Finance And Support For Conservatoire Students | UCAS

Not sure how to pay for your performance-based course, or how you’ll cope during your studies? Don’t worry, there’s a range of support available.

In terms of finance, UCAS is only involved in the application fee and collecting audition fees, but we’ll explain all the conservatoire costs here.

Student finance

Higher education is a big investment, so you may need a student or career development loan – which you’re advised to apply for three months before your course starts. You might be eligible for additional funding from other organisations too.

Student support

Conservatoires can offer support in many ways – from any worries or anxieties you have to issues with accommodation, student visas, impairments, or care leavers.

Use your students’ union to join socials, activities and societies
Get support for worries or concerns about conservatoire life
Help with auditions – Open Door is a non-profit organisation that helps talented applicants from London and the East Midlands with financial support and resources.

Disabled students and care leavers

Conservatoires have different ways they can support you in higher education – see our support for individual needs section.

International and EU students
You might need to arrange a student visa to study in the UK.
- If so, you’ll need to prove your English language skills, and make an application through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- Your conservatoire will help you to apply, and you can enter your passport details here on ucas.com when you fill in your application or after you have submitted it.
More about visas, immigration and English language tests
Refugees and asylum seekers
Mature students
If you have any concerns about starting your conservatoire course, just make sure you’re prepared.
- Make a schedule and arrange any childcare you need.
- Ask for help if there are any skills you need to update.
- Take time to settle in and talk to other students and support staff.
Students not supported by their family (estranged)

Study options and qualifications

Apprenticeships and traineeships