Our dedicated Student Funds Team will help you ensure that money isn't a barrier to you coming to college. There are several funds, government schemes and bursaries that can help you. Find out here what financial assistance you are entitled to and how to apply.
Financial assistance may be available to help you with the cost of fees, equipment, child care or travel to the College. You do not have to be on benefits to get financial help.
We try to support those students in most need, but the funds we have are limited and do run out, so you should apply as early as you can. Guidelines and application forms for all College funds are available now from the Student Funds Team located in the Student Centre.
We have made the systems for applying as simple as possible, but it will involve filling in forms, providing evidence and telling us in detail about your financial situation. We will then make an assessment based on your personal circumstances. The funds are limited and are offered at the discretion of the College.
Childcare
If you are 20 or under and you have children you can apply for help with childcare costs from a scheme called Care to Learn
Education Maintenance Allowances (EMA)
These pay up to £30 a week for students who are between 16 and 18 years old at the start of their course and who are:
- Studying a full-time further education course
- Or are on a course leading to an Apprenticeship
- Or participating in an LSC funded Entry to Employment (e2e) programme
Your parents' or guardians' income will be taken into account to determine if you qualify for an EMA and what the level of your weekly payment will be (£30 or £20 or £10). Students who receive EMA can also get bonus payments for good attendance, coursework and behaviour. If you have just left school you should have been given an EMA form by your school. If not, ask in the Student Centre for more information about EMAs and how to apply or call the EMA Helpline on 0800 121 8989.
Hardship Support Funds
The College does have some funds to support further education students who are experiencing hardship. The two main areas supported are travel and books and equipment costs. However any circumstance that stops someone attending college, or makes them consider leaving can be considered. Application forms are available from the Student Funds Team. The College will respond within 10 working days.
Residential Bursaries
These are available to full-time students taking landbased courses at our Brinsbury campus who live beyond a normal, daily, travel distance. The bursary is for accommodation costs or for travel costs, if the student wishes to stay at home. The bursary can be up to £80 a week for students living away from home. The bursary is means tested, so the amount a student receives will depend on their family's income. Applications for bursaries are made direct to the College, please speak to the Student Funds team for more information.
Travel Discounts
Some local authorities support young people under 19 travelling to study in further education. This can be a pass that gives you discounts on tickets, special fares or an annual "bursary". For more information on what you might be entitled to contact the local authority for where you live:
Special travel rates are available for students with the local bus and railway services. You can get information from the Student Finance team in the Student Centre or by asking the company that you want to travel with.