diploma or MA Conservation Studies (specialising in Clocks), progression to the Professional Development Diploma in Horology.

Application: To be eligible to apply students must be going into the second or third year of study on the Clocks programme all pathways (as above), must show ability, diligence, and application in their studies while at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for either their fees or their living expenses. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to funder for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year and will be paid directly to West Dean College to help offset fees or living expenses. The successful applicant will be expected to produce an end of year report in the final term.

The Harriet's Trust Bursary

Value: Up to £20,000 (likely to be split between two or more students)
Deadline: 1 April 2022

Available to students studying on one of the Clocks programmes within the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA), Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development.

Application: Individuals studying on one of the Clocks programmes within the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA), Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or MA Conservation Studies are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation is made to the funder of bursary.

Terms: The award is for one academic year. Awardees must produce an end of year report.

(Information last updated 5 November 2021)

Short Course Bursaries

If you would like to develop your creative skills on one of our 300+ short courses but are unable to afford the full fees, bursary opportunities are available. These include bursaries for specialist conservation short courses, music summer schools, textiles courses and special groups including teachers and young people.

Find out more about short course bursaries

Other Sources of Funding

There are a number of further funders who share our passion for conservation and creativity. Students should apply to these funders directly.

Funding for International Students

Please check the criteria and application details of the scholarships and bursaries listed above to see if you are eligible to apply.

If you need inspiration for other sources of funding check out the following list.

Be mindful that it is a good idea to send out funding applications as soon as possible. It may be more difficult to make arrangements for financial support once you have left your own country.

You can also enquire with your own Ministry or Department of Education, as they may have details of scholarship opportunities for students wishing to study overseas.

The British Council can provide you with a basic guide for possible sources of funding for international students who want to study in the UK.

Council for International Student Affairs guides international students looking for loans, welfare benefits and scholarships.

Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund

Scholarships - Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (fcdo.gov.uk)

The Elizabeth Greenshields Award

The Ian Potter Cultural Trust Scholarship

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship

Student Loans

If you are a UK student applying for the Foundation Degree or a Graduate Diploma you may be eligible to apply for a Student Loan (tuition fees and/or maintenance loans) from the Student Loans Company as long as you haven't previously received a Student Loan. Some EU students may also be eligible (for example EU students with Leave to Remain). Visit GOV.UK Student Loans Company. Please note: If you are eligible and successful with your appplication the tuition fee student loan is capped at £6,000.

Postgraduate loans: If you are a UK student you may be able to get a postgraduate loan of up to £11,222 to help with postgraduate course fees and living costs. Some EU students may also be eligible (for example EU students with Leave to Remain). Visit GOV.UK What You'll Get.

Please note that the availability of all student funding is subject to annual approval in line with the conditions for course designation set by the Department for Education.

Helpful tips for applying for funding

Identify a list of potential funders who are interested in your area of work and whose criteria you meet. Funds are competitive so you should apply to as many of them as possible.
Read the guidelines carefully and provide all the information they require. Submit your application in good time before any deadline.
Where requested, provide clear information about your financial need. Most funders want to be sure that you need their support and to see what effort you have made to raise at least part of the cost of your fees yourself. This underlines your commitment to your studies.
Make it easy for the funder to get to know you in your personal statement. It's you they will be investing in, so let them get to know about you, your passions and your goals and ambitions.
Your application must be typed, the Grants Committee cannot accept handwritten forms.
Always proof-read and spell-check your application!

Apply for funding at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation by downloading the application form/s. Once completed, send to Charlotte Pede, Admissions Officer, e-mail admissions@westdean.ac.uk.

FAQs

I am applying to West Dean for funding. When should I apply?

You usually apply for funding as soon as you have received an offer of a course place using the forms on our website. The funding deadlines are 1 April and 1 August, but these can change each year. The College Grants Committee meets after these dates to review all applications and allocate funding.

Can I apply for a bursary before I make a course application so I know how much I need to fund myself?

You can only apply for a bursary or scholarship once you have been offered a place. Our funding opportunities change regularly as new funding organisations come on board. We want our applicants to have access to new bursaries as they become available and we constantly update our website to reflect this. On applying for the course, if you don’t know how you are going to fund your studies, you can indicate an estimated amount or say that funding is being applied for.

How has Brexit affected EU student application and funding?

EU students need to apply for a student visa, the same process as an international student, and most EU students no longer have ‘home fee status’ or guaranteed access to UK financial support. They therefore need to access funding as an international student.

I am an international student. Am I eligible to receive funding support from West Dean College?

Yes – the College can support the funding of our international students. Some organisations are only able to fund UK residents, and this is specified in their criteria. We always recommend checking sources within your home country and always apply for funding before you arrive in UK. The British Council and UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has very useful information about applying for grants. Read more about funding for international students.

Students chatting in West Dean College courtyard

Student Experiences

"Studying a second year at West Dean would not have been possible without the funding I have received, so I wanted to take this opportunity to thank my funders […] the backing you provide makes a real impact. Being able to study conservation full time for two years before working means that knowledge and skills which may be very time-intensive to acquire, can be learnt and honed without the worry of also trying to make sure they are being practised profitably at the same time."
Kate (MA Conservation Studies)

"The funding that has [been] provided has been such an extraordinary gift. To help enable someone to study, and practise something that they love, [is] lighting the way to […] a future career that couldn't be seen before."
Jane (Fine Art)

Bursary and scholarship terms and conditions

If you are applying for funding through one of our bursaries or scholarships, please read our T&Cs before completing your application.

Read the full T&Cs

Any recipient of an Edward James Foundation scholarship or bursary award who is deemed to be in breach of the Student Code of Conduct and attendance, or who withdraws from study without a valid reason as accepted by the College, or who fails to meet the report submission deadlines may be liable to reimburse the full value of the scholarship or bursary, and/or have their funding withdrawn.
The recipient must accept the scholarship or bursary offer by returning a signed copy of the Scholarship/Bursary Acceptance Form as indicated in the offer letter.
The recipient agrees to keep the Edward James Foundation bursary award confidential from fellow students. Failure to do so may lead to its withdrawal. This condition does not apply to the Scholarship awards.
The recipient agrees to inform the College immediately should he/she receive any additional tuition fee funding from other sources, including any provisional offers.
In the event that the recipient is successful in achieving tuition fee funding from other sources, the Grants Committee reserves the right to adjust the bursary if the total amount achieved exceeds the full tuition fees.
The recipient agrees to write a thank you letter and any progress reports for donors, using an existing template and to agreed deadlines, as required. The recipient will be informed by the College in writing of the report requirements and deadlines. Failure to meet a deadline may result in the withdrawal of funding.
The recipient agrees to support the College in reasonable promotional and/or marketing purposes or any other events where the recipient can make a positive contribution towards College life during the academic year including, for example, participation in a maximum of three College or external promotional events, providing quotations for marketing and promotional purposes and assistance with recruiting prospective students. Any activities will be discussed and mutually agreed between the recipient and the College at the beginning of the academic year or when the need for student support arises.
The recipient agrees to take part in promotional activities supporting the diploma and degree programmes for two years after completion of the course. The College may ask recipients to feature in press stories or to give up to a maximum of two talks or presentations in their home country. The costs for any promotional activities initiated by the College will be covered by the College.
The recipient agrees to submit two progress reports to the College annually by December and June on his/her employment status and on any particular successes in his/her field for the duration of two years after completion of the course. These reports will be shared with the funders.
The College will deduct awarded scholarships(*) and bursaries from the tuition fees and will specify in the offer letter the amount that will be deducted from the Summer term, Spring term and/or Autumn term fees. Scholarships and Bursaries will ordinarily be deducted from the Summer term tuition fees, with any remaining funds to be subsequently deducted from the Spring term and finally the Autumn term if applicable.
By accepting this award the recipient declares that he/she has provided all relevant information to the College. Such information includes details of any criminal conviction or ongoing legal proceedings, or particular matters that may harm the reputation of the College and which would cause the College to reconsider the offer. The recipient also declares that no other application has been refused by another educational institution on such grounds.
The College reserves the right to amend the above terms and conditions at any time.

(*) Different conditions apply for the Leche Trust Scholarship and the Skinners’ Atwell Bursary.

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Read the full T&Cs