There are two levels of fees; Home and International.
Which type of fees you will need to pay is dependent on your residential history (where you have been living and with what status).
The Foundation Diploma fees for 2026/27 are:
Home fee £9,500
International fee £18,020
Course fees can be covered by a range of different means depending on your personal circumstances. Our full fees policy, including refunds and compensation, can be viewed here.
The Art School is an independent and charitable organisation and does not receive any government funding, therefore, students on our Foundation Diploma in Art & Design course are not eligible for any government loans provided by Student Loans Company nor the Advanced Learner Loan to support their tuition payments for the course, and are liable to pay the course fees, regardless of their age and background.
If you are an EU, other EEA or Swiss national and were granted settled or pre-settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme, you qualify for Home Tuition Fees on your course of study here.
If you are an EU, other EEA or Swiss national and were not granted settled or pre-settled status, you will need to apply for a Student visa to study in the UK and will qualify for international fees.
As well as your status under the EU Settlement Scheme, there are various other factors that may affect which type of fees you qualify for. For more details and how to apply for a Student visas, please see our information for international students.
GRANTS AND FINANCIAL AWARDS
There are range of grants available to help fund your study. A list of sources of funding which the Art School has identified is available here, but you should also research other possibilities yourself, as grants are often applicable to specific or local circumstances.
The Art School also has a number of tuition fee bursaries available, to applicants who have received an offer from us. Applications are assessed on financial need and eligibility, with awards ranging from partial to full tuition fees. For queries relating to bursary applications, please contact: admin@cityandguildsartschool.ac.uk
Applications for bursaries for 2026/27 can be submitted from 1 February 2026. To make an application please visit this page: Bursaries application form and guide
To be eligible the candidate must:
- have accepted a place on the course;
- be able to evidence their requirement for financial support;
- be eligible for home fees.
Priority for our Foundation Bursary scheme is given to those who study or live in Lambeth or Southwark and who have an annual household income of below £26,000.
INTERNATIONAL OFFER HOLDERS
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Principal’s International Student Scholarships. This initiative aims to recognize the exceptional talent and potential that we see each year among our international applicants. One scholarship of £1000 will be offered in each department, celebrating the remarkable achievements and potential of our international student body.
We encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of this opportunity. The Principal’s International Student Scholarships are testament to our commitment to seeking to foster a diverse and dynamic learning community where every student can thrive and achieve their full potential. Applications are made directly to us via email to admin@cityandguildsartschool.ac.uk, and require:
o Your artist CV (this is not required if you are a Foundation applicant)
o An Illustrated Cover Letter (500-1000 words) describing your geographical, familial and educational background, and your achievements and future aspirations. Please also include a photograph of you and images of your artwork, if applicable, (with title, dimension, media, year of production)
For more information on the application process and criteria, please contact admin@cityandguildsartschool.ac.uk
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Fee and deposit
A non-refundable Successful Application Processing Fee (SAPF) of £250 (Home) /£350 (International) is charged on acceptance of a place.
A deposit of £500 is also charged on acceptance of a place but forms part-payment of your fees. SAPFs and deposits are paid on acceptance of a place but should you change your mind before the course commences, deposits may be refundable. Application processing fees are non-refundable.
If you are applying for a bursary and would have difficulty paying either the SAPF or deposit in advance then please contact admin@cityandguildsartschool.ac.uk
Material expenses
For each course you will be required to purchase a number of materials, for information on material and study visit costs please visit the course page that you are interested in. The Art School also provide a number of basic materials for each student and there is an on-site Art School shop selling art materials.