Dance and Drama Awards: funding for students

You could get a Dance and Drama Award (DaDA) to help with fees and living costs at one of 15 private dance and drama schools.

Apply direct to the dance and drama school you want to go to. Tell them you want to apply for a DaDA.

You must be aged 16 to 23 and show talent and a likelihood to succeed in the industry.

How much you get – 2024 to 2025 academic year

The amount you get depends on:

  • your household income
  • where you live and study

Download the national scales to find out how much you could get.

Eligibility

To get help with fees and living costs you must have been living in the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Gibraltar for the past 3 years.

You must also be one of the following:

  • a UK or Irish citizen
  • a family member of a UK National - you must both have both been living in the UK, the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein for the past 3 years
  • a migrant worker from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein or the family member of a migrant worker from one of these countries and both have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
  • a person granted indefinite leave to remain
  • the child of a Turkish worker who has permission to stay in the UK

If you’re supported by a Ukraine scheme

You’re immediately eligible to apply for DaDA funding to cover tuition fees and living costs if you and your family members are supported through the:

  • Ukraine Family Scheme
  • Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme
  • Ukraine Extension Scheme

You’re exempt from the 3-year residency requirement.

Qualifications

You must be studying for one of these Trinity College London Diplomas:

  • Level 6 Diploma in Professional Acting (3 years)
  • Level 5 Diploma in Professional Acting (1 year)
  • Level 5 Diploma in Professional Dance (Classical Ballet or Contemporary Dance) (2 years)
  • Level 6 Diploma in Professional Dance (3 years)
  • Level 6 Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre (3 years)

Age

You must be aged 16 to 23 for dance courses.

You must be aged 18 to 23 for acting courses.

DaDA schools for 2024 to 2025

The following schools offer DaDAs for the 2024 to 2025 academic year:

Appeal against a decision to refuse you a DaDA

Contact the school if you want to appeal their decision not to give you a DaDA.

Help and advice

For help and advice contact the school you’re applying to.