Student Funding

*For internal applicants only

Edward James Foundation Bursary - Application form

West Dean College Scholarship - Application form

Application form for The Mercers’ Fine Art and Conservation Award, funded with the support of the Mercers' Charitable Foundation, will be available April 2025

All other funding - Application form

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 this page. Applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the scholarship awards listed below.

The Edward James Foundation Bursary
Value: Grants are given based on individual need
Deadline: 1 April and 1 August 2025
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 or KLC School of Design. 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.

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 2025
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. 

The Radcliffe Trust Bursary 
Value: £4,000 (to be awarded to one student)
Deadline: 1 August 2024
The Radcliffe Trust Bursary will be awarded to a student studying the Foundation Degree Arts – all pathways, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development whilst at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for their fees. 

Application: Students on the Foundation Degree Art – all pathways, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to The Radcliffe Trust for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year. The successful student must produce a report mid-summer term.

Books and Bindings FdA Bursary
Value: £10,000 (to be shared between two students)
Deadline: TBC
The Books and Bindings FdA Bursary will be awarded to students studying the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Books and Bindings pathway. Applicants must demonstrate ambition, a commitment to their studies, outstanding potential and a clear financial need for whom the remainder of the funding can be met from elsewhere. Students of any age or nationality are eligible to apply.

Application: Individuals studying on the FdA Books and Bindings pathway are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and agree the successful recipient(s). Details such as name and course may be shared with the funder. Students are required to complete an end of year report on completion of the academic year in which they receive bursary support. This will be shared with the bursary funder.

Terms: The award is for one academic year. The successful applicant will be expected to produce an end of year report in the final term.

The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars West Dean Accommodation Bursary
Value: £9,000 to one student
Deadline: 1 April 2024
The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars bursary will be awarded to a student studying the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Books and Bindings, Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork pathway or the Graduate Diploma (GD) Conservation Studies Books, Ceramics, Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork specialism. Preference will be given to a student who holds UK Nationality or who has been mainly educated in the UK, who is aged under 25 on 1st September 2023 (though applicants aged between 25 and 30 will be considered). Students must demonstrate outstanding potential and financial need, whilst at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for living expenses.

Application: Students meeting the above criteria are welcome to apply for this bursary. The West Dean College Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to The Arts Scholars Company for approval.

The BASET Endeavour Heritage 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: 5pm, 1 April 2025 
BASET (The Britain-Australia Society Education Trust) provides talented young people with a life changing opportunity to develop new skills, broaden their horizons and realise their potential.  

The BASET Endeavour Heritage Award at West Dean provides funding to deserving young adults from Australia to support their training in the fields of heritage conservation and specialist historical craft skills. The Awards are granted to Australian nationals wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, the Graduate Diploma Conservation & Management for Collections, the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms.  

After completing their education at West Dean, BASET Award recipients are able to take the skills they have learnt back to Australia to both preserve heritage themselves and train others in their craft. They are usually highly sought after by employers and start careers in their fields immediately.  

Application: Available to Australian nationals wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, the Graduate Diploma Conservation & Management for Collections,  the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and that the BASET Award will enable them to undertake their studies.  

The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the applicants such name, nationality, programme, education and qualifications, employment and experience, personal statement, income and expenditure will be sent to BASET for its approval. Please note, BASET may request an interview with the nominee before confirming the award. BASET’s decision is final. 

Terms: The award is for one academic year. The award will be paid directly to West Dean. 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 applicants must provide regular updates to BASET and must produce an end of year report in their final term. On the completion of their studies, they will be invited by BASET to join BASET’s alumni community. For more information about BASET, please visit their website at www.britain-australia.org.uk/baset 

The Behrens Foundation
Value: £15,000 to be divided to three students
Deadline: 1 April 2025
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 such as name, programme of study  and personal statement will be sent to The Behrens Foundation for their records.

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

International Conservation Services Australian Bursary
Value: £5,000
Deadline: TBC
For over 30 years, Julian Bickersteth,1981-1982 Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies Furniture and Related Objects alumnus, has been the CEO of International Conservation Services (ICS), which he founded in 1986. ICS is Australia’s largest private fine art and heritage conservation practice, with labs in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth employing over 40 permanent staff plus casuals. ICS works across the disciplines of furniture, paintings, works on paper, textiles, sculpture, archaeology and outdoor heritage for myriad collecting institutions including, government bodies, corporations, major universities and private collections.

Having received a part scholarship to help him study at West Dean, Julian is keen to give others a similar opportunity. Julian has established the International Conservation Services Australian Bursary

Application: To be eligible to apply, applicants must be Australian nationals, must be studying on one of the MA Conservation Studies specialisms, must demonstrate a commitment to a career in conservation (they could already be practicing in Australia or be an Australian student looking to further their studies in conservation before advancing their conservation career), must demonstrate a clear aim for career development in conjunction with finding it difficult to find funds for professional development fees. Applicants of any age are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants intending to return to Australia after study. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the successful applicant together with references will be sent to Julian and ICS for their records. 

Terms: The award is for one academic year and once awarded the student cannot reapply for further funding. The award will be paid directly to West Dean College to help offset course fees. The applicant recognises that some additional funding from personal sources is likely to be required, and that transport, visa and living costs are their own responsibility. The successful applicant must produce an end of year report in the final term which may be used for publication or summary on the ICS website and/or social media channels at the discretion of the ICS. The successful applicant on completion of their course may be invited to an ICS event.

MA Conservation Studies Books and Library Materials and Ceramics and Related Objects Bursary
Value: £5,000 to be awarded to one student
Deadline: 1 April 2024
Available to students studying on the MA Conservation Studies Books and Library Materials or Ceramics and Related Objects. Applicants must demonstrate a need for financial support, excellent potential and a commitment to a future career in their chosen field.

Application: Students studying on the MA Conservation Studies Books and Library Materials or Ceramics and Related Objects 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 funder for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year. The successful student must produce a report in mid-Autumn, mid-Spring and mid-Summer terms.

The Arts Scholars Books Bursary
Value: £5,000 to one student
Deadline: 1 August 2024
The Arts Scholars Books Bursary will be awarded to a student studying the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA)  Books and Bindings pathway or the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies Books and Library Materials specialism. Preference will be given to a student who holds UK Nationality or who has been mainly educated in the UK, who is aged under 25 on 1st September 2024 (though applicants aged between 25 and 30 will be considered). Students must demonstrate outstanding potential and financial need, whilst at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for living expenses.

Application: Students meeting the above criteria are welcome to apply for this bursary. The West Dean College Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to The Arts Scholars Company for approval.

Terms: The award is for one academic year, paid directly to West Dean College to help offset fees. The award will be paid directly to West Dean. The successful student must produce an end of year report in the final term for publication or summary in the Arts Scholars’ Newsletter and/or website at the Arts Scholars’ discretion. The successful student may be invited to an Arts Scholars event such as its Awards lunch or similar, and consents to their photograph being reproduced in the Arts Scholars Newsletter and/or website at the Arts Scholars’ discretion.

The Mercers’ Fine Art and Conservation Award
Funded with the support of the Mercers' Charitable Foundation.
The purpose of this award is to provide support to students who are finishing their MFA, MFA Blended-delivery, MFA Craft Practices, MA Conservation Studies programme and who will be entering the first year of their professional career within the Arts or Crafts sector.
Value: £10,000 each to two students
Deadline: Applications open 1 April 2025. Applications close 5pm, 1 August 2025
Students of any age or nationality are eligible to apply for the awards but they must be finishing their studies on the MFA, MFA Blended-delivery, MFA Craft Practices, MA Conservation Studies - all specialisms by the end of September 2025. Precedence shall be given to people from underrepresented groups* (particularly those who face socio-economic disadvantage, have a disability or are from an ethnic minority background) and awardees must be set on living and working in London and the South East or England** i.e. successful awardees must base themselves there and establish their professional careers there for the duration of the award.

We would particularly welcome applications from students who meet the above criteria and whose skills contribute to enriching and diversifying culture and society, for instance, this could be through application of a rare craft skill, such as those on the Red List of Endangered Crafts, or through a commitment to outreach activities that deliver the Arts to diverse audiences.

The award can be used by the successful awardees for any costs associated with starting their professional career within their first year including studio rental/workshop space, tools of the trade purchases, living costs, further tuition and training fees, developing their own body of work, advertising and promotion and other related necessities.

In support of this award, West Dean will provide the following additional provision:

• Support for professional development in the form of relevant short courses at West Dean, Sussex and London campuses, to the value of £1,500
• Access to mentoring by West Dean tutors and relevant staff at West Dean, Sussex campus, face to face where possible, online, by phone to the value of £1,500
• Access to the temporary exhibition space in the main house at West Dean, Sussex campus
• The opportunity to come back to West Dean, Sussex campus at the end of the year for which funding was received and give a talk about your experiences
• Receive invitations to lectures by visiting artists and artists in residence

Application: Students who meet above criteria and who include a business plan with their application demonstrating how they would make best use of the award are eligible to apply. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and names, specialism, location of recipients and the personal statement will be shared with the Mercers’ Company as trustee of the Mercers’ Charitable Foundation for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year starting from when the successful awardees receive their funding - this is anticipated to be between the end of September to mid-October 2025. Successful applicants must be living and working in London or the South East of England for the duration of the award. They must produce three reports at intervals during the year being funded, which will help inform an end of year report, which will be shared with the Mercers Company. Reports will include career progress, activities, networks, responsibilities, setting up a workshop/studio and other areas to inform outcomes reporting.

The bursary recipients must keep basic records of expenditure to account for the award and must accept two visits during the funded year, from a relevant Head of School or nominated second to talk about progress made, achievements etc. The recipients may be invited in their award year or future years to an event at Mercers’ Hall in connection with the Mercers’ Arts Awards.

*As defined by the Office for Students

• Students from areas of low higher education participation, low household income or low socioeconomic status
• Black, Asian and minority ethnic students
• mature students
• disabled students
• care leavers
• carers
• people estranged from their families
• people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
• refugees
• children from military families

** We use the Government Office Regions to determine boundaries – the South East includes up to Milton Keynes and down to the Isle of Wight, the outskirts of Salisbury to Margate.

*For internal applicants only

Edward James Foundation Bursary - Application form

West Dean College Scholarship - Application form

Application form for The Mercers’ Fine Art and Conservation Award, funded with the support of the Mercers' Charitable Foundation, will be available April 2025

George Daniels Horology Bursaries - Application form

All other funding - Application form

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 this page. Applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the scholarship awards listed below.

The Edward James Foundation Bursary
Value: Grants are given based on individual need
Deadline: 1 April and 1 August 2025
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 or KLC School of Design. 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.

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 2025
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. 

The BADA Joan Eyles Scholarship 
Value: Up to £6,000 
Deadline: 5pm, 1 April 2025 
The BADA Scholarship will be awarded to a student studying the Graduate Diploma or MA Conservation Studies - Ceramics, Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork. 
Preference will be given to a student who will go into the antiques trade after graduation and who is intending to work in Britain.  
Students must demonstrate outstanding potential and financial need for whom the remainder of the funding can be met from elsewhere. 

Application: The Grants Committee will consider the applications, and a recommendation will be made to the British Antique Dealers Association for approval – this may include your name, programme, education and qualifications, employment and experience, personal statement, income and expenditure and tutor reference/ recommendation.

Terms: The award will be given at the discretion of the BADA Cultural & Education Trust to help supplement other funding and will be for one academic year; paid directly to West Dean. The scholar will be expected to produce an end of year report in the final term.  

The Alan Whitaker Bursary
Value: £5,000 to be divided amongst one or several
Deadline: 1 April 2025

The Alan Whitaker Bursary will be awarded each year to one or several students progressing onto a further year of study on any Clocks programme: Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) – Clocks (year 2), progression to the BA (Hons) Craft Practices, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies,  MA Conservation Studies or MFA Craft Practices

Application: To be eligible to apply students must be progressing onto a further year of study on any Clocks programme all awards (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 (name, course, recommendation statement from Subject Leader Clocks) will be sent to funder for their records.

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

*i.e. not be able to continue their studies without it.
** Please indicate on your bursary application form whether you are applying for helps towards fees or living expenses.

The BASET Endeavour Heritage 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: 5pm, 1 April 2025 
BASET (The Britain-Australia Society Education Trust) provides talented young people with a life changing opportunity to develop new skills, broaden their horizons and realise their potential.  

The BASET Endeavour Heritage Award at West Dean provides funding to deserving young adults from Australia to support their training in the fields of heritage conservation and specialist historical craft skills. The Awards are granted to Australian nationals wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, the Graduate Diploma Conservation & Management for Collections, the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms.  

After completing their education at West Dean, BASET Award recipients are able to take the skills they have learnt back to Australia to both preserve heritage themselves and train others in their craft. They are usually highly sought after by employers and start careers in their fields immediately.  

Application: Available to Australian nationals wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, the Graduate Diploma Conservation & Management for Collections,  the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and that the BASET Award will enable them to undertake their studies.  

The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the applicants such name, nationality, programme, education and qualifications, employment and experience, personal statement, income and expenditure will be sent to BASET for its approval. Please note, BASET may request an interview with the nominee before confirming the award. BASET’s decision is final. 

Terms: The award is for one academic year. The award will be paid directly to West Dean. 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 applicants must provide regular updates to BASET and must produce an end of year report in their final term. On the completion of their studies, they will be invited by BASET to join BASET’s alumni community. For more information about BASET, please visit their website at www.britain-australia.org.uk/baset 

The Behrens Foundation
Value: £15,000 to be divided to three students
Deadline: 1 April 2025
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 such as name, programme of study  and personal statement will be sent to The Behrens Foundation for their records.

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

The Radcliffe Trust Bursary
Value: £4,000 (to be awarded to one student)
Deadline: 1 August 2024
The Radcliffe Trust Bursary will be awarded to a student studying the Foundation Degree Arts – all pathways, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development whilst at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for their fees. 

Application: Students on the Foundation Degree Art – all pathways, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to The Radcliffe Trust for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year. The successful student must produce a report mid-summer term.

The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Bursary
Value: up to £5,000 to be shared between a maximum of three students
Deadline: 1 April 2025

The Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Bursary will be shared between a maximum of three students applying for a second or third year of study on the following Clocks programmes: Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) – Clocks, progression to the Graduate Diploma or MA Conservation Studies - Clocks; progression to the BA (Hons) Craft Practices – Clocks*. Students must demonstrate ability, diligence, and application in their studies while at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for their fees.

Application: Students meeting the above criteria are welcome to apply for this bursary. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and nominations accompanied by completed bursary application forms and tutor reports/references will be made to the Company. Please note that nominees are asked to attend an interview at West Dean, Sussex on Wednesday 4 June 2025. It is essential that applicants are available for these interviews.

Terms: The award is for one academic year and will be paid directly to West Dean to help offset fees. The successful applicant(s) will be expected to provide a report to the Company at the end of each term.

*For internal applicants only

The George Daniels Horology Bursary
Value: Up to £12,000 (to be shared between two students)
Deadline to apply: 01 August 2024
Awarded each year to two students applying for the first year of the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) – Clocks pathway. The George Daniels Horology Bursary is supported by The George Daniels Educational Trust (GDET), established by Dr George Daniels CBE, a world-renowned horologist, inventor and instrument maker. It both honours his legacy and seeks to support a new generation of horologists through the support and furtherance of horological education.

It was Dr Daniels declared aim to encourage the resurgence of watch and clock manufacture within the British Isles. In line with George Daniels vision, students applying for the awards must be able to demonstrate outstanding potential, a commitment to their studies, a clear aim for their career development as well as a clear financial need. Preference will be given to individuals holding British citizenship or who have been mainly educated in the British Isles

Application: To be eligible to apply, students must be going into the first year of the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) – Clocks pathway. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees together with references will be sent to GDET for their records. When making your application, please use the George Daniels Horology Bursary Application Form 2024-25.

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

The George Daniels Horology Bursary – Progression
Value: Up to £20,000 (to be shared to a maximum of three students)
Deadline to apply: 01 August 2024
Awarded each year to students applying for a second, third or fourth year of study on the Clocks programme: Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) – Clocks year 2; progression from the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) – Clocks year 2 to the Graduate Diploma - Horology, Clocks and Related Objects; progression from the Graduate Diploma - Horology, Clocks and Related Objects to the MA Conservation Studies - Horology, Clocks and Related Objects.

The George Daniels Horology Bursary – Progression is supported by The George Daniels Educational Trust (GDET), established by Dr George Daniels CBE, a world-renowned horologist, inventor and instrument maker. It both honours his legacy and seeks to support a new generation of horologists through the support and furtherance of horological education.

It was Dr Daniels declared aim to encourage the resurgence of watch and clock manufacture within the British Isles. In line with George Daniels vision, students applying for the awards must be able to demonstrate outstanding potential, a commitment to their studies, a clear aim for their career development as well as a clear financial need. Preference will be given to individuals holding British citizenship or who have been mainly educated in the British Isles.

Application: To be eligible to apply, students must be going into the second, third or fourth year of study on the Clocks programme as indicated above. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees together with references will be sent to GDET for their records. When making your application, please use the George Daniels Horology Bursary Application Form 2024-25.

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

The George Daniels Horology Bursary - BA (Hons) / MFA Craft Practices
Value: Up to £12,000 per student for up to three students
Deadline to apply: 01 August 2024
Awarded to students applying for or progressing to the BA (Hons) Craft Practices – Clocks specialism or the MFA Craft Practices – Clocks pathway. The George Daniels Horology Bursary - BA (Hons) Craft Practices – Clocks / MFA Craft Practices Clocks is supported by The George Daniels Educational Trust (GDET), established by Dr George Daniels CBE, a world-renowned horologist, inventor and instrument maker. It both honours his legacy and seeks to support a new generation of horologists through the support and furtherance of horological education.

It was Dr Daniels declared aim to encourage the resurgence of watch and clock manufacture within the British Isles. In line with George Daniels vision, students applying for the awards must be able to demonstrate outstanding potential, a commitment to their studies, a clear aim for their career development as well as a clear financial need. Preference will be given to individuals holding British citizenship or who have been mainly educated in the British Isles.

Application: To be eligible to apply, students must be applying for or progressing to the BA (Hons) Craft Practices – Clocks specialism or the MFA Craft Practices – Clocks pathway. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees together with references will be sent to GDET for their records. When making your application, please use the George Daniels Horology Bursary Application Form 2024-25.

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

The George Daniels Horology Accommodation Bursary
Value: £6,666 to one student to pay for room only accommodation at West Dean
Deadline to apply: 01 August 2024
Awarded to students studying on the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA), MFA Craft Practices, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or BA (Hons) Craft Practices Clocks pathways or specialisms.

The George Daniels Horology Accommodation Bursary is supported by The George Daniels Educational Trust (GDET), established by Dr George Daniels CBE, a world-renowned horologist, inventor and instrument maker. It both honours his legacy and seeks to support a new generation of horologists through the support and furtherance of horological education.

It was Dr Daniels declared aim to encourage the resurgence of watch and clock manufacture within the British Isles. In line with George Daniels vision, students applying for the awards must be able to demonstrate outstanding potential, a commitment to their studies, a clear aim for their career development as well as a clear financial need. Preference will be given to individuals holding British citizenship or who have been mainly educated in the British Isles.

Application: To be eligible to apply, students must be studying on the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA), MFA Craft Practices, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies or BA (Hons) Craft Practices Clocks pathways or specialisms.  The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees together with references will be sent to GDET for their records. When making your application, please use the George Daniels Horology Bursary Application Form 2024-25.

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

Please note: students who have applied for a George Daniels Horology Bursary towards fees or living expenses are also eligible to apply for the George Daniels Accommodation Bursary, however, they must demonstrate financial hardship, such that without the two bursaries the opportunity to study at West Dean would not be possible.

The Harriet's Trust Bursary 
Value: up to £20,000  (likely to be split between two or more students) 
Deadline: 5pm, 1 August 2025 
The Horology Bursary is 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: The Grants Committee will consider the applications, and a recommendation will be made to the funder - this may include your name, course, work experience, education, personal statement, and tutor reference/ recommendation. 

Terms: The award is for one academic year. The successful applicants will be expected to produce an end of year report in the final term. 

The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars West Dean Accommodation Bursary
Value: £9,000 to one student
Deadline: 1 April 2024
The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars bursary will be awarded to a student studying the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Books and Binding, Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork pathway or the Graduate Diploma (GD) Conservation Studies Books, Ceramics, Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork specialism. Preference will be given to a student who holds UK Nationality or who has been mainly educated in the UK, who is aged under 25 on 1st September 2023 (though applicants aged between 25 and 30 will be considered). Students must demonstrate outstanding potential and financial need, whilst at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for living expenses.

Application: Students meeting the above criteria are welcome to apply for this bursary. The West Dean College Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to The Arts Scholars Company for approval.

Terms: The award is for one academic year, paid directly to West Dean College to cover the living expenses of full board accommodation at West Dean College. The award will be given at the discretion of The Arts Scholars Company and paid directly to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. The successful student must produce an end of year report in the final term for publication or summary in the Arts Scholars’ Newsletter and/or website at the Arts Scholars’ discretion. The successful student may be invited to an Arts Scholars event such as its Awards lunch or similar, and consents to their photograph being reproduced in the Arts Scholars Newsletter and/or website at the Arts Scholars’ discretion.

International Conservation Services Australian Bursary
Value: £5,000
Deadline: TBC
For over 30 years, Julian Bickersteth,1981-1982 Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies Furniture and Related Objects alumnus, has been the CEO of International Conservation Services (ICS), which he founded in 1986. ICS is Australia’s largest private fine art and heritage conservation practice, with labs in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth employing over 40 permanent staff plus casuals. ICS works across the disciplines of furniture, paintings, works on paper, textiles, sculpture, archaeology and outdoor heritage for myriad collecting institutions including, government bodies, corporations, major universities and private collections.

Having received a part scholarship to help him study at West Dean, Julian is keen to give others a similar opportunity. Julian has established the International Conservation Services Australian Bursary

Application: To be eligible to apply, applicants must be Australian nationals, must be studying on one of the MA Conservation Studies specialisms, must demonstrate a commitment to a career in conservation (they could already be practicing in Australia or be an Australian student looking to further their studies in conservation before advancing their conservation career), must demonstrate a clear aim for career development in conjunction with finding it difficult to find funds for professional development fees. Applicants of any age are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants intending to return to Australia after study. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the successful applicant together with references will be sent to Julian and ICS for their records. 

Terms: The award is for one academic year and once awarded the student cannot reapply for further funding. The award will be paid directly to West Dean College to help offset course fees. The applicant recognises that some additional funding from personal sources is likely to be required, and that transport, visa and living costs are their own responsibility. The successful applicant must produce an end of year report in the final term which may be used for publication or summary on the ICS website and/or social media channels at the discretion of the ICS. The successful applicant on completion of their course may be invited to an ICS event.

The Mercers’ Fine Art and Conservation Award
Funded with the support of the Mercers' Charitable Foundation.
The purpose of this award is to provide support to students who are finishing their MFA, MFA Blended-delivery, MFA Craft Practices, MA Conservation Studies programme and who will be entering the first year of their professional career within the Arts or Crafts sector.
Value: £10,000 each to two students
Deadline: Applications open 1 April 2025. Applications close 5pm, 1 August 2025
Students of any age or nationality are eligible to apply for the awards but they must be finishing their studies on the MFA, MFA Blended-delivery, MFA Craft Practices, MA Conservation Studies - all specialisms by the end of September 2025. Precedence shall be given to people from underrepresented groups* (particularly those who face socio-economic disadvantage, have a disability or are from an ethnic minority background) and awardees must be set on living and working in London and the South East or England** i.e. successful awardees must base themselves there and establish their professional careers there for the duration of the award.

We would particularly welcome applications from students who meet the above criteria and whose skills contribute to enriching and diversifying culture and society, for instance, this could be through application of a rare craft skill, such as those on the Red List of Endangered Crafts, or through a commitment to outreach activities that deliver the Arts to diverse audiences.

The award can be used by the successful awardees for any costs associated with starting their professional career within their first year including studio rental/workshop space, tools of the trade purchases, living costs, further tuition and training fees, developing their own body of work, advertising and promotion and other related necessities.

In support of this award, West Dean will provide the following additional provision:

• Support for professional development in the form of relevant short courses at West Dean, Sussex and London campuses, to the value of £1,500
• Access to mentoring by West Dean tutors and relevant staff at West Dean, Sussex campus, face to face where possible, online, by phone to the value of £1,500
• Access to the temporary exhibition space in the main house at West Dean, Sussex campus
• The opportunity to come back to West Dean, Sussex campus at the end of the year for which funding was received and give a talk about your experiences
• Receive invitations to lectures by visiting artists and artists in residence

Application: Students who meet above criteria and who include a business plan with their application demonstrating how they would make best use of the award are eligible to apply. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and names, specialism, location of recipients and the personal statement will be shared with the Mercers’ Company as trustee of the Mercers’ Charitable Foundation for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year starting from when the successful awardees receive their funding - this is anticipated to be between the end of September to mid-October 2025. Successful applicants must be living and working in London or the South East of England for the duration of the award. They must produce three reports at intervals during the year being funded, which will help inform an end of year report, which will be shared with the Mercers Company. Reports will include career progress, activities, networks, responsibilities, setting up a workshop/studio and other areas to inform outcomes reporting.

The bursary recipients must keep basic records of expenditure to account for the award and must accept two visits during the funded year, from a relevant Head of School or nominated second to talk about progress made, achievements etc. The recipients may be invited in their award year or future years to an event at Mercers’ Hall in connection with the Mercers’ Arts Awards.

*As defined by the Office for Students

• Students from areas of low higher education participation, low household income or low socioeconomic status
• Black, Asian and minority ethnic students
• mature students
• disabled students
• care leavers
• carers
• people estranged from their families
• people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
• refugees
• children from military families

** We use the Government Office Regions to determine boundaries – the South East includes up to Milton Keynes and down to the Isle of Wight, the outskirts of Salisbury to Margate.

Edward James Foundation Bursary - Application form

West Dean College Scholarship - Application form

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 this page. Applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the scholarship awards listed below.

The Edward James Foundation Bursary
Value: Grants are given based on individual need
Deadline: 1 April and 1 August 2025
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 or KLC School of Design. 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.

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 2025
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. 

*For internal applicants only

Edward James Foundation Bursary - Application form

West Dean College Scholarship - Application form

Application form for The Mercers’ Fine Art and Conservation Award, funded with the support of the Mercers' Charitable Foundation, will be available April 2025

All other funding - Application form

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 this page. Applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the scholarship awards listed below.

The Edward James Foundation Bursary
Value: Grants are given based on individual need
Deadline: 1 April and 1 August 2025
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 or KLC School of Design. 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.

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 2025
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. 

The BADA Joan Eyles Scholarship 
Value: Up to £6,000 
Deadline: 5pm, 1 April 2025 
The BADA Scholarship will be awarded to a student studying the Graduate Diploma or MA Conservation Studies - Ceramics, Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork. 
Preference will be given to a student who will go into the antiques trade after graduation and who is intending to work in Britain.  
Students must demonstrate outstanding potential and financial need for whom the remainder of the funding can be met from elsewhere. 

Application: The Grants Committee will consider the applications, and a recommendation will be made to the British Antique Dealers Association for approval – this may include your name, programme, education and qualifications, employment and experience, personal statement, income and expenditure and tutor reference/ recommendation.

Terms: The award will be given at the discretion of the BADA Cultural & Education Trust to help supplement other funding and will be for one academic year; paid directly to West Dean. The scholar will be expected to produce an end of year report in the final term.  

The BASET Endeavour Heritage 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: 5pm, 1 April 2025 
BASET (The Britain-Australia Society Education Trust) provides talented young people with a life changing opportunity to develop new skills, broaden their horizons and realise their potential.  

The BASET Endeavour Heritage Award at West Dean provides funding to deserving young adults from Australia to support their training in the fields of heritage conservation and specialist historical craft skills. The Awards are granted to Australian nationals wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, the Graduate Diploma Conservation & Management for Collections, the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms.  

After completing their education at West Dean, BASET Award recipients are able to take the skills they have learnt back to Australia to both preserve heritage themselves and train others in their craft. They are usually highly sought after by employers and start careers in their fields immediately.  

Application: Available to Australian nationals wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, the Graduate Diploma Conservation & Management for Collections,  the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and that the BASET Award will enable them to undertake their studies.  

The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the applicants such name, nationality, programme, education and qualifications, employment and experience, personal statement, income and expenditure will be sent to BASET for its approval. Please note, BASET may request an interview with the nominee before confirming the award. BASET’s decision is final. 

Terms: The award is for one academic year. The award will be paid directly to West Dean. 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 applicants must provide regular updates to BASET and must produce an end of year report in their final term. On the completion of their studies, they will be invited by BASET to join BASET’s alumni community. For more information about BASET, please visit their website at www.britain-australia.org.uk/baset 

The Behrens Foundation
Value: £15,000 to be divided to three students
Deadline: 1 April 2025
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 such as name, programme of study  and personal statement will be sent to The Behrens Foundation for their records.

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

The Radcliffe Trust Bursary
Value: £4,000 (to be awarded to one student)
Deadline: 1 August 2024
The Radcliffe Trust Bursary will be awarded to a student studying the Foundation Degree Arts – all pathways, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development whilst at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for their fees. 

Application: Students on the Foundation Degree Art – all pathways, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to The Radcliffe Trust for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year. The successful student must produce a report mid-summer term.

The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars West Dean Accommodation Bursary
Value: £9,000 to one student
Deadline: 1 April 2024
The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars bursary will be awarded to a student studying the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Books and Binding, Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork pathway or the Graduate Diploma (GD) Conservation Studies Books, Ceramics, Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork specialism. Preference will be given to a student who holds UK Nationality or who has been mainly educated in the UK, who is aged under 25 on 1st September 2023 (though applicants aged between 25 and 30 will be considered). Students must demonstrate outstanding potential and financial need, whilst at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for living expenses.

Application: Students meeting the above criteria are welcome to apply for this bursary. The West Dean College Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to The Arts Scholars Company for approval.

Terms: The award is for one academic year, paid directly to West Dean College to cover the living expenses of full board accommodation at West Dean College. The award will be given at the discretion of The Arts Scholars Company and paid directly to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. The successful student must produce an end of year report in the final term for publication or summary in the Arts Scholars’ Newsletter and/or website at the Arts Scholars’ discretion. The successful student may be invited to an Arts Scholars event such as its Awards lunch or similar, and consents to their photograph being reproduced in the Arts Scholars Newsletter and/or website at the Arts Scholars’ discretion.

International Conservation Services Australian Bursary
Value: £5,000
Deadline: TBC
For over 30 years, Julian Bickersteth,1981-1982 Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies Furniture and Related Objects alumnus, has been the CEO of International Conservation Services (ICS), which he founded in 1986. ICS is Australia’s largest private fine art and heritage conservation practice, with labs in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth employing over 40 permanent staff plus casuals. ICS works across the disciplines of furniture, paintings, works on paper, textiles, sculpture, archaeology and outdoor heritage for myriad collecting institutions including, government bodies, corporations, major universities and private collections.

Having received a part scholarship to help him study at West Dean, Julian is keen to give others a similar opportunity. Julian has established the International Conservation Services Australian Bursary

Application: To be eligible to apply, applicants must be Australian nationals, must be studying on one of the MA Conservation Studies specialisms, must demonstrate a commitment to a career in conservation (they could already be practicing in Australia or be an Australian student looking to further their studies in conservation before advancing their conservation career), must demonstrate a clear aim for career development in conjunction with finding it difficult to find funds for professional development fees. Applicants of any age are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants intending to return to Australia after study. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the successful applicant together with references will be sent to Julian and ICS for their records. 

Terms: The award is for one academic year and once awarded the student cannot reapply for further funding. The award will be paid directly to West Dean College to help offset course fees. The applicant recognises that some additional funding from personal sources is likely to be required, and that transport, visa and living costs are their own responsibility. The successful applicant must produce an end of year report in the final term which may be used for publication or summary on the ICS website and/or social media channels at the discretion of the ICS. The successful applicant on completion of their course may be invited to an ICS event.

The Arts Scholars Furniture Bursary
Value: £5,000 to one student
Deadline: 1 August 2024
The Arts Scholars Furniture  Bursary will be awarded to a student studying the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Furniture pathway or the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies Furniture and Related Objects specialism. Preference will be given to a student who holds UK Nationality or who has been mainly educated in the UK, who is aged under 25 on 1st September 2024 (though applicants aged between 25 and 30 will be considered). Students must demonstrate outstanding potential and financial need, whilst at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for living expenses.

Application: Students meeting the above criteria are welcome to apply for this bursary. The West Dean College Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to The Arts Scholars Company for approval.

Terms: The award is for one academic year, paid directly to West Dean College to help offset fees. The award will be paid directly to West Dean. The successful student must produce an end of year report in the final term for publication or summary in the Arts Scholars’ Newsletter and/or website at the Arts Scholars’ discretion. The successful student may be invited to an Arts Scholars event such as its Awards lunch or similar, and consents to their photograph being reproduced in the Arts Scholars Newsletter and/or website at the Arts Scholars’ discretion.

The Mercers’ Fine Art and Conservation Award
Funded with the support of the Mercers' Charitable Foundation.
The purpose of this award is to provide support to students who are finishing their MFA, MFA Blended-delivery, MFA Craft Practices, MA Conservation Studies programme and who will be entering the first year of their professional career within the Arts or Crafts sector.
Value: £10,000 each to two students
Deadline: Applications open 1 April 2025. Applications close 5pm, 1 August 2025
Students of any age or nationality are eligible to apply for the awards but they must be finishing their studies on the MFA, MFA Blended-delivery, MFA Craft Practices, MA Conservation Studies - all specialisms by the end of September 2025. Precedence shall be given to people from underrepresented groups* (particularly those who face socio-economic disadvantage, have a disability or are from an ethnic minority background) and awardees must be set on living and working in London and the South East or England** i.e. successful awardees must base themselves there and establish their professional careers there for the duration of the award.

We would particularly welcome applications from students who meet the above criteria and whose skills contribute to enriching and diversifying culture and society, for instance, this could be through application of a rare craft skill, such as those on the Red List of Endangered Crafts, or through a commitment to outreach activities that deliver the Arts to diverse audiences.

The award can be used by the successful awardees for any costs associated with starting their professional career within their first year including studio rental/workshop space, tools of the trade purchases, living costs, further tuition and training fees, developing their own body of work, advertising and promotion and other related necessities.

In support of this award, West Dean will provide the following additional provision:

• Support for professional development in the form of relevant short courses at West Dean, Sussex and London campuses, to the value of £1,500
• Access to mentoring by West Dean tutors and relevant staff at West Dean, Sussex campus, face to face where possible, online, by phone to the value of £1,500
• Access to the temporary exhibition space in the main house at West Dean, Sussex campus
• The opportunity to come back to West Dean, Sussex campus at the end of the year for which funding was received and give a talk about your experiences
• Receive invitations to lectures by visiting artists and artists in residence

Application: Students who meet above criteria and who include a business plan with their application demonstrating how they would make best use of the award are eligible to apply. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and names, specialism, location of recipients and the personal statement will be shared with the Mercers’ Company as trustee of the Mercers’ Charitable Foundation for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year starting from when the successful awardees receive their funding - this is anticipated to be between the end of September to mid-October 2025. Successful applicants must be living and working in London or the South East of England for the duration of the award. They must produce three reports at intervals during the year being funded, which will help inform an end of year report, which will be shared with the Mercers Company. Reports will include career progress, activities, networks, responsibilities, setting up a workshop/studio and other areas to inform outcomes reporting.

The bursary recipients must keep basic records of expenditure to account for the award and must accept two visits during the funded year, from a relevant Head of School or nominated second to talk about progress made, achievements etc. The recipients may be invited in their award year or future years to an event at Mercers’ Hall in connection with the Mercers’ Arts Awards.

*As defined by the Office for Students

• Students from areas of low higher education participation, low household income or low socioeconomic status
• Black, Asian and minority ethnic students
• mature students
• disabled students
• care leavers
• carers
• people estranged from their families
• people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
• refugees
• children from military families

** We use the Government Office Regions to determine boundaries – the South East includes up to Milton Keynes and down to the Isle of Wight, the outskirts of Salisbury to Margate.

*For internal applicants only

Edward James Foundation Bursary - Application form

West Dean College Scholarship - Application form

Application form for The Mercers’ Fine Art and Conservation Award, funded with the support of the Mercers' Charitable Foundation, will be available April 2025

All other funding - Application form

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 this page. Applicants should not apply directly to the funding organisation for any of the scholarship awards listed below.

The Edward James Foundation Bursary
Value: Grants are given based on individual need
Deadline: 1 April and 1 August 2025
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 or KLC School of Design. 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.

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 2025
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. 

The BADA Joan Eyles Scholarship 
Value: Up to £6,000 
Deadline: 5pm, 1 April 2025 
The BADA Scholarship will be awarded to a student studying the Graduate Diploma or MA Conservation Studies - Ceramics, Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork. 
Preference will be given to a student who will go into the antiques trade after graduation and who is intending to work in Britain.  
Students must demonstrate outstanding potential and financial need for whom the remainder of the funding can be met from elsewhere. 

Application: The Grants Committee will consider the applications, and a recommendation will be made to the British Antique Dealers Association for approval – this may include your name, programme, education and qualifications, employment and experience, personal statement, income and expenditure and tutor reference/ recommendation.

Terms: The award will be given at the discretion of the BADA Cultural & Education Trust to help supplement other funding and will be for one academic year; paid directly to West Dean. The scholar will be expected to produce an end of year report in the final term.  

The BASET Endeavour Heritage 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: 5pm, 1 April 2025 
BASET (The Britain-Australia Society Education Trust) provides talented young people with a life changing opportunity to develop new skills, broaden their horizons and realise their potential.  

The BASET Endeavour Heritage Award at West Dean provides funding to deserving young adults from Australia to support their training in the fields of heritage conservation and specialist historical craft skills. The Awards are granted to Australian nationals wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, the Graduate Diploma Conservation & Management for Collections, the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms.  

After completing their education at West Dean, BASET Award recipients are able to take the skills they have learnt back to Australia to both preserve heritage themselves and train others in their craft. They are usually highly sought after by employers and start careers in their fields immediately.  

Application: Available to Australian nationals wishing to study on the Foundation Degree Arts - all pathways, the Graduate Diploma Conservation & Management for Collections,  the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and that the BASET Award will enable them to undertake their studies.  

The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the applicants such name, nationality, programme, education and qualifications, employment and experience, personal statement, income and expenditure will be sent to BASET for its approval. Please note, BASET may request an interview with the nominee before confirming the award. BASET’s decision is final. 

Terms: The award is for one academic year. The award will be paid directly to West Dean. 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 applicants must provide regular updates to BASET and must produce an end of year report in their final term. On the completion of their studies, they will be invited by BASET to join BASET’s alumni community. For more information about BASET, please visit their website at www.britain-australia.org.uk/baset 

The Behrens Foundation
Value: £15,000 to be divided to three students
Deadline: 1 April 2025
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 such as name, programme of study  and personal statement will be sent to The Behrens Foundation for their records.

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

The Radcliffe Trust Bursary
Value: £4,000 (to be awarded to one student)
Deadline: 1 August 2024
The Radcliffe Trust Bursary will be awarded to a student studying the Foundation Degree Arts – all pathways, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms. Applicants should demonstrate excellent potential, a commitment to their studies and a clear aim for career development whilst at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for their fees. 

Application: Students on the Foundation Degree Art – all pathways, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies, or MA Conservation Studies – all specialisms are eligible to apply for this award. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the nominees will be sent to The Radcliffe Trust for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year. The successful student must produce a report mid-summer term.

The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars West Dean Accommodation Bursary
Value: £9,000 to one student
Deadline: 1 April 2024
The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars bursary will be awarded to a student studying the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Books and Binding, Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork pathway or the Graduate Diploma (GD) Conservation Studies Books, Ceramics, Clocks, Furniture or Metalwork specialism. Preference will be given to a student who holds UK Nationality or who has been mainly educated in the UK, who is aged under 25 on 1st September 2023 (though applicants aged between 25 and 30 will be considered). Students must demonstrate outstanding potential and financial need, whilst at the same time finding it difficult to find the funds for living expenses.

Application: Students meeting the above criteria are welcome to apply for this bursary. The West Dean College Grants Committee will consider the applications and a recommendation will be made to The Arts Scholars Company for approval.

Terms: The award is for one academic year, paid directly to West Dean College to cover the living expenses of full board accommodation at West Dean College. The award will be given at the discretion of The Arts Scholars Company and paid directly to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. The successful student must produce an end of year report in the final term for publication or summary in the Arts Scholars’ Newsletter and/or website at the Arts Scholars’ discretion. The successful student may be invited to an Arts Scholars event such as its Awards lunch or similar, and consents to their photograph being reproduced in the Arts Scholars Newsletter and/or website at the Arts Scholars’ discretion.

The Worshipful Company of Cutlers - Langdon Dowsett Scholarship (Making)  
Value: £1,500 (to be awarded to one student) 
Deadline: 5pm, 1 April 2025  
The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship will be awarded to a student under the age of 30 who has 'home student status' and is studying the Foundation Degree Arts (FdA) Metalwork. 

Application: Metalwork students applying to the above programme 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 – this may include your name, age, nationality, programme, education and qualifications, employment and experience, personal statement, income and expenditure, and tutor reference/ recommendation. 

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

The Worshipful Company of Cutlers - Langdon Dowsett Scholarship (Conservation)  
Value: £1,500 (to be awarded to one student) 
Deadline: 5pm, 1 April 2025  
The Worshipful Company of Cutlers Langdon Dowsett Scholarship will be awarded to a student under the age of 30 who has 'home student status' and is studying on either the Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies - Metalwork or the MA Conservation Studies - Metalwork. 

Application: Metalwork students applying to the above programme 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 – this may include your name, age, nationality, programme, education and qualifications, employment and experience, personal statement, income and expenditure, and tutor reference/ recommendation. 

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

The Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers – The Gauntlet Trust Scholarship
Value: £2,000 (to be awarded one student)
Deadline: 1 August 2024
The Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers – The Gauntlet Trust Scholarship will be awarded to a student studying the MA Conservation Studies Metalwork specialism. Applicants must 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 MA Conservation Studies Metalwork specialism 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 will be paid directly to successful student. The scholar will be expected to produce an interim report during their second term and an end of year report in their final term.

International Conservation Services Australian Bursary
Value: £5,000
Deadline: TBC
For over 30 years, Julian Bickersteth,1981-1982 Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies Furniture and Related Objects alumnus, has been the CEO of International Conservation Services (ICS), which he founded in 1986. ICS is Australia’s largest private fine art and heritage conservation practice, with labs in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Perth employing over 40 permanent staff plus casuals. ICS works across the disciplines of furniture, paintings, works on paper, textiles, sculpture, archaeology and outdoor heritage for myriad collecting institutions including, government bodies, corporations, major universities and private collections.

Having received a part scholarship to help him study at West Dean, Julian is keen to give others a similar opportunity. Julian has established the International Conservation Services Australian Bursary

Application: To be eligible to apply, applicants must be Australian nationals, must be studying on one of the MA Conservation Studies specialisms, must demonstrate a commitment to a career in conservation (they could already be practicing in Australia or be an Australian student looking to further their studies in conservation before advancing their conservation career), must demonstrate a clear aim for career development in conjunction with finding it difficult to find funds for professional development fees. Applicants of any age are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to applicants intending to return to Australia after study. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and details of the successful applicant together with references will be sent to Julian and ICS for their records. 

Terms: The award is for one academic year and once awarded the student cannot reapply for further funding. The award will be paid directly to West Dean College to help offset course fees. The applicant recognises that some additional funding from personal sources is likely to be required, and that transport, visa and living costs are their own responsibility. The successful applicant must produce an end of year report in the final term which may be used for publication or summary on the ICS website and/or social media channels at the discretion of the ICS. The successful applicant on completion of their course may be invited to an ICS event.

The Mercers’ Fine Art and Conservation Award
Funded with the support of the Mercers' Charitable Foundation.
The purpose of this award is to provide support to students who are finishing their MFA, MFA Blended-delivery, MFA Craft Practices, MA Conservation Studies programme and who will be entering the first year of their professional career within the Arts or Crafts sector.
Value: £10,000 each to two students
Deadline: Applications open 1 April 2025. Applications close 5pm, 1 August 2025
Students of any age or nationality are eligible to apply for the awards but they must be finishing their studies on the MFA, MFA Blended-delivery, MFA Craft Practices, MA Conservation Studies - all specialisms by the end of September 2025. Precedence shall be given to people from underrepresented groups* (particularly those who face socio-economic disadvantage, have a disability or are from an ethnic minority background) and awardees must be set on living and working in London and the South East or England** i.e. successful awardees must base themselves there and establish their professional careers there for the duration of the award.

We would particularly welcome applications from students who meet the above criteria and whose skills contribute to enriching and diversifying culture and society, for instance, this could be through application of a rare craft skill, such as those on the Red List of Endangered Crafts, or through a commitment to outreach activities that deliver the Arts to diverse audiences.

The award can be used by the successful awardees for any costs associated with starting their professional career within their first year including studio rental/workshop space, tools of the trade purchases, living costs, further tuition and training fees, developing their own body of work, advertising and promotion and other related necessities.

In support of this award, West Dean will provide the following additional provision:

• Support for professional development in the form of relevant short courses at West Dean, Sussex and London campuses, to the value of £1,500
• Access to mentoring by West Dean tutors and relevant staff at West Dean, Sussex campus, face to face where possible, online, by phone to the value of £1,500
• Access to the temporary exhibition space in the main house at West Dean, Sussex campus
• The opportunity to come back to West Dean, Sussex campus at the end of the year for which funding was received and give a talk about your experiences
• Receive invitations to lectures by visiting artists and artists in residence

Application: Students who meet above criteria and who include a business plan with their application demonstrating how they would make best use of the award are eligible to apply. The Grants Committee will consider the applications and names, specialism, location of recipients and the personal statement will be shared with the Mercers’ Company as trustee of the Mercers’ Charitable Foundation for their records.

Terms: The award is for one academic year starting from when the successful awardees receive their funding - this is anticipated to be between the end of September to mid-October 2025. Successful applicants must be living and working in London or the South East of England for the duration of the award. They must produce three reports at intervals during the year being funded, which will help inform an end of year report, which will be shared with the Mercers Company. Reports will include career progress, activities, networks, responsibilities, setting up a workshop/studio and other areas to inform outcomes reporting.

The bursary recipients must keep basic records of expenditure to account for the award and must accept two visits during the funded year, from a relevant Head of School or nominated second to talk about progress made, achievements etc. The recipients may be invited in their award year or future years to an event at Mercers’ Hall in connection with the Mercers’ Arts Awards.

*As defined by the Office for Students

• Students from areas of low higher education participation, low household income or low socioeconomic status
• Black, Asian and minority ethnic students
• mature students
• disabled students
• care leavers
• carers
• people estranged from their families
• people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities
• refugees
• children from military families

** We use the Government Office Regions to determine boundaries – the South East includes up to Milton Keynes and down to the Isle of Wight, the outskirts of Salisbury to Margate.