Help with Money
Advice
There are a number of funds to which you can apply to help you with the cost of study. Our Student Finance Team can tell you what you may be entitled to and how to apply.
Fee Concessions
If you are under 19 years old courses are free, if you are 19 or over we have a range of concessions to reduce the cost of study. Student Services will discuss this with you at any time. You may also be entitled to an Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) or Adult Learning Grant (ALG) if you are studying on a full time course.
If you fit into any of the groups below you may be able to study without paying any tuition fees:
1. Under 19 years old.
2. In receipt of a means tested benefit: Income Support; Housing/Council Tax Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance.
3. An unwaged dependant of someone on a means tested benefit.
4. On a programme of Adult Basic Education.
5. In receipt of Working Tax Credit and subject to income level (contact Student Services for further details).
6. In receipt of Pensions Guarantee Credit.
7. Even if you receive free tuition you may be required to pay towards the cost of your exams. Please ask in Student Services to check what help is available to you.
8. There may be other concessions available to you; Student Services will check individual eligibility with you. Your fees or entitlement to concessions will be individually assessed by our Student Services staff.
Education MaintenanceAllowance (EMA)
EMA provides a weekly income of between £10-£30 for full time learners aged between 16-18. Weekly amounts depend up on household income and learners need to be studying at least 12 guided learning hours per week. Further information is available from he Student Finance Team.
Learner Support Funds (LSF)
Learner Support Funds may be available to you if you are over 16 and need help with
travel, equipment, trips, exams, childcare or the cost of studying in general, speak to
our Student Finance Team for more information on eligibility.
Adult Learning Grant
If you are aged 19 or over and want to do a full-time course, you may be entitled to
receive a weekly allowance of up to £30 per week with an Adult Learning Grant.
Instalment Plans
Instalment Plans may be available to help you spread the cost of tuition of £100 or more. There is no extra charge for this facility. Contact Student Services for more details.
Other Costs
Some courses will require you to have books, materials, a uniform or equipment. You will be told about these costs and any assistance the College may be able to give you at your interview. Everyone starting on a course with us will be expected to pay a £10 learner pass fee.
Higher Education
None of the above fee concessions apply to Higher Education courses. For information regarding HE finance, please click here.
