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. The amount of loan or grant to which you are entitled depends on your circumstances.

The government website, Directgov, has comprehensive information about loans, grants, bursaries and scholarships for those thinking of undertaking Higher Education courses. Student Loan information is available from the Student Loan Company.

Students from of studying in Scotland should contact the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.

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 Courses Funded By Dance And Drama Awards, and Full Cost Or Independent Courses.

See the NCDT accredited course list to find a Maintained course which is also accredited by NCDT.

The biggest problem for me funding drama school was that, unlike most people there, I couldn’t get any finance from my parents. My course was maintained and my student loan covered the fees - I got the whole amount. Then I got some help towards my living costs. Some of that was a means-tested maintenance grant, and the rest was more loans. It covered my rent and that was about it. I got a small bursary from the college, and a cheque for £50 from a charity, having written to loads of them. So I also got a job during the holidays and part-time in term time. I don’t think we were supposed to work, but I didn’t have a choice. It did make it difficult sometimes. It was OK in the first and second years but third year was really intense and exhausting. My training was totally worth it and the course was brilliant but it was seven-days-a-week hard work and now I still have a full student loan to pay off. I’ve hardly started yet.

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