Time and time again, as hopeful circus students begin their search for which circus schools to apply and audition for, they run into the question of “How am I going to pay for my circus education?” This is not just a concern for new students, but for students further along in their education as well.  Although the scope of this article cannot include every professional circus school, to examine funding opportunities and resources further, this article contrasts the tuition costs of several of the commonlysought after international circus schools and their funding options. Due to the international nature of students applying, and their financial needs, it feels pertinent that more funding options and more information about accessible funding be available.

In July of 2020,  CSAW (Connecting Circus Students Around the World) conducted a survey for US-based circus artists only, asking them about the financial barriers that they have faced in the pursuit of circus education. Among 92 respondents, 73.9% said that the cost of tuition discouraged them from enrolling in or continuing a professional or higher education circus program. 75% felt that their opportunities had been fewer or less accessible due to finances and 89.1% said it would be easier to attend if financial aid were available to them.  ...