If you are studying for a FE qualification, there are a range of financial support options available to you:
If you're 16-19, you may be able to apply for one of the two types of bursaries available.
- 16-18 Priority Bursary
- 16-19 Discretionary Bursary
Please note that there are limited funds. Students will need to meet the eligibility criteria and maintain a minimum of 85% attendance to receive support. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
All successful bursary students are eligible for either the Government Free College Meals, or College Bursary Meals, depending on their circumstances.
Free Meals of £5 per timetabled day are provided which can be accessed using your student ID card, via the College’s electronic meals system.
Please note that this is a limited fund. Students will need to meet the eligibility criteria and maintain a minimum of 85% attendance to receive support. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
- Am I eligible for a 16-19 Bursary?
To be eligible for all funds you must be classed as a home student, have ordinarily been resident in the EEA for more than 3 years, or have full refugee status and you must meet the criteria below:
16-19 Discretionary Bursary
Aged 16 or over, but under 19 on 31 August, or aged 19 at the 31 August and continuing on a study programme you began aged 16 to 18 (‘19+ continuers’), or aged 19-25 with an Education Health and Care Plan.
- have a total household income of less than £30,000 per year before tax or be supported by someone who is in receipt of a qualifying means tested benefit
Priority Bursary
The Priority Bursary Fund of £1,200 per year is available to young people aged 16-18 who are in one of the following priority groups:
- Aged 16 or over, but under 19 on 31 August
- In care or a care leaver.
- In receipt of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), or Personal Independence Payment (PIPs) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Claimant must be the STUDENT, not parent.
- Living independently, receiving Income Support or Universal Credit. Claimant must be the STUDENT, not parent.
Please note that although a student may be eligible for the Vulnerable Bursary because they are in one of the above groups, they may not necessarily have an actual financial need and the College has the right to refuse a student's application on this basis. Students are awarded a bursary based on the amount they actually need to participate at College and therefore may not receive the full £1,200 if that is not what they need.
If you are eligible and would like to apply for the bursary fund, please click on the box below to complete an online application. The link will be live from the 21 August 2024. If you need further guidance during the online application process, please contact the Student Support Team at your College.
- What Happens Next?
Once your application has been successfully processed, you will receive an email notifying you of the decision and how to proceed. The email will be sent to the address provided by you at enrolment, so please make sure the College has your correct details or we will not be able to contact you about our bursary application. This email address is also where any notification of non-payment and other correspondence will be sent. If you need to change any information, please contact the Admissions Department in your College.
Can I appeal against the College's decision?
You do have the right to appeal. If you wish to appeal, please refer to the College appeals process, available on the College website, or contact the Student Support Team.
- How will I be paid?
Bursary payments
The Bursary is paid on a weekly basis (two weeks in arrears). Payments are dependent on you having a weekly attendance of 85%. If you wish to appeal a decision for non-payment, please initially go to your School Office with your non-payment email. They will be able to check your registers and let you know why they believe your attendance was marked below the acceptable level of 85% for that particular week. If you believe this is incorrect, please discuss with your tutor and ask them to amend the registers or talk to a member of the Student Support team who will support you with this.
The Bursary is paid directly into your bank account, so you will need to have an account in your own name. If you need support or guidance with opening a bank account, or there is a reason you cannot have one in your own name, please speak to a member of the Student Support team at your College.
