Tuition Fees

The amount of tuition fees you will need to pay, and any financial support you are eligible for, will depend on whether you are classified as a home or overseas student, otherwise known as your fee status. Leeds Conservatoire assesses your fee status based on guidelines provided by the Department of Education.

Your fee status depends on your nationality, where you live, and how long you have lived there. The conservatoire decides your fee status based on the information you give us. We will let you know your fee status in your offer letter if we can, but we might need to ask additional questions.

You will be charged fees based on the UK government’s fee level for the year and you may also be able to apply for a student loan to help you pay your fees. Home students are those living in the UK or Republic of Ireland, and EU nationals with settled status in the UK.  

In order to be classed as a home student you normally need to meet all of the following criteria on the first day of the first academic year of the course:

• You are settled in the UK (this means there is no immigration restriction on the length of your stay).
• You are ordinarily resident in the UK, and have been for the full three years before the first day of the academic year. (Ordinarily resident means that your main home is in the UK, and you are choosing to live in the UK.)
• The main reason for you being in the UK was not to receive full-time education.

If you started your course during or before the 2020/21 academic year, you may be eligible for Home fees if:

• You are an EU citizen who has lived in the UK, an EEA member state, or Switzerland for three full years immediately before the first day of your course (except if you have lived there mainly for full-time education)
• You, or your parent, guardian, or spouse is a non-UK EEA or Swiss national who is living in the UK as a worker, and you have lived in the UK, an EEA member state, or Switzerland for three full years immediately before the first day of your course

Students eligible for Home fees under these criteria will remain eligible for the whole duration of their course.

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, if you start your course on or after the 1 August 2021, you will no longer be eligible for Home fees, unless the following applies.

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA member state who have applied and been granted settled or pre-settled status (or the child, spouse, or civil partner of such a person), you may remain eligible for Home fees as part of the UK Government’s arrangements under the Withdrawal Agreement.

If you do not fall under the home fee definition, then you will be classed as an international student. If you are an international student, please refer to our International Fees & Funding Information.

Indicative additional costs relating to the course (this is given as a guide only):

View our Acting kit list for clothing and equipment requirements.

Mandatory:

• Appropriate Clothing For Practical Work – this will include clothes you can move in around the space, which are comfortable and loose fitting. A list of recommended clothing will be sent to you before the programme begins. Students will be expected to wear ‘blacks’ for practical classes. A variety of pricings are available for this equipment, but can be bought for around £20 per outfit.

Optional:

• Books/Music – the conservatoire’s library has a wide range of resources, which include many core texts and materials. Students will not be expected to purchase additional books or materials for the programme, but students may choose to purchase certain key texts for modules.
• Laptop/PC – students will be required to use computers to complete certain parts of their study, in particular where uploading assignments online or conducting research. Students will have access to PCs on campus but may wish to purchase PCs or laptops to assist their studies.
• Course-related Travel – students may be required to, or choose to, travel for gigs and performances, module placements and other course-related trips and visits.
• Theatre Tickets – whilst not mandatory, the conservatoire would recommend, where possible, trying to see as much theatre as possible whilst training. This can also include screened performances such as NT Live. Tickets for theatres can be variable however, free student performances are publicised to students through the online VLE and other student ticket offers will also be publicised throughout the programme.
• Printing – in the majority of cases coursework and assessments are submitted online. However, students may be required to print coursework and assessments for specific offline submissions. Every student will receive credit at the start of term but can add additional credit for expenditure should they require it. Printing costs around 9p per sheet.
• Graduation – gown hire and photography are additional costs associated with graduation.
• Professional Portfolio – further optional costs may be incurred in the final year of training such as headshots and memberships to professional organisations such as Equity and Spotlight. These costs are not compulsory to complete the programme. Costs for these activities can vary widely in price and the conservatoire will guide and support students as best as possible throughout this process.

Indicative additional costs relating to the course (this is given as a guide only):

View our Actor Musician kit list for clothing and equipment requirements.

Mandatory:

• Appropriate Clothing For Practical Work – this will include clothes you can move in around the space, which are comfortable and loose fitting. A list of recommended clothing will be sent to you before the programme begins. Students will be expected to wear ‘blacks’ for practical classes. A variety of pricings are available for this equipment, but can be bought for around £20 per outfit.
• Instrument – on the Actor Musician programme students will be expected to supply and maintain their principle instrument for the programme. (Variable costs). Additional instruments can be loaned, subject to availability, from the facilities department.

Optional:

• Books/Music – the conservatoire’s library has a wide range of resources, which include many core texts and materials. Students will not be expected to purchase additional books or materials for the programme, but students may choose to purchase certain key texts for modules.
• Laptop/PC – students will be required to use computers to complete certain parts of their study, in particular where uploading assignments online or conducting research. Students will have access to PCs on campus but may wish to purchase PCs or laptops to assist their studies.
• Course-related Travel – students may be required to, or choose to, travel for gigs and performances, module placements and other course-related trips and visits.
• Theatre Tickets – whilst not mandatory, the conservatoire would recommend, where possible, trying to see as much theatre as possible whilst training. This can also include screened performances such as NT Live. Tickets for theatres can be variable however, free student performances are publicised to students through the online VLE and other student ticket offers will also be publicised throughout the programme.
• Printing – in the majority of cases coursework and assessments are submitted online. However, students may be required to print coursework and assessments for specific offline submissions. Every student will receive credit at the start of term but can add additional credit for expenditure should they require it. Printing costs around 9p per sheet.
• Graduation – gown hire and photography are additional costs associated with graduation.
• Professional Portfolio – further optional costs may be incurred in the final year of training such as headshots and memberships to professional organisations such as Equity and Spotlight. These costs are not compulsory to complete the programme. Costs for these activities can vary widely in price and the conservatoire will guide and support students as best as possible throughout this process.

Indicative additional costs relating to the course (this is given as a guide only):

• Printing – in the majority of cases coursework and assessments are submitted online. However, students may be required to print coursework and assessments for specific offline submissions. Every student will receive printing credit at the start of term, but will be required to pay for print costs once the credit is exhausted.
• Books/Music/Film – the conservatoire’s library has a wide range of resources, which include many core texts and materials. Students will not be expected to purchase additional books or materials for the programme, but students may choose to purchase certain key texts for modules.
• Course-related Travel – students may be required to, or choose to, travel for gigs and performances, module placements and other course-related trips and visits. This may vary dependent on course, specialism (i.e. performance, composition, production) and the optional modules selected. Students may be required to fund their travel costs.
• Graduation – gown hire and photography are additional costs associated with graduation.
• Student Visas – international students will require appropriate student visas.
• Laptop/PC – students will have access to Apple computers and PCs etc. on site but students may wish to buy their own.

Indicative additional costs relating to the all BA (Hons) Music (Classical) courses (this is given as a guide only):

• Printing – in the majority of cases coursework and assessments are submitted online. However, students may be required to print coursework and assessments for specific offline submissions. Every student will receive printing credit at the start of term.
• Books/Music – the conservatoire’s library has a wide range of resources, which include many core texts and materials. However, students may be required to, or choose to, purchase  their own copy of core text and other materials for particular modules.
• Instrument Maintenance – this may vary depending on the instrument and whether or not the student is studying performance. Please note that students are expected to provide their own instrument.
• Course-related Travel – students may be required to, or choose to, travel for gigs and performances, module placements and other course-related trips and visits. This may vary dependent on course, specialism (i.e. performance, composition, production) and the optional modules selected.
• Student Visas – international students will require appropriate student visas.
• Computer/Software Purchase – the conservatoire’s mac labs run the latest industry standard DAW software and platforms (i.e. Sibelius, Pro Tools, Logic X, Ableton Live) alongside sample libraries such as Native Instruments Kontakt and East West.
  
  Students can complete their work for the course using these facilities. However, students may wish to buy their own equipment and software for convenience and access outside of the conservatoire (HE student discount is often available from manufacturers once enrolled).
• Professional Bodies - students may choose to join a professional body such as the ISM or Musicians Union (both of which offer student membership).
• Graduation – gown hire and photography are additional costs that are associated with graduation.

Indicative additional costs relating to all BA (Hons) Music (Film Music) courses (this is given as a guide only):

• Printing – in the majority of cases coursework and assessments are submitted online. However, students may be required to print coursework and assessments for specific offline submissions. Every student will receive printing credit at the start of term, but will be required to pay for print costs once the credit is exhausted.
• Books/Music/Film – the conservatoire’s Library has a wide range of resources, which include many core texts and materials. However, students may be required to, or choose to, purchase their own copy of core text and other materials for particular modules.
• Course-related Travel – students may be required to, or choose to, travel for gigs and performances, module placements and other course-related trips and visits. This may vary dependent on course, specialism (i.e. performance, composition, production) and the optional modules selected. Students may be required to fund their travel costs.
• Student Visas - international students will require appropriate student visas.
• Laptop Computers - students will have access to Apple computers and PCs etc. on site but students may wish to buy their own).
• Graduation – gown hire and photography are additional costs associated with graduation.
• External Storage Devices – the purchase of USB sticks or external hard drives are recommended for students to back up their work.

Indicative additional costs relating to all BA (Hons) Music (Folk) courses (this is given as a guide only):

• Printing – in the majority of cases coursework and assessments are submitted online. However, students may be required to print coursework and assessments for specific offline submissions. Every student will receive printing credit at the start of term.
• Books/Music – the conservatoire’s library has a wide range of resources, which include many core texts and materials. However, students may be required to, or choose to, purchase their own copy of core text and other materials for particular modules.
• Instrument Maintenance – this may vary depending on the instrument and whether or not the student is studying performance. Please note that students are expected to provide their own instrument.
• Course-related Travel – students may be required to, or choose to, travel for gigs and performances, module placements and other course-related trips and visits. This may vary dependent on course, specialism (i.e. performance, composition, production) and the optional modules selected.
• Student Visas - international students will require appropriate student visas.
• Graduation – gown hire and photography are additional costs associated with graduation.

Indicative additional costs relating to all BA (Hons) Music (Jazz) courses (this is given as a guide only):

• Printing – in the majority of cases coursework and assessments are submitted online. However, students may be required to print coursework and assessments for specific offline submissions. Every student will receive printing credit at the start of term.
• Books/Music – the conservatoire’s library has a wide range of resources, which include many core texts and materials. However, students may be required to, or choose to, purchase their own copy of core text and other materials for particular modules.
• Instrument Maintenance – this may vary depending on the instrument and whether or not the student is studying performance. Please note that students are expected to provide their own instrument.
• Course-related Travel – students may be required to, or choose to, travel for gigs and performances, module placements and other course-related trips and visits. This may vary dependent on course, specialism (i.e. performance, composition, production) and the optional modules selected.
• Student Visas - international students will require appropriate student visas.
• Graduation – gown hire and photography are additional costs associated with graduation.

Indicative additional costs relating to all BA (Hons) Music (Popular) courses (this is given as a guide only):

• Printing – in the majority of cases coursework and assessments are submitted online. However, students may be required to print coursework and assessments for specific offline submissions. Every student will receive printing credit at the start of term, but will be required to pay for print costs once the credit is exhausted.
• Books/Music/Film – the conservatoire’s library has a wide range of resources, which include many core texts and materials. However, students may be required to, or choose to, purchase their own copy of core text and other materials for particular modules.
• Instrument Maintenance – this may vary depending on the instrument and whether or not the student is studying performance. Please note that students are expected to provide their own instrument.
• Course-related Travel – students may be required to, or choose to, travel for gigs and performances, module placements and other course-related trips and visits. This may vary dependent on course, specialism (i.e. performance, composition, production) and the optional modules selected. Students may be required to fund their travel costs.
• Graduation – gown hire and photography are additional costs associated with graduation.
• Student Visas - international students will require appropriate student visas.
• Laptop Computers - students will have access to Apple computers and PCs etc. on site but students may wish to buy their own.

Indicative additional costs relating to all BA (Hons) Music (Production) courses (this is given as a guide only):

• Printing – in the majority of cases coursework and assessments are submitted online. However, students may be required to print coursework and assessments for specific offline submissions. Every student will receive printing credit at the start of term.
• Books/Music – the conservatoire’s library has a wide range of resources, which include many core texts and materials. However, students may be required to, or choose to, purchase their own copy of core text and other materials for particular modules.
• Equipment/Software purchase/maintenance – the conservatoires recording studios, mixing rooms and Mac labs run the latest industry standard DAW software and platforms (i.e. Pro Tools, Logic X, Ableton Live) alongside sample libraries such as Native Instruments Kontakt and East West. Students can complete their work for the course using these facilities.
  
  However, students may wish to buy their own recording equipment and software for convenience and access outside of the conservatoire (HE student discount is often available from manufacturers once enrolled). A good quality pair of studio headphones is a recommended initial purchase (approx. £50-£100).
• Course-related Travel – students may be required to, or choose to, travel for gigs and performances, module placements and other course-related trips and visits. This may vary dependent on course, specialism (i.e. performance, composition, production) and the optional modules selected.
• Student Visas - international students will require appropriate student visas.
• Graduation – gown hire and photography are additional costs associated with graduation.
• External Storage Devices – the purchase of USB sticks or external hard drives are recommended for students to back up their work.

Indicative additional costs relating to all BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting) courses (this is given as a guide only):

• Printing – in the majority of cases coursework and assessments are submitted online. However, students may be required to print coursework and assessments for specific offline submissions. Every student will receive printing credit at the start of term.
• Books/Music – the Conservatoire’s library has a wide range of resources, which include many core texts and materials. However, students may be required to, or choose to, purchase their own copy of core text and other materials for particular modules.
• Instrument/Computer Maintenance – this may vary depending on the instrument and whether or not the student uses their own computer or one of those provided on campus by the conservatoire. Please note that students are expected to provide their own instrument.
• Course-related Travel – students may be required to, or choose to, travel for gigs and performances, module placements and other course-related trips and visits. This may vary dependent on course, specialism (i.e. performance, composition, production) and the optional modules selected.
• Graduation – gown hire and photography are additional costs associated with graduation.
• Student Visas – for international students.
• Laptop – students will have access to laptops and PC’s etc. on site but they may want to buy their own for word processing, communications and music production purposes.
• Professional-body Membership – although they don’t have to as part of the programme, students may wish to join the PRS, MCPS, MU or Ivors Academy during their studies.
• External Storage Devices – the purchase of USB sticks or external hard drives are recommended for students to back up their work.

Indicative additional costs relating to all BA (Hons) Music (Popular) courses (this is given as a guide only):

• Printing – in the majority of cases coursework and assessments are submitted online. However, students may be required to print coursework and assessments for specific offline submissions. Every student will receive printing credit at the start of term, but will be required to pay for print costs once the credit is exhausted.
• Books/Music/Film – the conservatoire’s library has a wide range of resources, which include many core texts and materials. However, students may be required to, or choose to, purchase their own copy of core text and other materials for particular modules.
• Instrument Maintenance – this may vary depending on the instrument and whether or not the student is studying performance. Please note that students are expected to provide their own instrument.
• Course-related Travel – students may be required to, or choose to, travel for gigs and performances, module placements and other course-related trips and visits. This may vary dependent on course, specialism (i.e. performance, composition, production) and the optional modules selected. Students may be required to fund their travel costs.
• Graduation – gown hire and photography are additional costs associated with graduation.
• Student Visas - international students will require appropriate student visas.
• Laptop Computers - students will have access to Apple computers and PCs etc. on site but students may wish to buy their own.

Indicative additional costs relating to the course (this is given as a guide only):

View our Musical Theatre kit list for clothing and equipment requirements.

Mandatory:

Appropriate clothing for practical work – this will include clothes you can move in around the space, which are comfortable and loose fitting. A list of recommended clothing will be sent to you before the programme begins. Students will be expected to wear ‘blacks’ for practical classes. A variety of pricings are available for this equipment, but can be bought for around £20 per outfit.

Dance-wear – this may include items such as specific dance shoes (for example tap shoes), supports, and leotards. A full kit list will be sent out to all students prior to commencement (costs of Dance shoes start as low as £10 for soft leather Jazz shoes, Tap shoes can range from £20 upwards).

Optional:

• Books/Music – the conservatoire’s library has a wide range of resources, which include many core texts and materials. Students will not be expected to purchase additional books or materials for the programme, but students may choose to purchase certain key texts for modules.
• Laptop/PC – students will be required to use computers to complete certain parts of their study, in particular where uploading assignments online or conducting research. Students will have access to PC’s on campus but may wish to purchase PC’s or laptops to assist their studies.
• Course-related Travel – students may be required to, or choose to, travel for gigs and performances, module placements and other course-related trips and visits.
• Theatre Tickets – whilst not mandatory, the conservatoire would recommend, where possible, trying to see as much theatre as possible whilst training. This can also include screened performances such as NT Live. Tickets for theatres can be variable however, free student performances are publicised to students through the online VLE and other student ticket offers will also be publicised throughout the programme.
• Printing – in the majority of cases coursework and assessments are submitted online. However, students may be required to print coursework and assessments for specific offline submissions. Every student will receive nominal printing credit at the start of term.
• Graduation – gown hire and photography are additional costs associated with graduation (up to £100).

Home students don't have to pay any tuition fees up-front, or while you're studying. 

You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Student Loans Company and the fee will be paid directly to the conservatoire on your behalf. Tuition fee loans are not means tested. 

You can borrow any amount up to the full cost of your tuition fees.

You can apply for a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan to cover living costs at the same time. The application process usually opens around February or March before you commence study in the September. The deadline for on time applications for new students is around the end of May each year. 

The application process depends on where you live. 

To start your application, click where you live: 

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland
• European Union 

Most applicants apply for Student Finance via an online application process and each student has an individual account for the duration of their studies, and also during the repayment period. 

For information about Maintenance Loans for living costs and other loans and grants, visit our Living Costs page.

Interest is charged on both types of student loan, from the date on which it is paid.

Whilst studying, the interest is calculated as Retail Price Index (RPI). After graduation, the interest is charged at a rate dependent on your earnings, based on RPI.

When do I start repaying?

You are required to start repaying loans for fees and living costs in the financial year after you graduate. 

Do I have to earn a certain amount of money?

Yes, you only start repaying loans if your annual income is above £25,000. 

How do I repay?

Repayments are collected monthly through the UK tax system by HMRC, or through your annual self–assessment if you are self-employed. 

How much do I have to pay?

The repayment rate is 9% of your income above the first £25,000, regardless of how much you have borrowed. 

If, after 40 years you have not repaid the full amount, the remainder of the loan will be written off. 

Repayment examples

To be eligible for Student Finance you must meet certain residence criteria. To apply, (England residents) you must:

• be a UK national or have settled status (that is, no restrictions on how long you can stay in the UK);
• normally live in England; and
• have been living in the UK for at least three years before the first day of your course.

You might still be able to apply, if you’re:

• an EU/EEA national granted settled or pre-settled status or the child, spouse or civil partner of such a person (please note this is still subject to government clarification);
• a refugee, or a relative of one;
• under Humanitarian Protection, or a relative of someone under Humanitarian Protection;
• the child of a Turkish worker.

There are similar rules in place for those who are resident in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

If you normally live in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you should contact the education authority on your island to apply for Student Finance.

Your eligibility for all types of Student Finance may be affected if you have previously studied at Higher Education level, regardless of the amount of funding you received or the length of study.

If you need further advice on this matter, please contact [email protected]

If you already hold an equivalent level qualification from any country, to the one you are proposing to study, you may not be eligible for any funding.

If you think this may affect you, please contact  [email protected]

No, you don’t have to take a tuition fee loan.

It is possible to take a loan for part of the fee and pay the rest yourself if you wish, or if you prefer not to apply for a tuition fee loan at all, you can pay the full fee directly to the conservatoire in 3 instalments. Information about exactly when and how to pay the fees is sent to those who have accepted an offer at Leeds Conservatoire.

As student loan repayments are only calculated according to your earnings and are not dependent on how much you borrow, think carefully about your reasons for paying up front.

There’s some excellent advice for students on this topic on Martin Lewis’s Money Saving Expert website.