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 three 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 is 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.

There are also additional funding opportunities for international students.

"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 2020-21

Scholarships		Books		Ceramics		Clocks		Furniture		Metalwork		CCCM
	Value	GD	MA	GD	MA	GD	MA	GD	MA	GD	MA	MA
Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship	£500									✓	✓
The South Square Trust	£12,000 (for up to two students)									✓	✓
Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers	£1,000										✓
Britain Australia Society Trust Endeavour Award (for an Australian student)	£10,000	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
The Arts Society Storrington Scholarship	£2,500	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

Bursaries		Books		Ceramics		Clocks		Furniture		Metalwork		CCCM
	Value	GD	MA	GD	MA	GD	MA	GD	MA	GD	MA	MA
The Book Trade Charity	£1,000	✓	✓
The Leche Trust Bursary	£7,500	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
The Skinners' Company, Lawrence Atwell's Charity Awards for Excellence	£15,000 (for up to three students aged 28 and under)	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
The Stationers Foundation	£6,000 (for applicants aged 30 and under)	✓	✓
The Horology Bursary	Up to £20,000					✓	✓
Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund	Based on individual need	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

Read the full conservation scholarship and bursary information for 2020-21

Conservation Scholarships for 2020/21

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

Please note: applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the scholarship awards listed here.

BASET (The Britain-Australia Society Education Trust) Endeavour Award (for an Australian student)

Value: £10,000 per academic year

This will be awarded to an Australian national wishing to study on those qualifying programmes listed in West Dean's School of Conservation Programme or on a Historic Craft Practices course (within the School of Arts), listed at https://www.westdean.org.uk/study/degrees-and-diplomas.

The Britain Australia Society Education Trust (BASET) 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 any programme within qualifying School of Conservation Programmes or on a Historic Craft Practices course, are invited to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the applicant will be sent to BASET for its approval before the award is made. BASET's decision is final.

Terms: The award is for one or two academic years depending on course duration, 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 during their time in the UK.

The Arts Society Storrington Scholarship

Value: £2,500

The Arts Society Storrington Scholarship will be awarded to one student studying on the Graduate Diploma or MA in Conservation Studies (any discipline), the FdA in Historic Craft Practices (any discipline) or the Graduate Diploma or MFA in Fine Art. Applicants must demonstrate need of financial support and a potential in their chosen field. Preference is for a British national, but those resident in Britain or a country in which The Arts Society has a presence will also be considered.

Application: Individuals who have submitted an application to study on one of the programmes outlined above can apply for the award. Applications are considered by the Grants Committee, and a recommendation is made to the former Arts Society Storrington Committee.

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

The South Square Trust Scholarship Award

Value: up to £12,000

The South Square Trust Scholarship will be awarded to a graduate or postgraduate student on the Metalwork Conservation programme who can demonstrate outstanding potential, and a commitment to their studies and a career in the conservation of metals. Applicants should have been mainly educated in the UK.

Application: Applicants to study Metalwork at West Dean College can apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to the Trustees of the South Square Trust for approval.

Terms: The scholarship is for one academic year and will be paid directly to West Dean College in termly instalments towards tuition fees. Scholars must produce a report at the end of each term.

Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers Scholarship

Value: £1,000

This will be awarded to a student on the Postgraduate Diploma or MA in Conservation of Metalwork programme, who is able to demonstrate excellent potential and a commitment to a future career in their chosen field. Preference will be given to students who have demonstrated an interest and ability in conservation of arms and armour during their Graduate Diploma year.

Application: Metalwork students applying for the Postgraduate Diploma or MA Conservation programmes are invited to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominee will be sent to The Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year and the will be paid directly to West Dean College. The scholar will be expected to produce an interim report during their second term and an end of year report in their final term.

The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship

Value: £500

The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship will be awarded to a student under the age of 30 studying on either the FdA Historic Craft Practices in Metalwork, the Graduate Diploma in Conservation of Metalwork or the Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation of 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.

Conservation Bursaries for 2020/21

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

The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund

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 of Arts and Conservation. 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 Horology Bursary

Value: up to £20,000

The Horology Bursary will be awarded to a student studying on one of the Clocks programmes, the FdA, Graduate Diploma or MA. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development.

Application: Individuals studying on a Clocks programme are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation is made on to the funder of The Horology Bursary.

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

Please note: applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the bursaries listed below.

The Book Trade Charity Bursary

Value: £1,000

The Book Trade Charity Bursary will be awarded to a student studying on the Books Conservation programme, the Graduate Diploma or MA. Applicants should be UK passport holders and should include in their application a testimonial which indicates that they have either worked in the UK Book Trade and intend to continue to do so, or fully intend to stay in positions in the UK. This funder welcomes applications from individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Applicants should also demonstrate a clear need for financial support.

Application: Individuals studying on a Books programme are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation is made to The Book Trade Charity for approval.

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

The Leche Trust Bursary

Value: £7,500

The Leche Trust Bursary is offered to students in the field of conservation where skill sets studied are in short supply. Applicants should show the potential and ability to learn, have the intention of using their training to enter their field of conservation at the end of their course and be in need of financial assistance. Preference is given to students under 35, although older students wishing to refresh their skills in order to continue working in their chosen field may be considered.

Application: Individuals who have submitted an application to study on one of the relevant programmes can apply for this bursary. Applications are considered by the Grants Committee, and a recommendation is made to the Leche Trust to be considered by their Trustees, who make the final decision.

Terms: The award is for one academic year. Awardees must produce a termly report.

The Skinners' Company, Lawrence Atwell's Charity Awards for Excellence

Value: £15,000 between up to three students

The Skinners' Company award bursaries towards the cost of studying at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation for up to three students studying on a MA on any Conservation programme. They will also consider students studying for a Graduate Diploma. Applicants should be aged 28 or under, from low income households and be able to demonstrate exceptional potential in their chosen field. Previous scholars are encouraged to reapply for the duration of their studies.

Application: Individuals who have submitted an application to study on one of the programmes outlined above can apply for the award. Applications are considered by the Grants Committee, and a recommendation is made to the Skinners' Company for approval.

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

The Stationers Foundation Bursary

Value: £6,000

The Worshipful Company of Stationers provide bursary support for students studying on the Graduate Diploma or MA in Books and Library Materials.

The criteria to apply for this bursary are as follows: Applicants should be resident in the UK, applicants should demonstrate financial need, applicants should indicate clear career direction and show commitment to their future career development, applicants should be under 25 on 1 September 2020, but applications from those aged 25-30 may be considered. Nominated students will need to be available for interview at Stationers’ Hall in London on Wednesday 24 June 2020 (times TBC).

Application: Please click here to download the application form from the Stationer’s Foundation website. Completed application forms should be emailed by 21 May 2020 to Charlotte Pede at admissions@westdean.org.uk.

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

(Information last updated 24 February 2020)

Arts scholarships and bursaries 2020-21

Scholarships		Historic Craft Practices				FDAD	DACC	Fine Art		Creative Writing and Publishing
Scholarships		Clocks	Furniture	Metalwork	Musical Instruments	FDAD	DACC	Fine Art		Creative Writing and Publishing
	Value	FdA	FdA	FdA	FdA			GD	MFA	MA
Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett	£500			✓
The South Square Trust	£12,000 (for up to two students)			✓
Britain Australia Society Trust Endeavour Award (for an Australian student)	£10,000	✓	✓	✓	✓
The Arts Society Storrington	£2,500	✓	✓	✓	✓			✓	✓

Bursaries		Historic Craft Practices				FDAD	DACC	Fine Art		Creative Writing and Publishing
Bursaries		Clocks	Furniture	Metalwork	Musical Instruments	FDAD	DACC	Fine Art		Creative Writing and Publishing
	Value	FdA	FdA	FdA	FdA			GD	MFA	MA
The Horology Bursary	Up to £20,000	✓
Derek Hill Foundation	£3,000 (up to three students)							✓	✓
The Skinners' Company, Lawrence Atwell's Charity Awards For Excellence	£15,000 (up to three students aged 28 and under)	✓	✓	✓	✓
Frances Lowe Bursary	TBC					✓	✓	✓	✓
Edward James Foundation	Based on individual need	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Bursary	Up to £2,000					✓

READ THE FULL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP AND BURSARY INFORMATION FOR 2020-21

Arts Scholarships for 2020/21

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

Please note: applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the scholarship awards listed here.

The BASET (the Britain-Australia Society Education Trust) Endeavour Award (for an Australian student)

Value: £10,000 per academic year

This will be awarded to an Australian national wishing to study on those qualifying programmes listed in West Dean's School of Conservation Programme or on a Historic Craft Practices course (within the School of Arts), listed at https://www.westdean.org.uk/study/degrees-and-diplomas.

The Britain Australia Society Education Trust (BASET) 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 any programme within qualifying School of Conservation Programmes or on a Historic Craft Practices course, are invited to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the applicant will be sent to BASET for its approval before the award is made. BASET's decision is final.

Terms: The award is for one or two academic years depending on course duration, 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 during their time in the UK.

The Arts Society Storrington Scholarship

Value: £2,500

The Arts Society Storrington Scholarship will be awarded to one student studying on the Graduate Diploma or MA in Conservation Studies (any discipline), the FdA in Historic Craft Practices (any discipline) or the Graduate Diploma or MFA in Fine Art. Applicants must demonstrate need of financial support and a potential in their chosen field. Preference is for a British national, but those resident in Britain or a country in which The Arts Society has a presence will also be considered.

Application: Individuals who have submitted an application to study on one of the programmes outlined above can apply for the award. Applications are considered by the Grants Committee, and a recommendation is made to the former Arts Society Storrington Committee.

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

The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship

Value: £500

The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship will be awarded to a student under the age of 30 studying on either the FdA Historic Craft Practices in Metalwork, the Graduate Diploma in Conservation of Metalwork or the Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation of 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. 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.

Arts Bursaries for 2020/21

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

The Edward James Foundation Bursary Fund

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 of Arts and Conservation. 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.

Bursary for the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FDAD)

Value: up to £2,000

Bursaries are available for talented students aged 18-30 who are unable to pay the full fees.

Application: Applicants who have accepted a place to study on the FDAD programme can apply for a bursary. Applications are considered by the Grants Committee and can be submitted at any time of year.

Terms: Successful students must produce a report detailing the courses they have undertaken as a result of the bursary funding.

The Frances Lowe Bursary

Value: TBC

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) but all applicants will be considered.

Application: Individuals studying on a relevant art programme are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and recommendations are made to the funders for a final decision.

The Horology Bursary

Value: up to £20,000

The Horology Bursary will be awarded to a student studying on one of the Clocks programmes, the FdA, Graduate Diploma or MA. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development.

Application: Individuals studying on a Clocks are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation is made on to the funder of The Horology Bursary.

Please note: applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the bursaries listed below.

Derek Hill Foundation Bursary

Value: £3,000

The Derek Hill Foundation Bursary will be given to a student studying Fine Arts, focussing on painting or drawing or sculpture or interdisciplinary mix of the two. This is not available to students practising tapestry or textile art. Students must demonstrate financial need.

Application: Students on the Fine Arts programme specialising in painting, 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.

(Information last updated 24 January 2020)

Short Course Bursaries

If you would like to develop your creative skills on a short course, but are unable to afford the full fees there are several bursary opportunties that can help. These include bursaries for specialist conservation short courses, music summer schools, textiles courses, and the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, and for special groups, including teachers and young people.

Find out more about short course bursaries

Funding for International Students

If you are looking to find help with funding your studies in the UK 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.

If you are applying from Australia, note the BASET Endeavour Award in the tables above.

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 provides guidance for international students looking for loans, welfare benefits and scholarships.

See also:

The Anglo-Danish Society

Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund

Commonwealth Scholarships

The Elizabeth Greenshields Award

Britain Australia Society Education Trust

The Ian Potter Cultural Trust Scholarship

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship

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.

Student Loans

If you are a UK/EU 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. Visit GOV.UK Student finance.

Postgraduate loans: If you are a UK/EU student you may be able to get a postgraduate loan of up to £10,906 to help with postgraduate course fees and living costs. Visit GOV.UK Funding for postgraduate study.

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 guidance 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.org.uk.

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 practiced in a profitable way 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 practice something that they love, [is] lighting the way to […] a future career that couldn't be seen before."
Jane (Fine Art)

Application Forms and Terms and Conditions

Apply now for Degree and Diploma study

Applications open for 2020 entry

Choose your subject and find out how to apply.

Find out about funding opportunities

Student Funding

Conservation scholarships and bursaries 2020-21

Read the full conservation scholarship and bursary information for 2020-21

Conservation Scholarships for 2020/21

Conservation Bursaries for 2020/21

Arts scholarships and bursaries 2020-21

READ THE FULL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP AND BURSARY INFORMATION FOR 2020-21

Arts Scholarships for 2020/21

Arts Bursaries for 2020/21

Short Course Bursaries

Funding for International Students

Other Sources of Funding

Read more about other sources of funding

School of Conservation

School of Arts

The following websites may also be useful when searching for funding:

Student Loans

Helpful tips for applying for funding

Student Experiences

Application Forms and Terms and Conditions

Apply now for Degree and Diploma study