scholarships at london film academy, filmmaker bursaries, film student funds

Fees and Funding

London Film Academy (LFA) aims to provide cultural and social diversity by offering talented students with filmmaking ambitions and a strong work ethic the opportunity to develop and progress, regardless of background. 

We want LFA to be a role model for other universities, giving talented individuals the opportunity to succeed in filmmaking, by broadening horizons and access to the opportunities available in filmmaking and by improving social mobility. LFA wants to increase the number of talented students from disadvantaged or low socio-economic backgrounds who are able to participate in our degree courses, through promoting inclusion and by offering financial aid and support for payment. 

LFA wants to help students who have demonstrated a high standard of work and diligence, but don’t have the financial means or ability to meet the course fee payment schedule required to attend our academy. 

For students that require financial assistance to attend LFA, we have several opportunities for financial support in the form of Scholarships for UK students on our BA (Hons) Filmmaking course, work opportunities, through our Runner programme, and Payment Plans for both UK and International eligible students.

What financial support is offered by LFA?


Undergraduate Course students

UK Applicants 

For successful UK applicants to our BA (Hons) Filmmaking course who require financial assistance, we offer the opportunity to apply for: 

  • The BA scholarship (for those who can evidence a working-class or low socio-economic background, specific criteria apply). Applications now open and close 9am on 12 May 2025 - email for application form

  • The Runner Programme (specific criteria apply).

  • A Payment Plan to make the payment of course fees more manageable by spreading the cost of payments and paying in instalments across the academic year (certain restrictions apply). 

International Applicants 

For our successful international applicants to our BA (Hons) Filmmaking course who require financial assistance, we offer the opportunity to apply for: 

  • The Runner Programme (specific criteria apply).

  • A Payment Plan to make the payment of course fees more manageable by spreading the cost of payments and paying in instalments across the academic year (certain restrictions apply).


Postgraduate Course students

UK Applicants 

For our successful UK applicants to our postgraduate courses who require financial assistance, we offer the opportunity to apply for: 

  • The LFA Runner Programme (specific criteria apply).

  • A Payment Plan to make the payment of course fees more manageable by spreading the cost of payments and paying in instalments across the academic year (certain restrictions apply).

International Applicants 

For successful international applicants to our postgraduate courses who require financial assistance, we offer the opportunity to apply for: 

  • The Runner Programme (specific criteria apply).

  • A Payment Plan to make the payment of course fees more manageable by spreading the cost of payments and paying in instalments across the academic year (certain restrictions apply)

Funding Options

BA (Hons) Filmmaking Scholarships 

LFA offers scholarships to successful UK students who require financial assistance to attend LFA. The award offers a maximum reduction of 50% off the full course fee.

Am I eligible? 

To be considered for one of the BA scholarships, applicants must have successfully secured an offer of place, be a UK resident and clearly evidence that they are from a low socio-economic background. Applicants are also required to be eligible and have made an application for a student loan from Student Finance

How to apply 

Applicants need to notify the Admissions team that they wish to be considered for the BA scholarships by emailing admissions@londonfilmacademy.com.They will then be sent a comprehensive application form and asked to complete a financial plan and a 500-word statement that supports their claim, along with providing specific documentation detailing their financial status. 

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted candidates will then be invited to an interview. Outcomes will be communicated in writing in the summer semester in line with the UCAS DBD date. 


The LFA Runner Programme 

The LFA Runner Programme is a developmental opportunity for successful UK and International students who require financial assistance to attend LFA, enabling them to earn while studying. Runners report to the Facilities Manager and can earn up to £3,500, working flexibly over an academic year.

What does the Runner role involve? 

Runners report to the Facilities Manager and work across LFA, on an ad-hoc basis, throughout the week and at weekends. Activities mainly include duties such as working with our Front of House Team to welcome students and visitors to LFA, reception support, and providing tours of the building to prospective students. Adhoc duties include working with our Production and Post-Production teams, assisting during shoots and setting up and maintaining the Edit Lab suites, and maintenance of all studios, including stock checking of all film kits and consumables. 

Recipients are expected to be advocates for LFA and support us by assisting our Marketing Team, where requested. 

Am I eligible? 

  • Students are eligible to apply for the programme if you can clearly evidence that you are from a low socio-economic background or require financial assistance to attend the course.
  • You have a valid offer or are already enrolled on a BA or one of our MA courses at LFA for the upcoming academic year. 
  • You are a British or Irish citizen or have the right to work in the UK (inc. Student Visa holders with permission to work).

How to apply 

Applications for the Runner roles open during the summer semester. Applicants need to apply to Admissions by emailing admissions@londonfilmacademy.com.They will then be sent an application form, asked to provide an up-to-date CV and will need to complete a supporting statement, detailing why they feel they are the right student for this role and how their skill set and experiences to date will benefit the LFA Runner Programme. Successful candidates will then be invited to an interview. Outcomes will be communicated in writing during the summer semester. 


Payment Plans 

This scheme for students aims to make the payment of course fees more manageable by spreading the cost of payments and paying in instalments across the academic year (certain restrictions apply). 

Am I eligible? 

Students are eligible to apply for a Payment Plan and payment in instalments if, for financial reasons, they are unable to pay the full tuition fees by the date stated in their offer letter. 

How to apply? 

LFA offers payment options for course fees once the non-refundable deposit of £4,500 has been paid. To apply for a Payment Plan please request an application form from Admissions by emailing admissions@londonfilmacademy.com and provide the relevant supporting evidence when requested. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and successful applicants will be required to sign a payment agreement with LFA, known as a Payment Plan. 

Other Funding Opportunities

Please find below details of other helpful funding options: 


BAFTA

The BAFTA UK scholarship programme is open to British citizens in need of financial assistance to study eligible undergraduate and postgraduate courses in the UK. 

BAFTA Scholars undertaking postgraduate study receive up to £12,000 towards their annual course fees (up to a maximum of £20,000 for 2-year courses). BAFTA will make a contribution towards living expenses for undergraduate courses, but if the course is three years long, only those going into their 2nd or 3rd year of study are eligible to apply.

In addition to financial assistance, BAFTA scholars also receive mentoring support and free access to BAFTA events around the UK. 

 
British Council 
The British Council Study UK website is an excellent and comprehensive guide to sources of funding for EU and international students and lists a selection of scholarships that are available for students by nationality. It also includes a useful guide outlining information about living and studying in the UK.

You can also contact your local British Council office to find out what it can offer students from your country who wish to study in the UK. 

 
Chevening Scholarships 

This is a scheme set up to help international students wishing to study in the UK with a view to using the skills they have learnt to benefit their country on return. This is available in over 100 countries and you can find out more here.  

 
Marshall Scholarships 

This organisation offers finance to young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the UK, you can find out more here

 
ScholarshipPortal  

This is the best scholarship website for international students looking to meet their financial needs. You can browse comprehensive scholarship lists available for a wide variety of destinations abroad.  
 

Gov.uk website 

You can apply for a postgraduate scholarship from the UK government to cover things like course fees and the cost of living when you study in the UK, find out more here
 

Film and TV Charity 
The Film and TV Charity was founded as a benevolent fund that cared for its own, and over the past almost 100 years, has helped people overcome a spectrum of personal and professional challenges. With a 24-hour Film and TV Support Line, offering access to legal and financial advice and counselling to anyone who needs it they ensure that everyone who works behind the scenes in film, TV and cinema feels supported. 
 

Swedish Loan and Grant Programme  
There are grants available for Swedish students to cover course fees and living costs for studies in the UK.  

 

Charles Wallace Trust (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma/Myanmar) 
The Wallace Trusts offers funding options to students from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma/Myanmar to help with living costs and educational development in the UK  

 

Post Graduate Search 
This comprehensive website for postgraduates outlines how to plan and organise your finances, including a searchable database to find out if you are eligible for funding.  
 

UK Council for International Student Affairs 
This informative site serves the interest of international students by offering guidance on funding your studies, alongside tips for living in the UK and visas. UKCISA does not provide funding directly.