Money matters
You may be able to get financial support while you are studying at college. There are a number of sources of help, all listed below. Check the information to see if you might be eligible and, if you are, make sure you apply before you start your course.
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
All students who received EMA from 2009/10 will continue to receive the same payments for attendance at college until the end of the 2011/12
Students who started receiving EMA in 2010/11 and who were receiving the maximum weekly payment of £30 will be eligible for £20 each week for attendance at college
Students who started receiving EMA in 2010/11 and who were receiving payments of £20 or £10 will not receive EMA
Students who fit the criteria for the Guaranteed Bursary* will be able to apply for funding directly through the college rather than continuing to receive the transitional EMA payments
If you are one of the students who will receive Transitional EMA you should receive a Notice of Entitlement during the summer. You will need to take the Notice of Entitlement to the Student services office and sign the college EMA agreement. If you are a student who will be eligible for the Guaranteed Bursary please speak to Student services as soon as possible about making your application.
*Guaranteed Bursary of £1200 for students in care /care leavers, students on Income Support and students who receive Disability Living Allowance and are also in receipt of Employment Support Allowance.
Care to Learn
Care to Learn provides financial support to parents under 20 who want to continue their education and need help with the cost of childcare and any associated travel. An application pack is available from Student services, or can be ordered directly from Direct Gov.
Financial Support for Students aged 16-18
If you will find it difficult to meet the costs needed to attend college there are four bursaries that might help you, including support towards essential course costs, kit, books , exams fees and accommodation (for specialist courses only). Information about all of the bursaries is detailed on the last page of the application form which you can download from the link on the right of this page.
The Adult Learner Grant
ALG is going to become part of the discretionary learner support fund. From 2011/12 the College will award financial funds directly to new students. If you get ALG already and are continuing your course in 2011/12 you will continue to receive a weekly payment for attendance at college.
Financial support for students aged 19+
Financial support for students aged 19+ will be available where household income is £20,817 or less. Support will be available to cover essential course costs, travel, childcare and accommodation (for specialist courses only). Further information is available on the 19+ Financial support application form which you can download from the right hand side of this page