Pursuing a career in the arts—whether it’s painting, music, dance, or design—is a dream for many. But some of us cannot afford to pay the fees, forcing us to abandon our dreams. From course fees to brushes, instruments, or software, the costs add up quickly. For Indian students, especially those from middle-class families, this financial wall often feels impossible to climb. But here’s the good news: with the right education financing, you can focus on your craft instead of counting pennies.
Let’s break down how loans, scholarships, and other options can turn your artistic passion into a sustainable career.
How education financing helps arts students
1. Why money matters more than you think
Imagine this: You’ve aced your entrance exam for a top design college, but the annual fee is Rs. 3 lakh. Add Rs. 50,000 for supplies like canvases, paints, or a decent laptop. For many families, this is a year’s savings. Without help, students either drop out or switch to cheaper courses they don’t love.
Take Priya, a 19-year-old from Jaipur. She wanted to study fashion design but couldn’t afford the Rs. 4 lakh fee. Her parents suggested a B.Com degree instead. But Priya applied for a scholarship, practised stitching at home, and submitted a portfolio of her designs. She won a partial scholarship and took a small loan for the rest. Today, she’s interning with a boutique in Delhi.
2. Banks vs. other lenders: What’s the difference
Most students rush to banks for loans. But banks want collateral—like property or fixed deposits—which many families don’t have. This is where NBFCs (non-banking financial companies) step in. They’re like the friendly neighbour who lends you sugar but charges a little extra.
Here’s how they work:
- No collateral is needed. Your admission letter and college reputation matter more.
- Loans get approved in days, not weeks.
- Interest rates are higher (around 12-14%) but manageable if you plan ahead.
Example: Rahul, a music student from Pune, borrowed Rs. 2 lakh from an NBFC to buy a classical guitar and pay his first-year fees. He repaid it by teaching guitar classes on weekends.
3. Scholarships: Free money exists
Scholarships aren’t just for toppers. Many trusts and NGOs support arts students who show passion, not just marks.
For example:
- The Scheme for Scholarships to Young Artistes in Different Cultural Fields offers selected candidates a stipend of Rs. 5,000 per month for a period of two years.
- SC/ST scholarships cover up to 100% of fees for courses like pottery or textile design.
- Merit-cum-need scholarships help students with grades above 60% and family incomes below Rs. 5 lakh.
Pro tip: Start applying early. Most deadlines are in June-July.
4. Crowdfunding: Let strangers fund your dream
Crowdfunding isn’t just for startups. Students are using it to pay fees, buy instruments, or even travel for workshops.
How it works:
- Create a campaign on crowdfunding platforms.
- Share a heartfelt story. Explain why your art matters.
- Offer rewards: A personalised sketch for Rs. 500, a 30-minute music session for Rs. 1,000.
A photography student from Chennai raised Rs. 1.2 lakh for a DSLR camera by sharing her journey from using a secondhand phone to winning college competitions.
5. Part-time work: Earn while you learn
Balancing studies and work isn’t easy, but it’s doable. Think of jobs that boost your skills:
- Teach drawing to kids in your neighbourhood (Rs. 200-300 per class).
- Design logos for local shops (Rs. 1,000-2,000 per project).
- Play the flute at weekend weddings (Rs. 3,000-5,000 per event).
Anushka, a dance student in Kolkata, choreographed routines for school annual functions. She earned Rs. 8,000 a month—enough to cover her dancewear and travel costs.
6. Government schemes you’re ignoring
Most students don’t know about free government programs:
- Skill India’s free courses in graphic design, photography, or animation (3-6 months).
- State scholarships and fellowships for traditional arts. Kerala offers a monthly stipend to Kathakali students.
- Interest-free loans for minority students in states like Uttar Pradesh.
A student in Hyderabad used an Rs. 30,000 state grant to attend a national theatre workshop. Now, he’s part of a travelling drama group.
7. When you need cash fast
Need Rs. 20,000 for a pottery wheel or a last-minute workshop fee? NBFCs offer small, quick loans without endless paperwork. Just ensure you have a repayment plan.
Example: A student in Guwahati borrowed Rs. 15,000 to buy clay tools. She sold handmade diyas during Diwali and cleared the loan in 4 months.
8. Turn your art into income early
Don’t wait until graduation to earn. Use online marketplaces to sell your work:
- Paintings or digital art
- Handmade jewellery or pottery
- Music lessons via Zoom
A Delhi student sold abstract paintings online during college. By the final year, she was earning Rs. 10,000 monthly—enough to pay her loan EMIs.
Your next steps
- Calculate costs: Fees + supplies + travel. Add 10% extra for surprises.
- Mix funding sources: Scholarships + part-time work + a small loan.
- Start earning early: Sell art online, teach, or freelance.
Final word
Money issues in the field of arts aren’t a dead end—they’re a detour. With scholarships, NBFC loans, or income from online marketplaces, you can navigate them. Remember, legends like AR Rahman once struggled too. By availing of such financing, you can turn your passion into a viable and lucrative career.
