How Much Does Training Cost?

There are three main ways Drama School courses are funded.  To see how the course you are interested in is funded, you should first have a look at our Accredited course list, then refer to Sections 1, 2 and 3 below to find out more about the various sources of funding. 

It is advisable to investigate the different sources of funding at the same time as making decisions on which Drama Schools to apply for.

If you are a European Union Student you should contact the Department for Education and Skills EU Means Testing Team on 01325 391199. 

Students from outside the EU will pay full fees for all courses.  Go to Advice for Overseas Students.

If you are a student with disabilities, the SKILL website contains funding information sheets. Information is available on income support, benefits and funding from charitable trusts:

SKILL: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities

0800 328 5050 (freephone) and 020 7657 2337

(Tuesdays 11.30 to 1.30 pm and Thursdays 1.30-3.30 pm)

Chapter House, 18-20 Crucifix Lane, London  SE1 3JW                     

www.skill.org.uk (opens in new window)

1.   Maintained Courses

Most Drama School training accredited by NCDT now takes place on three-year degree courses offered by Drama Schools which are affiliated to a parent Higher Education Institution or University, which awards the qualification. These courses are known as 'Maintained' courses.

Like any UK (or EU) student entering Higher Education, students are eligible to apply for help with tuition fees and have access to Student Loans. 

If you have previously received government funding for any Higher Education course it is unlikely that you will be eligible for further funding if you are accepted onto a Maintained course.  In this instance, refer to sections 2 and 3 below.

The government website www.direct.gov.uk has comprehensive information about student finance for students thinking of undertaking Higher Education courses.   

Students from Scotland should also contact the Student Awards Agency for Scotland on 0131 476 8212 or www.student-support-saas.gov.uk

See the Accredited Course List to find a Maintained course which is also accredited by NCDT.

2.   Courses Funded by Dance and Drama Awards (DaDAs)

Some 3 year, 2 year and 1 year NCDT accredited courses at independent Drama Schools are part of the Dance and Drama Awards (DaDA) Scheme, a funding programme of the Learning and Skills Council.  These courses lead to diplomas awarded by Trinity College London.

Dance and Drama Awards (DaDAs) are scholarships, which were introduced to increase access to dance, drama and stage management training for talented students from all sectors of the community, and include help with both course fees and living expenses.  To apply for an award you should contact the Drama School at the time of first application.

It is important to be aware that the Dance and Drama Awards provide competitively-awarded scholarships for up to 60% of students on a course: each Drama School is responsible for allocating its share of the DaDA funding, and the scholarships are given to those students who show most talent and potential at audition.  The students' financial circumstances may also be taken into consideration, but only as a secondary factor. 

This means that students who are offered a place at one of these independent Drama Schools but without the specific offer of a DaDA scholarship will have to fund their own places (refer to section 3 below).

Students who have previously received government funding to attend a Further or Higher Education course ARE eligible to apply for a DaDA Award. 

For full details of how much support is available, who is eligible, which Drama Schools award the scholarships and how to apply, go to the Direct Gov Money To Learn pages.

An information booklet 'Dance And Drama Awards' is available by telephoning 0845 602 2260 and quoting reference LSC-DD1.  If you have further questions, contact the Learning and Skills Council at [email protected]

Students in receipt of DaDA awards are NOT also eligible for Student Loans.  They are however eligible to apply for additional means-tested hardship grants to assist with their fees and living expenses.  This is called the Income Assessed Student Support Fund, and Manchester City Council is responsible for processing applications from students from England, Wales and Scotland.  Please contact them for further advice on the procedures and levels of support:

The Chief Education Officer
Student Support Section,
PO Box 191
Manchester M3 3ST

[email protected]

0161 234 7021

Students from Northern Ireland should contact the department below:

Department for Education and Learning
39-49 Adelaide House,
Adelaide Street
Belfast BT2 8FD 
02890 257735

See the Accredited Course List to find an NCDT accredited course which offers the DaDA Awards.

3.    Full Cost or Independent Courses

A small number of NCDT-accredited courses at independent drama schools and a large number of unaccredited courses are full-cost or independent courses, and do not attract any government funding.  The students (or their parents) are responsible for the full tuition fees (which average £9,000 per year) and all living costs.  Students on these courses are not eligible for Student Loans or any Government grant help.

See the Accredited Course List to find an Full Cost Course which is also accredited by NCDT (listed as N/A in the Funding column).

Other Sources of Funding