Architectural Association Foundation

The Architectural Association Foundation, established in 1989 as a registered charity in England and Wales, is dedicated to advancing architectural education for public benefit, primarily by supporting students at the Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA) in London through scholarships, bursaries, prizes, and enhancements to learning facilities. Rooted in a legacy of excellence, innovation, accessibility, academic rigour, creative exploration, and diversity, it champions avant-garde architectural pedagogy, disseminating knowledge to society while maintaining a tightly focused mission on the AA's independent programmes.

It funds tuition and living cost bursaries, academic prizes, and infrastructure improvements exclusively for AA students in Foundation, Intermediate, Diploma, and Postgraduate courses, benefiting a diverse cohort of UK and international talents facing financial barriers. Priorities emphasise individual student support and elevating architectural teaching environments, with all grants channelled directly to or via the AA.

Eligibility is restricted to current and prospective AA students; external organisations, charities, or non-AA projects are ineligible, with no income, size, or geographic restrictions beyond AA enrolment (though open to global applicants). Typical awards range from £1,000 to £10,000 per student annually (most £2,000–£5,000), based on need and merit; larger sums may support facilities.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted—funding is administered solely through the AA's online financial aid portal, integrated with admissions. The next deadline for 2026/27 entry is 27 February 2026 (opens 9 February). Distinctively, as a linked charity delegating to AA expertise, it avoids public competitions or broad grant-making, serving as a strategic, student-centric pillar for one premier institution rather than open philanthropy.