For both schemes the school asks about household income to decide how much you get.
Quick facts
- DaDA, dance
- Age 16 to 23
- DaDA, acting
- Age 18 to 23
- Music and Dance Scheme, music
- Age 8 to 19
- Music and Dance Scheme, dance
- Age 11 to 19
- Apply to
- The school
Dance and Drama Awards
You must be aged 16 to 23 and show talent and a likelihood to succeed in the industry.
You must be aged 16 to 23 for dance courses. You must be aged 18 to 23 for acting courses.
The amount you get depends on your household income and where you live and study.
To get help with fees and living costs you must have been living in the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar for the past 3 years.
Music and Dance Scheme
You could get help to pay for your child to go to a specialist music or dance school.
The Music and Dance Scheme provides grants and help with fees at 8 schools and 20 Centres for Advanced Training (CATs).
To be eligible, your child must be aged 8 to 19 for music schools or CATs, or 11 to 19 for dance schools or CATs.
Disabled students at music and dance CATs are eligible up to the age of 25.
How to apply
Apply directly to the school or CAT. You’ll usually need to fill out a form and your child will need to audition.
The school or CAT will ask for information about your household income to decide how much funding your child can get.
Other help
See the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund and student finance.
Common questions
What is a Dance and Drama Award?
Help with fees and living costs at one of 12 private dance and drama schools, for students aged 16 to 23.
What is the Music and Dance Scheme?
Grants and help with fees for children at specialist music and dance schools and Centres for Advanced Training.
How do I apply?
Directly to the school. Your child will usually need to audition.
Is it means-tested?
Yes. The amount depends on household income.