Would I be able to get student finance for a foundation and BA degree?
Hi, I'm currently applying/auditioning for musical theatre with drama schools in London to start in September 2025. I have an offer for a foundation year with one school, but I'm worried about funding if I take the foundation offer and then want to continue my training with a BA degree.
I've tried to do some research into this but I'm slightly confused by what I've found, and have been told by a couple people that I wouldn't be able to get the funding from Student Finance for all 4 years of study.
The foundation year and BA course wouldn't be connected in this case - as in, it wouldn't be a BA with a foundation year but I would be completing the foundation year and then re-applying for a BA course to start in 2026.
Even if the funding did cover tuition fees for all 4 years, I'm worried about maintenance loans as I come from a low-income background and I doubt I would be able to afford to live in London without the additional help as a full-time student, and I couldn't find any substantial information on this online.
I'm from Northern Ireland so I would be going through Student Finance NI.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! x
I've tried to do some research into this but I'm slightly confused by what I've found, and have been told by a couple people that I wouldn't be able to get the funding from Student Finance for all 4 years of study.
The foundation year and BA course wouldn't be connected in this case - as in, it wouldn't be a BA with a foundation year but I would be completing the foundation year and then re-applying for a BA course to start in 2026.
Even if the funding did cover tuition fees for all 4 years, I'm worried about maintenance loans as I come from a low-income background and I doubt I would be able to afford to live in London without the additional help as a full-time student, and I couldn't find any substantial information on this online.
I'm from Northern Ireland so I would be going through Student Finance NI.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! x
Reply 1
I went through Student Finance England, but I also did a foundation year before starting a 3 year undergrad. It's been a few years since I started uni, but Student finance funded all 4 years as well as maintenance loan. i did the courses at different institutions too
if I remember correctly and if they haven't changed it, they will fund 4 years of study in general. (e.g. if you have to retake a year in a 3 year undergrad, they will fund that).
maintenance loan wise you can apply for the maximum amount that you can get but bear in mind the highest amount you can get is determined by your family's income. these questions though, best to ask Student finance directly
if I remember correctly and if they haven't changed it, they will fund 4 years of study in general. (e.g. if you have to retake a year in a 3 year undergrad, they will fund that).
maintenance loan wise you can apply for the maximum amount that you can get but bear in mind the highest amount you can get is determined by your family's income. these questions though, best to ask Student finance directly
Original post
by jamieplewsHi, I'm currently applying/auditioning for musical theatre with drama schools in London to start in September 2025. I have an offer for a foundation year with one school, but I'm worried about funding if I take the foundation offer and then want to continue my training with a BA degree.
I've tried to do some research into this but I'm slightly confused by what I've found, and have been told by a couple people that I wouldn't be able to get the funding from Student Finance for all 4 years of study.
The foundation year and BA course wouldn't be connected in this case - as in, it wouldn't be a BA with a foundation year but I would be completing the foundation year and then re-applying for a BA course to start in 2026.
Even if the funding did cover tuition fees for all 4 years, I'm worried about maintenance loans as I come from a low-income background and I doubt I would be able to afford to live in London without the additional help as a full-time student, and I couldn't find any substantial information on this online.
I'm from Northern Ireland so I would be going through Student Finance NI.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! x
I've tried to do some research into this but I'm slightly confused by what I've found, and have been told by a couple people that I wouldn't be able to get the funding from Student Finance for all 4 years of study.
The foundation year and BA course wouldn't be connected in this case - as in, it wouldn't be a BA with a foundation year but I would be completing the foundation year and then re-applying for a BA course to start in 2026.
Even if the funding did cover tuition fees for all 4 years, I'm worried about maintenance loans as I come from a low-income background and I doubt I would be able to afford to live in London without the additional help as a full-time student, and I couldn't find any substantial information on this online.
I'm from Northern Ireland so I would be going through Student Finance NI.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! x
You need to call SFNI to ask about this.
https://www.studentfinanceni.co.uk/contact/general-enquiries/
Reply 3
I'm 99% sure SF will fund all 4 years ( this is what my daughter is doing, acting not MT) as long as the foundation is a CertHE ( we are SF Wales though not NI)
(edited 10 months ago)
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