The Architectural Association is committed to providing as many talented students as possible the opportunity to study at its School in London. Around one in six of all students studying at the AA receive financial assistance from the School’s Scholarship, Bursary and Assistantship programme. As well as the financial assistance the AA provides, Undergraduate UK and EU students can also apply for awards from their LEA/SLC (Local Education Authority/ Student Loan Company) respectively. For further information, go to www.direct.gov.uk
Please note that AA Bursary applications are only available for full-time courses/programmes at the AA.
What is the difference between an AA Scholarship and an AA Bursary?
AA Scholarships are offered to new First, Second and Fourth Year Undergraduate School applicants who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. They are available for two or three years, subject to continuing progress. AA Bursaries are offered to current AA Undergraduate School students and to new AA Graduate School students, and must be applied for on a yearly basis.
How much financial assistance is provided?
Most AA Scholarships are equivalent to one-third or two-thirds of the tuition fees, although the Baylight Scholarship and the David Allford Scholarship enable the AA to offer new students entering the Diploma School (Fourth Year) full-fee scholarships. An AA Bursary award covers a student's tuition fees for either half a term or one term of the academic year’s tuition fees.
Other Sources of Funding
Non-AA Sources of Funding for Five-year RIBA/ARB recognised course
Pdf
Non-AA Sources of Funding for AA Masters/MPhil/PhD courses
Pdf
RIBA funding options for
Five-year RIBA/ARB recognised course and AA Masters/MPhil/PhD course (pdf)
Funding for US Citizens: Sallie Mae Smart Option Loans
The Architectural Association School of Architecture no longer participates in the Title IV FFELP loans programme. Therefore instead of this support, we have secured a specific agreement with Sallie Mae to allow US citizens, who are attending the AA School as full-time students, for a Smart Option Loan to cover the annual costs of attendance. These loans are assessed, based on individual credit history, so the funds are not guaranteed. Some students may require a co-signer to secure the funding.
To find out more information about Sallie Mae and Smart Option Loans and to submit an application:
https://www.salliemae.com/student-loans/smart-option-student-loan/
Non Degree Smart Option Loan Quick Facts(pdf)
Non Degree Information Sheet 2011(pdf)
Non Degree Smart Option Loan Brochure(pdf)
