Courtauld Interviews

[stilnovista]

congrats on accepting! funding is certainly not looking good. I'm exploring options as well. Hopefully everything will work out for the best.

I have to say I'm quite shocked that none of the admitted students who have posted here (including me) were awarded any funding. I'm assuming that we're all Americans. How do they expect any of us to attend, honestly? My course would have been perfect, but I'm now resigned to relinquishing that possibility.

[georgica2]

I have to say I'm quite shocked that none of the admitted students who have posted here (including me) were awarded any funding. I'm assuming that we're all Americans. How do they expect any of us to attend, honestly? My course would have been perfect, but I'm now resigned to relinquishing that possibility.

I believe this was discussed on one of the other threads (maybe on the first page?) but you shouldn't be surprised at all. International students are almost always the last to be offered funding, especially for a taught MA, as opposed to a research degree, where there's limited funding to begin with -- this happens in the States, too, not just at Courtauld. If you look over the results page, you'll see tons of international students applying to American universities griping about the nonexistent funding for international applicants. Additionally, in Britain the vast majority of funding for graduate students comes from the AHRC, which is government money, and only UK (and sometimes EU) citizens/residents are eligible. I would be surprised if they funded more than 1-2 international students, since that's likely coming totally out of the institution's pocket. One thing to keep in mind is that ALL universities in Britain are state universities -- run by the government, funded by the government, etc., so their priority is necessarily going to be educating their own citizens, much in the same way that American state universities limit (or eliminate altogether) funding for international students to subsidize state residents. It also means that their endowments are a fraction of those of private American universities. And, lastly, getting substantial funding for an MA is rare, regardless of what country you're in. Most American MA programs are totally unfunded.

[coldbird]

I believe this was discussed on one of the other threads (maybe on the first page?) but you shouldn't be surprised at all. International students are almost always the last to be offered funding, especially for a taught MA, as opposed to a research degree, where there's limited funding to begin with -- this happens in the States, too, not just at Courtauld. If you look over the results page, you'll see tons of international students applying to American universities griping about the nonexistent funding for international applicants. Additionally, in Britain the vast majority of funding for graduate students comes from the AHRC, which is government money, and only UK (and sometimes EU) citizens/residents are eligible. I would be surprised if they funded more than 1-2 international students, since that's likely coming totally out of the institution's pocket. One thing to keep in mind is that ALL universities in Britain are state universities -- run by the government, funded by the government, etc., so their priority is necessarily going to be educating their own citizens, much in the same way that American state universities limit (or eliminate altogether) funding for international students to subsidize state residents. It also means that their endowments are a fraction of those of private American universities. And, lastly, getting substantial funding for an MA is rare, regardless of what country you're in. Most American MA programs are totally unfunded.

Well summarized, georgica2. While I'm still waiting for an answer, when I visited the school, they told me that they have very scant funding available for overseas students and that I should try to look for funding elsewhere. Unfortunately, there's not much available out there for American citizens studying in the UK or the continental Europe--the Europeans wouldn't give you money because you're a foreigner, and the Americans wouldn't give you money because you're getting your degree overseas. It's sad, but that's the way it works.

[BeanSays]

I have to say I'm quite shocked that none of the admitted students who have posted here (including me) were awarded any funding. I'm assuming that we're all Americans. How do they expect any of us to attend, honestly? My course would have been perfect, but I'm now resigned to relinquishing that possibility.

I think in short, international students are there to provide a large amount of funding for the school. That being said American terminal MA programs aren't any better at providing funding for students...international or domestic. I don't know where everyone else is thinking of going but tuition at the Courtauld comes out to be less expensive than tuition at private schools such as the IFA or Columbia. You can still get loans from the US if you go to the UK...but it's a loan so needs to be paid back, which isn't ideal. It sad but it leaves everyone with few options.

[BeanSays]

I have to say I'm quite shocked that none of the admitted students who have posted here (including me) were awarded any funding. I'm assuming that we're all Americans. How do they expect any of us to attend, honestly? My course would have been perfect, but I'm now resigned to relinquishing that possibility.

I think in short, international students are there to provide a large amount of funding for the school. That being said American terminal MA programs aren't any better at providing funding for students...international or domestic. I don't know where everyone else is thinking of going but tuition at the Courtauld comes out to be less expensive than tuition at private schools such as the IFA or Columbia. You can still get loans from the US if you go to the UK...but it's a loan so needs to be paid back, which isn't ideal. It sad but it leaves everyone with few options.

[BeanSays]

I have to say I'm quite shocked that none of the admitted students who have posted here (including me) were awarded any funding. I'm assuming that we're all Americans. How do they expect any of us to attend, honestly? My course would have been perfect, but I'm now resigned to relinquishing that possibility.

I think in short, international students are there to provide a large amount of funding for the school. That being said American terminal MA programs aren't any better at providing funding for students...international or domestic. I don't know where everyone else is thinking of going but tuition at the Courtauld comes out to be less expensive than tuition at private schools such as the IFA or Columbia. You can still get loans from the US if you go to the UK...but it's a loan so needs to be paid back, which isn't ideal. It sad but it leaves everyone with few options.

[alaslesenfants]

I am currently deciding between an unfunded MA spot at the Courtauld & a funded spot in a US PhD program that is great, but not perfectly aligned with my academic interests and ambitions. I have some questions about the Courtauld, and if there is anyone with first-hand experience that could private message me, I would be most appreciative. Thank you!!

[varv]

I've just accepted my offer, I'm from Canada and obviously did not receive any funding, thank goodness for national loans (for now).

I've been spending hours and hours looking into accommodation. I think it's safe to say that if I have a place to stay in London for those 9 months, I'm going to be homeless for the rest of my life.

[Alerion]

Hello all! I am new as well - I was so nervous to use the site but everyone has been very encouraging! I had an interview for my first option last week receiving an oral acceptance via skype. The formal acceptance arrived this morning. I think because the options are based on individual professors a lot of the inconstancies arise from how each professor likes to pick students. I do know that scholarship info will be out by mid march so that at least kind of gives an end point.

My question deals with funding since I'm assuming that since this is an old thread some of you have gone on to work at the Courtauld. I am US student who is hoping to go on to a PhD program but it seems like US students have to pay their own way at the Courtauld. Does anyone have any sense of if there is more funding than strictly the AHRC awards listed on their website?

Good luck to all!

Edited February 21, 2012 by Alerion

[jacekla]

Congratulations on your offer! Which option did you apply for, if you don't mind me asking?

I think the Courtauld scholarships are open to international applicants, but not the AHRC. There is more information on funding here:

http://www.courtauld.ac.uk/degreeprogrammes/generalinformation/funding.shtml

[runaway]

Jacekla, were you also offered a place at the Courtauld? I was as well, and would love to connect with others likely heading there in the fall -- feel free to PM!

Edited February 23, 2012 by runaway

[naughtical]

Congrats on all the offers! I got an acceptance via email earlier this week as well - I'm absolutely shocked, but I'm not complaining haha. I'm a bit lost on what to do next though. If any of you are planning on going in the fall, hit me up with a PM or something :]

[Alerion]

So sorry that I have been MIA on this thread! Glad that there are some others on here that have gotten in. I am an international student and was wondering if any of you have suggestions for housing in London. I know courtauld offers housing but I am a little wary of dorms after undergrad. Feel free to send me a PM.

CONGRATS ALL!